Relationship Between Knee Frontal Plane Projection Angle and Lower Limb Muscle Activity in Female Athletes.

CONTEXT: Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are directly related to the control of dynamic knee valgus in the landing of a jump, and this is mainly due to the correct activation and neuromuscular function of the lower-extremity muscles. The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between lower limb muscle activity during a single-legged drop jump and knee frontal plane projection angle (FPPA). DESIGN: A correlation study. METHODS: Thirty healthy collegiate female athletes were included in the study. Main outcomes measures were peak knee FPPA and muscle activity (% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction). Peak knee FPPA during a single-legged drop jump test was identified using a 2-dimensional motion analysis system. Muscle activity was assessed using a surface electromyograph for gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, vastus medialis quadriceps, vastus lateralis quadriceps, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius. All variables were assessed for both dominant and nondominant limbs. A correlation analysis between peak knee FPPA and muscle activity was performed. Statistical significance was set at P <.05. RESULTS: A mean peak knee FPPA of 14.52° and 13.38° was identified for dominant and nondominant limb single-legged drop jump test, respectively. Muscle activity (% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction) for muscles assessed ranged from 43.97% to 195.71% during the single-legged drop jump test. The correlation analysis found no significant correlation between any of the muscles assessed and peak knee FPPA during the single-legged drop jump test (Pearson coefficient between -.3 and .1). CONCLUSIONS: There is no association between muscle activity from the lower limb muscles and the knee FPPA during a single-legged drop jump in female athletes. Thus, different muscle properties should be assessed in order to understand such an important movement as the knee FPPA during a jump.

Correlation between Physical Performance and Tensiomyographic and Myotonometric Parameters in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: To examine the correlation between physical performance and muscle strength and the variables obtained from tensiomyography and myotonometry. METHODS: Fifty-two older adults able to complete functional tests participated in this observational study. Variables of maximal radial muscle displacement (Dm) and contraction time (Tc) (using tensiomyography) and muscle stiffness (using myotonometry) of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles were assessed. Physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery, Timed Up and Go, Five Times Sit to Stand, and walking speed), isometric knee extension strength, and grip strength were assessed. A correlation analysis was performed between all the variables. RESULTS: A significant correlation between the Short Physical Performance Battery and the rectus femoris (rho = 0.491) and vastus lateralis Dm (rho = 0.329) was found. Significant correlations between the Five Times Sit to Stand Test and the Dm values of the rectus femoris (rho = -0.340) and Dm (rho = -0.304), and stiffness (rho = -0.345) in the vastus lateralis, were also found. No significant correlations were found between tensiomyography and myotonometry, the Timed Up and Go, and walking speed, nor between tensiomyography and myotonometry and grip strength or isometric knee extension strength. CONCLUSIONS: Functional tests should be prioritized in the assessment of older adults, but further research into muscle quality using technology is advisable.

Peroneal muscle activity during stable and unstable load exercises. A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the muscle activity of the peroneus longus during the execution of different unstable load exercises compared to stable load exercises. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Functional Anatomy Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 28 healthy athletes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surface electromyography (sEMG), unstable load (water tank), Stable Load (Sandbag), type of exercise (Isometric single leg stance, single-leg Romanian deadlift, front rack forward lunge and lateral lunge). RESULTS: The repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant Group ∗ Time interaction in Root Mean Square (RMS) (F = 51.307, P < 0.001, ŋ2 = 0.70). In the between-group analysis there were statistically significant differences in RMS isometric single leg stance in favor to unstable load (P < 0.001, ŋ2 = 0.07). In the within-group analysis of RMS statistically significant differences were found in the stable load group between isometric single leg stance and single-leg Romanian deadlift (P < 0.001, ŋ2 = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Single leg stance exercise with unstable load showed higher peroneus muscle activity than stable load. However, no peroneus muscle activity differences were found between unstable and stable loads for single-leg Romanian deadlift, frontal rack forward lunge and lateral lunge. Single-leg Romanian deadlift with stable load showed higher peroneus muscle activity than isometric single leg stance with stable load.

Effect of respiratory muscle training in asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The last systematic review about respiratory muscle training (RMT) in people with asthma was published almost 10 years ago. Since then, several works have been published. OBJECTIVE: To review the effect of RMT in people with asthma. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of research included up to September 2021 in PubMed/MEDLINE, PEDro, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, LILACS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov. We included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies assessing the effect of RMT on respiratory muscle function, rescue medication, asthma-related symptoms, lung function, exercise capacity, healthcare use, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and adverse effects in people with asthma. Risk of bias and methodological quality were assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool and the PEDro scale. Meta-analysis was performed whenever possible; otherwise a qualitative approach was followed. RESULTS: Eleven studies (270 participants) were included, 10 with only adults and were included in the meta-analysis. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) had beneficial effects on maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax: mean difference [MD] 21.95 cmH2O [95% confidence interval [CI] 15.05; 28.85]), with no changes in maximal expiratory pressure (MD 14.97 cmH2O [95%CI -5.65; 35.59]), lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec: MD 0.06 [95%CI -0.14; 0.26] L; force vital capacity: MD 0.39 [95%CI -0.24; 1.02] L) and exercise capacity (standard mean difference [SMD] 1.73 [95%CI -0.61; 4.08]). Subgroup analysis revealed that IMT load >50% PImax and duration >6 weeks were beneficial for exercise capacity. The qualitative analysis suggested that IMT may have benefits on respiratory muscle endurance, rescue medication and exertional dyspnoea, with no adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis showed a significant increase in PImax after IMT in adults with asthma and reinforced the relevance of the dose-response principle of training. More evidence is needed to clarify the effect of IMT in respiratory muscle endurance, rescue medication, exercise capacity, healthcare use and HRQoL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020221939; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=221939.

Effectiveness of multicomponent training on physical performance in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Multicomponent training (MCT) is characterized by the combination of at least 3 types of training. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of MCT programs for improving physical performance in healthy older adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) was conducted. The systematic search was performed in the Web of Sciences, PubMed (MEDLINE), and Cochrane Library databases. Articles were included if participants were healthy and 65 years or older, and the control group did not perform any type of training. Studies were excluded if the interventions lasted less than 8 weeks. PEDro scale and Risk of Bias tool (RoB) were used in order to assess the quality of the articles. The search strategy found a total of 388 studies. After inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 studies were included for the qualitative analysis. Finally, 13 articles were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 808 healthy older adults analyzed. The main results of the meta-analysis showed that MCT improves physical performance significantly more than no training (SMD: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.55, 1.00; Z = 6.84, p < 0.01; I2 = 54%). In addition, the MCT also seems to significantly increase in upper and lower limb strength, walking speed and aerobic capacity. MCT improves general functionality, strength in upper and lower extremities, walking speed and aerobic capacity. Implementation of MCT programs should be encouraged as an effective strategy in the prevention of adverse conditions in the older adult.

Effects of Adding an Online Exercise Program on Physical Function in Individuals Hospitalized by COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The worldwide pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has impacted all healthcare systems. One potential sequela experienced by hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors includes muscle weakness with a reduction in strength and, consequently, a possible increase in frailty. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of adding an online therapeutic exercise program for 8 weeks to the medical prescriptions on functional variables in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. A randomized controlled trial including 70 previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors was conducted. Patients were randomly allocated to an experimental (n = 35) or control (n = 35) group. Both groups received regular prescriptions provided by their medical doctors. The experimental group also received a live online therapeutic exercise program for 8 weeks (3 sessions/week). Handgrip strength, gait speed, lower-extremity strength, balance, and frailty were assessed at baseline, at the end of the program, and one month after the end of the intervention. The repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant Group*Time interactions for all the outcomes: (handgrip dominant: F = 17.395, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.24; handgrip non-dominant: F = 33.197, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.33; 4 m walk test (4WT): F = 13.039, p = 0.001, η2 = 0.16; short physical performance battery (SPPB): F = 26.421, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.28; the five chair-raise test (5CRT): F = 5.628, p = 0.004, η2 = 0.08; FRAIL scale: F = 11.249, p = 0.001, η2 = 0.14): patients in the experimental group experienced greater improvements in all outcomes than those assigned to the control group. This study revealed that the addition of an online exercise program for 8 weeks obtained greater improvements in handgrip strength, gait speed, lower-extremity strength, balance, and frailty in a sample of previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors than application of just usual medical prescription.

Correlation between Physical Performance and Stabilometric Parameters in Older Adults.

Background and Objectives: Falls are a common and serious threat to the health and independence of older adults. The decrease in functional capacity during aging means an increased risk of falls. To date, it is not known whether there is a relationship between balance and functional tests. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between eyes-open and eyes-closed static balance with different functional tests. Materials and Methods: A correlation study was designed with 52 healthy subjects over 65 years of age. Results: Regarding the open eyes stabilometric parameters, significant correlations observed between the surface and the functional tests were weak in all cases. The correlations observed between length and the functional tests performed were moderate, except for that of the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) which was weak. No significant correlation between TUG and surface was found. Regarding the closed eyes stabilometric parameters, statistically significant moderate correlations were found between the surface and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the Five Times Sit to Stand test (5XSST). In the case of the length with eyes closed, a statistically significant moderate correlation (rho = 0.40-0.69) was found with the SPPB and 5XSST variables, and weak correlations with the 4 m Walk Speed test (4WS) and TUG variables. Conclusions: There is a mild to moderate correlation between some functional tests and stabilometric parameters in adults over 65 years old.

Immediate effects of diacutaneous fibrolysis in athletes with hamstring shortening. A randomized within-participant clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Diacutaneous fibrolysis is a non-invasive instrumental physiotherapeutic technique, used to treat mechanical or inflammatory pain and normalize function in the musculoskeletal system. Different studies have reported positive effects on range of motion, strength or function in musculoskeletal disorders, mainly in the upper extremity. The incidence and recurrence rates of hamstring injuries are high in many sports. However, there are no studies assessing these parameters in the hamstring and gluteus maximus in athletes. Objective. To evaluate the immediate and 30 minutes post-treatment effects of a single diacutaneous fibrolysis session on hamstring length, flexibility, muscle strength, myoelectrical activity and lower limb performance in athletes with hamstring shortening. METHODS: A randomized within-participant clinical trial. Sixty-six athletes with hamstring shortening were recruited. A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis was applied following the cetripetal protocol to the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris and semitendinosus of for the experimental lower limb, whereas the control limb was not treated. Hamstring length (Passive knee extension test), hamstring and low back flexibility (Modified back saver sit and reach test), hamstring and gluteus maximus strength and electrical activity (dynamometry and surface electromyography, respectively) and lower limb performance (Countermovement Jump) were tested before treatment (T0), after treatment (T1), and 30 minutes post-treatment (T2). RESULTS: We only found a statistically significant difference between T0-T2 for the hamstring length favouring the experimental limbs (p<0.001). There were no statistically significant changes for hamstring and lower back flexibility, strength and electrical activity outcomes between groups. In the countermovement jump, we found a decrease of 0.58 cm in the high jump and a decrease of 9.19 N in the power jump at T1. These values recovered and improved at T2. However, these changes were not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis in athletes with hamstring shortening, following the centripetal protocol for the posterior part of the thigh, produces improvements in hamstring length 30 minutes after, and in gluteus maximus strength immediately and 30 minutes after the treatment. It seems to have no effects on the overall hamstring and lower back flexibility or myoelectric activity. Importantly, the lower limb performance was not impaired after the treatment.

Sex Differences in Pre-Season Anthropometric, Balance and Range-of-Motion Characteristics in Elite Youth Soccer Players.

In soccer, injury epidemiology differs between males and females. It is clinically useful to know whether there are between-sex differences in selected characteristics relevant to primary injury risk and injury prevention practices. The purpose of this study was to explore between-sex differences in anthropometric, balance, and range-of-motion characteristics in Spanish elite male and female youth soccer players. This was a pre-season cross-sectional study. Sixty-nine males (age 16.8 ± 0.9 yr; height 175.9 ± 6.8 cm; mass 67.9 ± 6.3 kg) and thirty-seven females (age 17.2 ± 1.7 yr; height 164.0 ± 6.3 cm; mass 59.0 ± 5.8 kg) participated. Anthropometrics (standing/sitting height, bodymass, right/left leg length) and right/left anterior reach test (ART), hip internal/external active range of motion, active knee extension (AKE), and weightbearing lunge test (WBLT) were measured. Between-sex differences were assessed with Bonferroni-corrected Mann−Whitney U tests and Cliff's delta (d). Between-sex significant differences (p < 0.003, d ≥ 0.50) were observed for anthropometric data and for hip internal rotation. No between-sex significant differences were observed for ART/AKE/WBLT measures. Between-sex significant differences with large effect sizes were identified for anthropometric data and right/left hip internal rotation. The present study adds new data to the literature for young Spanish male and female soccer players. The present findings will help inform clinical reasoning processes and future injury prevention research for elite male and female youth soccer players.

Is Tecar Therapy Effective on Biceps Femoris and Quadriceps Rehabilitation? A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: Capacitive-resistive electric transfer therapy is an interesting rehabilitation treatment to use in musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose is to analyze the temperature change and current flow in superficial and deep biceps femoris and quadriceps tissues when applying different protocols of capacitive-resistive electric transfer therapy. METHODS: Five cryopreserved cadavers (10 legs) were included in this study. Four interventions (high/low power) were performed for 5 minutes. Dynamic movements were performed to the biceps femoris and quadriceps. Superficial, middle, and deep temperature were recorded at 1-minute intervals and 5 minutes after the treatment using invasive temperature meters placed with ultrasound guidance. RESULTS: Low-power applications have generated a very low thermal effect and an important current flow. The high-power capacitive application achieves a greater increase in superficial temperature compared with low power (P < .001). The high-power resistive application recorded a greater increase in superficial, middle, and deep temperatures with a greater current flow compared with the other applications (P < .001). CONCLUSION: This study could serve as basic science data to justify the acceleration of the processes of muscle recovery, improving cell proliferation without increasing the temperature in acute muscle injuries and increasing the temperature and viscoelasticity of the tissues in chronic processes with this therapy.

Effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscle Strength and Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of the blood flow restriction training in improving muscle strength and physical performance in older adults. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Sciences, PEDro, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases were systematically searched. STUDY SELECTION: Articles were included if participants were 60 years or older and were considered healthy. DATA EXTRACTION: The search strategy found a total of 363 studies. Finally, 10 articles were included in the systematic review, with a total of 278 healthy older adults analyzed. DATA SYNTHESIS: The main results of the meta-analysis showed a statistical difference of muscle strength in favor of blood flow restriction training when compared with conventional training and no statistical differences when compared with high-intensity resistance training. Physical performance showed a nonstatistical difference between the blood flow restriction training, conventional training, and no training groups. CONCLUSIONS: Blood flow restriction training is an interesting alternative to high-intensity strength training for improving muscle strength in older individuals who cannot perform high-load exercises.

Does Self-Myofascial Release Cause a Remote Hamstring Stretching Effect Based on Myofascial Chains? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The hamstring muscles are described as forming part of myofascial chains or meridians, and the superficial back line (SBL) is one such chain. Good hamstring flexibility is fundamental to sporting performance and is associated with prevention of injuries of these muscles. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of self-myofascial release (SMR) on hamstring flexibility and determine which segment of the SBL resulted in the greatest increase in flexibility. METHODS: 94 volunteers were randomly assigned to a control group or to one of the five intervention groups. In the intervention groups, SMR was applied to one of the five segments of the SBL (plantar fascia, posterior part of the sural fascia, posterior part of the crural fascia, lumbar fascia or epicranial aponeurosis) for 10 min. The analyzed variables were hamstring flexibility at 30 s, 2, 5, and 10 min, and dorsiflexion range of motion before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Hamstring flexibility and ankle dorsiflexion improved when SMR was performed on any of the SBL segments. The segments with the greatest effect were the posterior part of the sural fascia when the intervention was brief (30 s to 2 min) or the posterior part of the crural fascia when the intervention was longer (5 or 10 min). In general, 50% of the flexibility gain was obtained during the first 2 min of SMR. CONCLUSIONS: The SBL may be considered a functional structure, and SMR to any of the segments can improve hamstring flexibility and ankle dorsiflexion.

Relationship between lower limb EMG activity and knee frontal plane projection angle during a single-legged drop jump.

OBJECTIVES: To assess a relationship between lower limb muscle activity and the frontal plane knee kinematics during a single-legged drop jump. DESIGN: Correlation study; SETTING: Functional Anatomy Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 35 healthy collegiate male athletes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Muscle activity (%MVIC) of gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, vastus medialis quadriceps, vastus lateralis quadriceps, medial gastrocnemius and lateral gastrocnemius; peak knee frontal plane projection angle; and Pearson's correlation coefficients between muscle activity and peak knee frontal plane projection angle. All outcomes were assessed for both dominant and non-dominant limbs. RESULTS: Significant correlations (r = 0.46-0.60, P < 0.05) were found between the muscle activities of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus, when compared to the knee frontal plane projection angle. CONCLUSION: Gluteal muscles and hamstring muscles are associated with the peak knee frontal plane projection angle during a single-legged drop jump test. Thus, gluteal and hamstring muscle activities should be considered when developing rehabilitation or injury prevention programs.

Biceps Femoris Activation during Hamstring Strength Exercises: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to systematically evaluate the biceps femoris long head activation across cross-sectional hamstring strength exercise studies. METHODS: A systematic review design was followed. The search strategy conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Sciences databases found a total of 3643 studies. Once inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 29 studies were finally included in this systematic review. A total of 507 participants and 114 different exercises were analyzed. Exercises were evaluated individually and grouped into several categories: Nordics, isokinetic exercises, lunges, squats, deadlifts, good mornings, hip thrusts, bridges, leg curls, swings, hip and back extensions, and others. RESULTS: Results showed the isokinetic and Nordic exercises as the categories with highest biceps femoris activation (>60% of Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction). Nordic hamstring exercise ankle dorsiflexion was the exercise that achieved the highest biceps femoris long head activation (128.1% of its Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this systematic review suggest that isokinetic and Nordic exercises seem to be the best option to activate biceps femoris long head. Future studies evaluating the implementation of these exercises in prevention programs are needed.

Effects of Diacutaneous Fibrolysis on Passive Neuromuscular Response and Mechanosensitivity in Athletes with Hamstring Shortening: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Diacutaneous Fibrolysis is defined as specific instrumental intervention to normalize function in the musculoskeletal system. It is considered a treatment method for the mechanical alterations of the locomotor system, and it is widely used in sports for therapeutic and preventive purposes. Despite the clinical benefits observed in different musculoskeletal conditions, the action mechanism of diacutaneous fibrolysis remains uncertain. There are no studies evaluating the neuromuscular response on the posterior muscular chain of the lower extremity in athletes, where overload, stiffness, and injury incidence are high. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate, and 30 min post treatment effects of a single diacutaneous fibrolysis session on passive neuromuscular response and mechanosensitibity on hamstring and gluteus in athletes with shortening. DESIGN: A randomized within participant clinical trial. METHODS: Sixty-six athletes with hamstring shortening were included (PKE < 160). The lower limbs were randomized between the experimental limb and control limb, regardless of dominance. A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis was applied to the posterior gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus of the experimental lower limb whereas the control limb was not treated. Viscoelastic muscle properties (myotonometry), contractile muscle properties (tensomiography), and mechanosensitivity (algometry) were tested before treatment (T0), after treatment (T1), and 30 min post treatment (T2). RESULTS: Regarding viscoelastic properties, in the intra-group analysis we found statistically significant differences in the experimental limb at T1, decreasing muscle stiffness in gluteus maximus (p < 0.042), in biceps femoris (p < 0.001) and in semitendinosus (p < 0.032). We also observed statistically significant differences in Tone decrease (p < 0.011) and relaxation increase (p < 0.001) in biceps femoris. At T2, the decrease in stiffness in all tested muscles was maintained (p < 0.05). There were statistically significant inter-groups differences in stiffness on gluteus (p < 0.048) and biceps femoris (p < 0.019) and in tone on biceps femoris (p < 0.009) compared to the control limb. For contractile properties, we only found statistically significant differences on maximal radial displacement (Dm) in gluteus, both control and experimental at T2 (p < 0.05) and in biceps femoris control (p < 0.030). No changes were found in the mechanosensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis produces changes in some parameters related to viscoelasticity properties of the biceps femoris and gluteus. There were no changes on contractile properties on semitendinosus. Only small changes on the contractile properties on the gluteus maximus and biceps femoris were found. No effect was found on the mechanosensitivity of the posterior chain muscles in athletes with hamstring shortening.

Effects of a Massage Protocol in Tensiomyographic and Myotonometric Proprieties.

BACKGROUND: Pre-competition massage is usually used to improve athletic performance and reduce risk of injury. Despite its usual use, the effects of pre-competition massage on neuromuscular function have barely been studied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the pre-competition massage over the gastrocnemius neuromuscular function. METHOD: The study is a quasi-experimental clinical trial thirty healthy athletes were enrolled in the study. Subjects received an intervention in one leg (experimental), consisting of a massage, and no intervention in the opposite leg (control). From all values of neuromuscular function, the following were analyzed: contraction time (Tc) and maximal displacement (Dm) by tensiomyography, and stiffness and tone by myotonometry. RESULTS: Main effects of pre-competition massage on neuromuscular function include a significant (p < 0.05) increase in Tc and Dm variables, as well as a reduction in stiffness and tone. CONCLUSION: Data shows an increase in Tc and maximal radial displacement (Dm) variables, as well as a reduction in stiffness and tone. More quality studies are needed to draw clear conclusions about the effects of pre-competition massage.

Is Dry Needling Effective for the Management of Plantar Heel Pain or Plantar Fasciitis? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Dry needling is commonly used for the management of plantar fasciitis. This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of dry needling over trigger points associated with plantar heel pain on pain intensity and related disability or function. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials in which at least one group received dry needling, not acupuncture, for trigger points associated with plantar heel pain and in which outcomes were collected on pain intensity and related disability. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, methodological quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) score, and the level of evidence is reported according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Between-groups mean differences (MD) and standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated. RESULTS: The search identified 297 publications, with six trials eligible for inclusion. The meta-analysis found low-quality evidence that trigger point dry needling reduces pain intensity in the short term (MD -1.70 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.80 to -0.60; SMD -1.28, 95% CI -2.11 to -0.44) and moderate-quality evidence that it improves pain intensity (MD -1.77 points, 95% CI -2.44 to -1.11; SMD -1.45, 95% CI -2.19 to -0.70) and related disability (SMD -1.75, 95% CI -2.22 to -1.28) in the long term, as compared with a comparison group. The risk of bias of the trials was generally low, but the heterogeneity of the results downgraded the level of evidence. DISCUSSION: Moderate- to low-quality evidence suggests a positive effect of trigger point dry needling for improving pain intensity and pain-related disability in the short term and long term, respectively, in patients with plantar heel pain of musculoskeletal origin. The present results should be considered with caution because of the small number of trials.

Is Dry Needling Effective for the Management of Spasticity, Pain, and Motor Function in Post-Stroke Patients? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of muscle dry needling alone or combined with other interventions on post-stroke spasticity (muscle tone), related pain, motor function, and pressure sensitivity. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT: Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials including post-stroke patients where at least one group received dry needling and outcomes were collected on spasticity and related pain. Secondary outcomes included motor function and pressure pain sensitivity. Data were extracted by two reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, methodological quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database score, and the quality of evidence was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Between-groups mean differences (MDs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated. RESULTS: Seven studies (three within the lower extremity, four in the upper extremity) were included. The meta-analysis found significantly large effect sizes of dry needling for reducing spasticity (SMD: -1.01, 95%confidence interval [CI] -1.68 to -0.34), post-stroke pain (SMD -1.01, 95%CI -1.73 to -0.30), and pressure pain sensitivity (SMD 1.21, 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.80) as compared with a comparative group at short-term follow-up. The effect on spasticity was found mainly in the lower extremity (MD -1.05, 95% CI: -1.32 to -0.78) at short-term follow-up. No effect on spasticity was seen at 4 weeks. No significant effect on motor function (SMD 0.16, 95% CI: -0.13 to 0.44) was observed. The risk of bias was generally low, but the imprecision of the results downgraded the level of evidence. CONCLUSION: Moderate evidence suggests a positive effect of dry needling on spasticity (muscle tone) in the lower extremity in post-stroke patients. The effects on related pain and motor function are inconclusive.

The effectiveness of diacutaneous fibrolysis on pain, range of motion and functionality in musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of diacutaneous fibrolysis in reducing musculoskeletal disorders symptoms such as pain, range of motion and functionality. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review of MEDLINE, Cochrane, PEDro and Science Direct was conducted until September 2020. REVIEW METHODS: Computerized search strategy was performed to identify randomized controlled trials applying diacutaneous fibrolysis, on subjects with musculoskeletal disorders. Eligible articles and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. Methodology quality and risk of bias were assessed by Risk of Bias 2 tool from the Cochrane Collaboration and Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Outcomes assessed were pain intensity, range of motion and functionality. RESULTS: Search strategy identified 98 potential randomized control trials and six studies involving 386 participants, were finally included. Diacutaneous fibrolysis intervention added to usual physiotherapy treatment was compared to control group. Pain intensity immediately after treatment showed a pooled Standard Mean Difference (SMD) of -0.58 with 95% confidence interval (CI) from -1.12 to -0.04, and in the longest follow-up SMD was -0.63 with 95% CI (-1.21 to -0.05). Functionality showed a pooled SMD of -1.02 with 95% CI (-1.67 to -0.36) immediately after intervention and a SMD of -0.84 with 95% CI (-1.54 to -0.14). Range of motion could not be included in the quantitative synthesis. CONCLUSION: Diacutaneous fibrolysis is an effective treatment, when combined with conventional physiotheraphy, reducing pain immediately after treatment and long term follow-up and improving function in both, short and long term in musculoskeletal disorders.

Normative data and correlation between dynamic knee valgus and neuromuscular response among healthy active males: a cross-sectional study.

The dynamic knee valgus (DKV) during different sport maneuvers has been widely described as risk factor to develop an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Hip and knee muscles seem to have a crucial role to prevent the dynamic knee valgus. This study aimed to give normative and correlational data about DKV and hip and knee neuromuscular response (NMR) among healthy active males. The hypothesis is that DKV could be correlated with hip NMR. A cross-sectional correlational study. Research Anatomy Laboratory. The study was carried out among 50 active, non-injured males. Dynamic Knee-Valgus angle and lower limb posterior chain muscles Neuromuscular Response. DKV was measured using Kinovea software during a Single-Legged Drop Jump test and NMR was measured using tensiomyography and myotonometry for gluteus maximum, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, lateral and medial gastrocnemius. Right and left limbs were both performed and analyzed independently. No significant correlation was observed between DKV and hip and knee muscles NMR. This study shows normative and correlational data about dynamic knee valgus, tensiomyography and myotonometry for healthy and active males. The DKV control seems to be non-correlated with isolated hip and knee muscles NMR so this suggests it is more about Central Nervous System activity than about isolated muscles NMR.