Sensorimotor tests in patients with neck pain and its associated disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current evidence regarding neck sensorimotor testing in individuals with neck pain, assess the differences between neck pain groups and healthy controls, and recognize factors that might affect test results. We performed the data search using PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus databases. We used a two-step screening process to identify studies. Furthermore, we screened the reference lists for additional studies. Hedges g was used to present the difference between neck pain groups and asymptomatic individuals. We assessed the quality of the studies using the QUADAS tool. The final review included 34 studies, of which 25 were related to the joint position error test, four to the smooth pursuit neck torsion test and six to the balance test. Our meta-analysis showed poorer joint-position sense, oculomotor function, and wider postural sway in individuals with neck pain than healthy controls. The size of the difference between the groups seemed to be influenced by the intensity of the pain and the presence of dizziness. Therefore, it might be helpful in future studies to differentiate patients with neck pain into subgroups based on their symptom and demographic profiles to assess other factors that significantly affect cervical sensorimotor control.

Analysis of Common Exercise Modalities in Improving Athletic Performance in Older Adults: A Narrative Review.

ABSTRACT: Exercise leads to robust cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and psychological benefits that improve quality of life and longevity for older adults, but accompanying improvements in athletic parameters are less well explored. The aim of this review is to summarize some of the most common exercise modalities, namely, Pilates, martial arts (tai chi, Japanese-style karate, hard martial arts), locomotion (brisk walking/jogging and running), Masters sports, resistance training, and high-intensity interval training, in improving athletic performance for older adults. Regular participation in these activities can have robust yet unique impacts on physical performance that prolong exercise participation. In particular, this review will explore benefits in cardiorespiratory fitness, power, strength, flexibility, and balance, thereby hopefully improving endurance, exercise adherence, and overall fall risk. A narrative literature review was performed to explore benefits, pitfalls, and recommendations for some of the most popular exercise modalities for older adults.

The Components of Lumbar Motor Control Are Not Inter-related.

OBJECTIVES: To verify the relationship between the indicators of components of lumbar motor control and determine the factors related to the indicators to each of these components. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy university students were included in the study. The lumbar spine and hip kinematic parameters of posterior/anterior pelvic tilt (mobility and smoothness), ball catching (reactivity), and forward/backward rocking (adaptive stability) were measured as indicators of lumbar motor control. Lumbar proprioception, trunk muscle strength, and lower trunk muscle thickness were also measured. Kinematic parameters of the lumbar spine and hip were measured using a small accelerometer. The data verified the relevance of indicators of lumbar motor control and the relationship with relevant factors. RESULTS: No significant correlations were found for most lumbar motor control indicators. Lumbar proprioception and rectus abdominis muscle thickness were identified as relevant indicators of lumbar motor control. CONCLUSIONS: Each component of lumbar motor control is independent and must be evaluated for the component whose function is required. Additionally, some components of lumbar motor control are associated with lumbar proprioception and rectus abdominis muscle thickness; thus, evaluation of these components is necessary when evaluating lumbar motor control.

Effects of Computer-based Balance Exercises on Balance, Pain, Clinical Presentation and Nerve Function in Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a computer-based biodex balance exercise system (BBS) on balance, neuropathic pain, clinical presentation and nerve function in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). METHODS: A total of 32 participants with DPN were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). The IG performed exercises using the BBS twice weekly for 8 weeks, while CG were informed regarding diabetes self-management. At baseline and after study completion, participants underwent balance (postural stability and fall risk) and neuropathic pain assessment (DN4 questionnaire) and were screened using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and nerve conduction test. RESULTS: Among the baseline participants, 14 in the IG and 13 in the CG completed the study. Balance training improved postural stability (overall, p<0.001), fall risk (p<0.001), neuropathic pain (p=0.01) and symptoms (p<0.001), and clinical presentation (p=0.02), but not nerve function, within the IG. At follow-up, IG displayed significantly improved stability (p<0.001) and fall risk (p=0.02) and decreased neuropathic symptoms (p=0.01) compared to the CG. CONCLUSION: Computer-based balance exercises improve balance, pain, and clinical presentation of DPN, but not nerve function, in patients with DPN. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ID: NCT05255497.

The Effects of the French Contrast method on Soccer Player's Jumping, Sprinting and Balance Performance.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of a six-week French contrast method applied to professional Soccer players on jumping, sprinting, and dynamic balance performance values. METHODS: A total of 21 male Soccer players voluntarily participated in the study, all of whom played professionally for 1461 Trabzonspor club. Data on gender, age, body weight (kg), body fat percentage (%BF), body mass index (BMI), vertical jump (cm), 30m sprint, and dynamic balance were obtained from the players. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of the data. Since the data showed normal distribution, paired samples T-test statistical analysis was applied. RESULTS: According to the statistical results obtained from professional Soccer players, there is a statistically significant difference between vertical jump, 30m sprint, and dynamic balance values (p<0.05). Based on these findings, it can be stated that the applied French contrast training method is effective on the mentioned variables. CONCLUSION: French contrast training program applied to professional Soccer players can be considered effective in improving vertical jump, 30m sprint, and dynamic balance values.

Postural balance and functional mobility in relation to BMI and body composition among female students at a College of Applied Medical Sciences: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare different Body Mass Index (BMI) categories, body composition parameters, postural balance, and functional mobility among female students at a College of Applied Medical Sciences; and examine the relationship between BMI and body composition with postural balance and functional mobility among female students at the college of applied medical sciences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female students, aged 18‒25 years old. They were subdivided into four groups according to their BMI category: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese, with n = 20 participants in each group. A Bioelectrical Impedance Human Body Analyzer (BIA) was used to assess the following body composition parameters: Fat Percentage (FATP), fat mass, muscle mass, and Total Body Water (TBW). A NeuroCom Balance Master was used to assess postural balance and functional mobility. A Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was employed to assess functional mobility. All data were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Participants' ages and heights were matched (p > 0.05). However, there were variables that were statistically significantly higher in terms of weight, BMI and body composition, including FATP, fat mass, muscle mass, and TBW (p = 0.000), among the obese group. Moreover, postural balance was lower among the obese group. There was a significant relationship between BMI and body composition variables in respect of postural balance but not in relation to functional mobility. CONCLUSION: Postural instability but not functional mobility was related to higher BMI and body composition values among the study groups.

Acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of WE-SURF™: a virtual supervised group-based fall prevention exercise program among older adults.

Conducted physically, supervised group-based falls prevention exercise programs have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of falls among older adults. In this study, we aimed to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of a virtual supervised group-based falls prevention exercise program (WE-SURF™) for community-dwelling older adults at risk of falls. METHOD: A preliminary study utilizing virtual discussions was conducted to assess the acceptability of the program among six older adults. Effectiveness was evaluated in a randomized controlled feasibility study design, comprising 52 participants (mean age: 66.54; SD: 5.16), divided into experimental (n = 26) and control (n = 26) groups. The experimental group engaged in a 6-month WE-SURF™ program, while the control group received standard care along with a fall's prevention education session. Feasibility of the intervention was measured using attendance records, engagement rates from recorded videos, dropouts, attrition reasons, and adverse events. RESULTS: Preliminary findings suggested that WE-SURF™ was acceptable, with further refinements. The study revealed significant intervention effects on timed up and go (TUG) (η2p:0.08; p < 0.05), single leg stance (SLS) (η2p:0.10; p < 0.05), and lower limb muscle strength (η2p:0.09; p < 0.05) tests. No adverse events occurred during the program sessions, and both attendance and engagement rates were high (> 80% and 8/10, respectively) with minimal dropouts (4%). The WE-SURF™ program demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of falls while enhancing muscle strength and balance. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, WE-SURF™ was demonstrated to be an acceptable, feasible, and effective virtual supervised group-based exercise program for fall prevention in community-dwelling older adults at risk of falls. With positive outcomes and favourable participant engagement, WE-SURF™ holds the potential for wider implementation. Further research and scaling-up efforts are recommended to explore its broader applicability. (Registration number: ACTRN 12621001620819).

Relationship between static and dynamic balance in 4-to-5-year-old preschoolers: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Balance is crucial for physical development in preschool children. Exploring the relationship between different types of balance can help understand early physical development in children. Currently, research is mostly focused on the relationship between different types of balance in the adult population and lacks exploration of the preschool population. The aim of this study explored the relationship between static and dynamic balance in preschool children aged 4 to 5 years. METHODS: A total of 128 preschool children between the ages of 4 to 5 years were selected. The following tests were conducted as they wore inertial sensors detecting their centers of mass (COM): T1, standing with eyes open; T2, standing with eyes closed; T3, standing with eyes open on foam; T4, standing with eyes closed on foam; and T5, walking on the balance beam. Static balance was measured by the angular velocity modulus (ω-T1-ω-T4) of the shaking COM, as well as the pitch angle (θ-T1-θ-T4) and roll angle (φ-T1-φ-T4) indicators in T1-T4 testing. Dynamic balance was measured by the time (t) and angular velocity modulus (ω-T5), as well as the pitch angle (θ-T5) and roll angle (φ-T5) indicators in the T5 test. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to test the correlation between static and dynamic balance indicators. RESULTS: There is no correlation between ω-T1-ω-T4 and t (P > 0.05), while ω-T1-ω-T4 and ω-T5 (r = 0.19-0.27, P < 0.05) and ω-T1-ω-T4 and θ-T5, φ-T5 (r = 0.18-0.33, P < 0.05) were weakly correlated. There is no correlation between θ-T1-θ-T4, φ-T1-φ-T4 and t (P > 0.05), while θ-T1-θ-T4, φ-T1-φ-T4, and θ-T5, φ-T5 were weakly correlated (r = 0.01-0.28, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between static and dynamic balance in preschool children aged 4-5 years is weak. Static and dynamic balance in children needs to be intervened separately for the development of children.

Virtual reality skateboarding training for balance and functional performance in degenerative lumbar spine disease.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative lumbar spine disease (DLD) is a prevalent condition in middle-aged and elderly individuals. DLD frequently results in pain, muscle weakness, and motor impairment, which affect postural stability and functional performance in daily activities. Simulated skateboarding training could enable patients with DLD to engage in exercise with less pain and focus on single-leg weight-bearing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR) skateboarding training on balance and functional performance in patients with DLD. METHODS: Fourteen patients with DLD and 21 age-matched healthy individuals completed a 6-week program of VR skateboarding training. The motion capture and force platform systems were synchronized to collect data during a single-leg stance test (SLST). Musculoskeletal simulation was utilized to calculate muscle force based on the data. Four functional performance tests were conducted to evaluate the improvement after the training. A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was also employed for pain assessment. RESULTS: After the training, pain intensity significantly decreased in patients with DLD (p = 0.024). Before the training, patients with DLD took longer than healthy individuals on the five times sit-to-stand test (p = 0.024). After the training, no significant between-group differences were observed in any of the functional performance tests (p > 0.05). In balance, patients with DLD were similar to healthy individuals after the training, except that the mean frequency (p = 0.014) was higher. Patients with DLD initially had higher biceps femoris force demands (p = 0.028) but shifted to increased gluteus maximus demand after the training (p = 0.037). Gluteus medius strength significantly improved in patients with DLD (p = 0.039), while healthy individuals showed consistent muscle force (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to apply the novel VR skateboarding training to patients with DLD. VR skateboarding training enabled patients with DLD to achieve the training effects in a posture that relieves lumbar spine pressure. The results also emphasized the significant benefits to patients with DLD, such as reduced pain, enhanced balance, and improved muscle performance.

Effects of auditory noise intensity and color on the dynamics of upright stance.

Previous work assessing the effect of additive noise on the postural control system has found a positive effect of additive white noise on postural dynamics. This study covers two separate experiments that were run sequentially to better understand how the structure of the additive noise signal affects postural dynamics, while also furthering our knowledge of how the intensity of auditory stimulation of noise may elicit this phenomenon. Across the two experiments, we introduced three auditory noise stimulations of varying structure (white, pink, and brown noise). Experiment 1 presented the stimuli at 35 dB while Experiment 2 was presented at 75 dB. Our findings demonstrate a decrease in variability of the postural control system regardless of the structure of the noise signal presented, but only for high intensity auditory stimulation.

Stroke walking and balance characteristics via principal component analysis.

Balance impairment is associated gait dysfunction with several quantitative spatiotemporal gait parameters in patients with stroke. However, the link between balance impairments and joint kinematics during walking remains unclear. Clinical assessments and gait measurements using motion analysis system was conducted in 44 stroke patients. This study utilised principal component analysis to identify key joint kinematics characteristics of patients with stroke during walking using average joint angles of pelvis and bilateral lower limbs in every gait-cycle percentile related to balance impairments. Reconstructed kinematics showed the differences in joint kinematics in both paretic and nonparetic lower limbs that can be distinguished by balance impairment, particularly in the sagittal planes during swing phase. The impaired balance group exhibited greater joint variability in both the paretic and nonparetic limbs in the sagittal plane during entire gait phase and during terminal swing phase respectively compared with those with high balance scores. This study provides a more comprehensive understanding of stroke hemiparesis gait patterns and suggests considering both nonparetic and paretic limb function, as well as bilateral coordination in clinical practice. Principal component analysis can be a useful assessment tool to distinguish differences in balance impairment and dynamic symmetry during gait in patients with stroke.

A comprehensive dataset on biomechanics and motor control during human walking with discrete mechanical perturbations.

Background: Humans have a remarkable capability to maintain balance while walking. There is, however, a lack of publicly available research data on reactive responses to destabilizing perturbations during gait. Methods: Here, we share a comprehensive dataset collected from 10 participants who experienced random perturbations while walking on an instrumented treadmill. Each participant performed six 5-min walking trials at a rate of 1.2 m/s, during which rapid belt speed perturbations could occur during the participant's stance phase. Each gait cycle had a 17% probability of being perturbed. The perturbations consisted of an increase of belt speed by 0.75 m/s, delivered with equal probability at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the stance phase. Data were recorded using motion capture with 25 markers, eight inertial measurement units (IMUs), and electromyography (EMG) from the tibialis anterior (TA), soleus (SOL), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), and gluteus maximus (GM). The full protocol is described in detail. Results: We provide marker trajectories, force plate data, EMG data, and belt speed information for all trials and participants. IMU data is provided for most participants. This data can be useful for identifying neural feedback control in human gait, biologically inspired control systems for robots, and the development of clinical applications.

Cortical activity associated with the maintenance of balance during unstable stances.

Background: Humans continuously maintain and adjust posture during gait, standing, and sitting. The difficulty of postural control is reportedly increased during unstable stances, such as unipedal standing and with closed eyes. Although balance is slightly impaired in healthy young adults in such unstable stances, they rarely fall. The brain recognizes the change in sensory inputs and outputs motor commands to the musculoskeletal system. However, such changes in cortical activity associated with the maintenance of balance following periods of instability require further clarified. Methods: In this study, a total of 15 male participants performed two postural control tasks and the center of pressure displacement and electroencephalogram were simultaneously measured. In addition, the correlation between amplitude of center of pressure displacement and power spectral density of electroencephalogram was analyzed. Results: The movement of the center of pressure was larger in unipedal standing than in bipedal standing under both eye open and eye closed conditions. It was also larger under the eye closed condition compared with when the eyes were open in unipedal standing. The amplitude of high-frequency bandwidth (1-3 Hz) of the center of pressure displacement was larger during more difficult postural tasks than during easier ones, suggesting that the continuous maintenance of posture was required. The power spectral densities of the theta activity in the frontal area and the gamma activity in the parietal area were higher during more difficult postural tasks than during easier ones across two postural control tasks, and these correlate with the increase in amplitude of high-frequency bandwidth of the center of pressure displacement. Conclusions: Taken together, specific activation patterns of the neocortex are suggested to be important for the postural maintenance during unstable stances.

Exoskeleton-based exercises for overground gait and balance rehabilitation in spinal cord injury: a systematic review of dose and dosage parameters.

BACKGROUND: Exoskeletons are increasingly applied during overground gait and balance rehabilitation following neurological impairment, although optimal parameters for specific indications are yet to be established. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to identify dose and dosage of exoskeleton-based therapy protocols for overground locomotor training in spinal cord injury/disease. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A literature search was performed using the CINAHL Complete, Embase, Emcare Nursing, Medline ALL, and Web of Science databases. Studies in adults with subacute and/or chronic spinal cord injury/disease were included if they reported (1) dose (e.g., single session duration and total number of sessions) and dosage (e.g., frequency of sessions/week and total duration of intervention) parameters, and (2) at least one gait and/or balance outcome measure. RESULTS: Of 2,108 studies identified, after removing duplicates and filtering for inclusion, 19 were selected and dose, dosage and efficacy were abstracted. Data revealed a great heterogeneity in dose, dosage, and indications, with overall recommendation of 60-min sessions delivered 3 times a week, for 9 weeks in 27 sessions. Specific protocols were also identified for functional restoration (60-min, 3 times a week, for 8 weeks/24 sessions) and cardiorespiratory rehabilitation (60-min, 3 times a week, for 12 weeks/36 sessions). CONCLUSION: This review provides evidence-based best practice recommendations for overground exoskeleton training among individuals with spinal cord injury/disease based on individual therapeutic goals - functional restoration or cardiorespiratory rehabilitation. There is a need for structured exoskeleton clinical translation studies based on standardized methods and common therapeutic outcomes.

An eight-week single-blind randomised controlled trial on dual task balance training and motor imagery practice in ischaemic stroke survivors.

The purpose of this study was to find the effects of motor imagery on balance and mobility of stroke patients.This was a single-blind randomised controlled trial which included a total of 30 patients. These patients were assigned into two group: experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) by sealed envelope method. Functional Reach Test (FRT), Time Up and Go Test (TUGT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Movement Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ) were used as assessment tools. The overall mean age of the participants was 52.63 ±8.78 years. Between groups analysis showed non-statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in FRT but significant difference in TUGT, BBS, and MIQ-3 (p<0.009) after eight weeks of training. Within group analysis showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) for all outcome measures. This study concluded that motor imagery is an effective treatment strategy for improving balance and mobility in stroke patients and brings better results as compared to conventional treatments.

Inferring control objectives in a virtual balancing task in humans and monkeys.

Natural behaviors have redundancy, which implies that humans and animals can achieve their goals with different strategies. Given only observations of behavior, is it possible to infer the control objective that the subject is employing? This challenge is particularly acute in animal behavior because we cannot ask or instruct the subject to use a particular strategy. This study presents a three-pronged approach to infer an animal's control objective from behavior. First, both humans and monkeys performed a virtual balancing task for which different control strategies could be utilized. Under matched experimental conditions, corresponding behaviors were observed in humans and monkeys. Second, a generative model was developed that represented two main control objectives to achieve the task goal. Model simulations were used to identify aspects of behavior that could distinguish which control objective was being used. Third, these behavioral signatures allowed us to infer the control objective used by human subjects who had been instructed to use one control objective or the other. Based on this validation, we could then infer objectives from animal subjects. Being able to positively identify a subject's control objective from observed behavior can provide a powerful tool to neurophysiologists as they seek the neural mechanisms of sensorimotor coordination.

Acute responses of postural alignment and intermuscular coherence to anti-gravitational muscle engagement-A randomized crossover trial.

INTRODUCTION: Posture is a facet of clinical assessment in several rehabilitative disciplines. Despite extensive clinical focus, the precision with which posture can be evaluated and intervened upon is limited by the very general terms used to describe it. The purpose of this crossover trial was to quantify the effects of targeted postural intervention motivated by theoretical sagittal gravitational collapsing (SGC) tendencies on: 1) distance from SGC, 2) intermuscular coherence (iCOH), and 3) kinematic chain connectivity. METHODS: Ten healthy adults (24.50 ± 1.18 years, 172.72 ± 10.19 cm, 76.47 ± 14.60 kg) completed pre- and post-intervention testing on two occasions involving contrasting interventions: promote postural muscle (PPM) vs. reduce compensatory muscle (RCM) engagement. Distance from SGC, iCOH, and kinematic chain connectivity were quantified from electromyography and/or kinematic data acquired during tests administered before and after interventions. Effects of Treatment [PPM, RCM] and Time [Pre, Post] were tested with linear mixed models. RESULTS: A Treatment*Time interaction was observed for distance from SGC. Post-intervention distance from SGC was greater following PPM only (p < 0.01). A Treatment*Time interaction was observed for hi-frequency trunk muscle iCOH, with a post-intervention increase corresponding to the RCM intervention (p < 0.007). Additional iCOH effects did not differ by intervention. CONCLUSION: Distance from SGC is acutely modifiable and increases following exercises to facilitate anti-SGC muscles. Convergent findings related to kinematic chain connectivity and prescriptive neural binding were not observed. These observations suggest that it may be possible to describe, evaluate, and intervene upon posture in reference to a specific, mechanistic theory regarding the function of postural alignment.

Are lower limb symmetry and self-reported symptoms associated with functional and neuromuscular outcomes in Brazilian adults with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: After anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, determining readiness to return to participation is challenging. The understanding of which neuromuscular performance parameters are associated with limb symmetry and self-reported symptoms may be useful to improve monitoring the rehabilitation towards adequate decision-making to return. OBJECTIVES: To compare the ACL-operated and injury-free lower limbs regarding functional performance; and to investigate whether lower limb strength and functional performance are associated with self-reported symptoms and functional lower limb symmetry. METHOD: Thirty-four participants were included. Functional performance was assessed by using the Y-Balance test, Single-leg Hop, and Functional Movement Screen. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to evaluate the strength levels in open and closed kinetic chains. The functional lower limb symmetry was calculated considering the single-leg hop test results for each lower limb. RESULTS: There were no differences in dynamic balance (Y-Balance) between the operated and injury-free limbs. The operated limb presented a worst performance in the single-leg hop. Self-reported symptoms prevalence and lower limb symmetry were associated with knee extension strength and functional performance (Y-Balance). CONCLUSION: Individuals submitted to ACL-reconstruction presented worse functional performance in the operated limb compared to the injury-free limb. Both knee strength and dynamic balance were associated with limb symmetry and self-reported symptoms.

Differences and correlations between horizontal and vertical single-leg jump performance, dynamic balance, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in male amateur rugby players according to playing positions.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the differences and correlations in the Y-Balance Test (YBT) scores, ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion (ADFROM), single-leg drop jump (SLDJ) and single-leg hop for distance (SLHD) in amateur male rugby players by playing positions and limb dominance. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Argentinian amateur rugby club. PARTICIPANTS: Male (n = 58) senior amateur rugby players. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ADFROM, YBT (anterior [AN], posteromedial, posterolateral, and composite [COM]), SLDJ and SLHD performances. RESULTS: Forwards demonstrated different anthropometric traits than backs (p < 0.001 to 0.003; ES: -0.508 to -1.331), whereas the latter attained better jump performance (p < 0.001-0.05; ES: 0.297-1.349) and YBTCOM scores compared to the former, irrespective of limb dominance (p: 0.007-0.034; ES: 0.569-0.730). With regards to the associations, forwards' BMI (rho: -0.35 to -0.52, ES: 0.184) and ADFROM values (rho: 0.41 to 0.53, ES: 0.184; r: 0.43 to 0.50, ES: 0.184) were associated to jump performance among both limbs. In contrast, for the backs, leg length was associated with SLHD (rho: 0.42-0.45, ES: 0.214) and YBTCOM (rho: -0.67 to -0.76, ES: 0.215). Likewise, ADFROM values (r: 0.44-0.56, ES: 0.185) were moderately associated to YBTAN in both limbs. CONCLUSIONS: Backs attained better dynamic balance, wider ADFROM, and better unilateral vertical and horizontal jumps performances in dominant and non-dominant limb, compared to forwards. Additionally, ADFROM maybe an important aspect to consider when aiming to improve balance and jump performance among forwards and backs.

Pain and disability were related to Y-balance test but not with proprioception acuity and single-leg triple-hop test in patients with patellofemoral pain: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Patellofemoral pain is a common complaint between physically active subjects. Patients with patellofemoral pain present limitations to performing daily activities. Pain could alter proprioceptive acuity and lead to movement impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of pain and disability with proprioception acuity and physical performance in patients with patellofemoral pain. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with patellofemoral pain [age 31.15 (5.91) years; 30 (62.50%) males] were recruited. Data collected included pain intensity, pain duration, disability, joint position sense (JPS) test at 20° and 60° of knee flexion, and physical performance tests (Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test and Y- Balance Test). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed to assess the relationship between the variables. RESULTS: Pain intensity was correlated with Y-Balance Test posteromedial component (rs = -0.32, 95%CI = -0.55 to -0.03, p = 0.029) and the composite score (rs = -0.35, 95%CI = -0.58, -0.07, p = 0.015). Pain duration was correlated with Y-Balance Test posterolateral component (rs = -0.23, 95% CI = -0.53 to -0.01, p = 0.047). Disability was correlated with Y-Balance Test posteromedial component (rs = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.62, p = 0.004). Pain and disability were not correlated with JPS and the Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test. CONCLUSION: Pain and disability were related to Y-Balance Test but not to proprioceptive acuity and Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test in patients with patellofemoral pain.