Investigation of the functional and biomechanical effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique in individuals with asymptomatic dynamic knee valgus - Randomized controlled trial.

Although there are studies showing that myofascial release will increase muscle force production, the contribution of its application alone to muscle force production has not been examined. Aim of the study is to investigate the effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on eccentric strength, frontal plane projection angle (FPPA), dynamic (DPS), and static postural stability (SPS), femoral internal rotation (FIR) angle in females with dynamic knee valgus (DKV). A total of 44 recreationally active females with asymptomatic DKV (age: 21,39 ± 1,79, body mass index: 20,09 ± 2,45) participated and were randomly assigned to either control group (CG) or IASTM group (IASTMG). Participants' eccentric contraction strength, FPPA, DPS, SPS, and FIR on the involved leg were measured pre- and post. IASTM application was applied to IASTMG for 6 weeks, twice a week, for 5 min, using Graston Technique® instruments on gluteus medius. CG received no intervention. In comparison of ECS difference values, change in IASTMG was found to be statistically significantly higher than CG (p = .004; p < .01). There was no statistical difference in comparison of FIR and FPPA values (respectively p = .213, p = .360; p < .05). In SPS and DPS evaluation, a statistically significant improvement was observed in favor of IASTMG in comparison of both intergroup and difference values (p < .05 for all). Strength gain without exercise can increase postural stability, but it isn't sufficient to correct faulty movement patterns. We recommend adding IASTM to injury prevention programs, but there is a need to investigate the effect of IASTM with technique correction feedback.

Comparison of the efficiency of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and manual therapy in children with cerebral palsy with lower urinary system dysfunction- a randomized prospective trial.

INTRODUCTION: Neurological defects in children with cerebral palsy (CP) not only affect their motor skills but also lead to bladder and bowel problems. Although most children with CP have achieved urinary control, more than 50% of cases experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Common LUTS complaints observed in CP include delayed toilet training, urinary incontinence, increased frequency of urination, urgency, urinary hesitancy, and recurrent urinary tract infections. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to prospectively evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two different physiotherapy approaches, sacral Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and massage, on lower urinary tract dysfunction in children with CP. METHOD: A total of 54 children with CP who had the Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVISS) of 8.5 or higher were included in the study. Children were randomized to the TENS (TG; n = 27) and Manual Therapy (MG; n = 27) groups. TENS application was performed 2 sessions in a week for 20 min for a total of 12 weeks. The electrodes used during the application were adhered bilaterally to the parasacral region (S2-S4). 4 electrodes of 5 × 5 cm were used. Classical bowel massage was applied to the MG with the friction massage technique twice a week for 12 weeks. Manual therapy applications were performed in the form of abdominal, colon, and friction massage, twice a week for 20 min by the physiotherapist. Massage was applied to the abdominal region between the lower subcostal border and the anterior superior iliac spine. Questionnaires were applied before and after treatment interventions: DVISS, functional bladder capacity (FBC), frequency of voiding, and urinary incontinence episodes evaluated by bladder diary, Bristol Gaita Scale, and Pediatric Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (PIN-Q) used. RESULTS: The decrease in the episodes of incontinence was higher in the TG (p = 0.037; p < 0.05). FBC increased after treatment in both groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.683; p > 0.05). Manual therapy was more effective in improving constipation symptoms. In both groups, DVISS and PIN-Q values decreased after treatment, but the decrease in TG was statistically significant in the evaluation made between groups (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Both parasacral TENS and massage provided a significant improvement in LUTS, constipation, and quality of life but TENS showed a bigger improvement. We suggest adding these interventions to the treatment of bladder and bowel problems in CP children.

Physical literacy as a determinant of physical activity level among late adolescents.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the level of physical literacy among late adolescents according to the current physical activity level and to examine the relationship between current physical activity, barriers to engaging in physical activity, and enjoyment of physical activity and physical literacy. METHODS: A total of 568 university students (405 women) aged from 18 to 20 were involved in this study. The physical literacy, physical activity level, enjoyment from activity, and barriers to physical activity were assessed with the Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (PPLI), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), and the Physical Activity Barriers Questionnaire (PABQ), respectively. Multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses were employed to explore the association between physical literacy and physical activity level. RESULTS: Highly physically active adolescents had better scores on the PPLI, PACES, and PABQ than moderately active and inactive participants. The PPLI total score was significantly moderately correlated with PACES total, positive, and negative scores and the PABQ score. There were significant poor correlations between the IPAQ-MET value and the PPLI scores. Adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed the PPLI total score and the PACES positive sub-scale scores, and gender (men) were associated with being highly active relative to moderately active. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the evidence that physical literacy, gender, and enjoyment from activity can be determinants of high or moderate physical activity levels. Therefore, improving physical literacy among late adolescence may be key to achieving increased physical activity level.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Versus Graston Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization in Chronic Plantar Heel Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although there are studies showing that extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization methods are effective in chronic plantar heel pain (CPHP) treatment, there is a need for studies comparing these techniques. We compared the effectiveness of ESWT versus instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization using Graston Technique (GT) instruments in addition to stretching exercises (SEs) in CPHP. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients were randomly assigned to three groups: ESWT+SEs (group 1), GT+SEs (group 2), and SEs only (control group) (ratio, 1:1:1). The SEs, twice daily for 8 weeks, were standard for all. Group 1 received low-intensity ESWT; in group 2, GT was the selected method. Visual analog scales (for initial step and activity pain), the Foot Function Index (FFI), the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia were used pretreatment, posttreatment, and at 8-week and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Visual analog scale and FFI scores improved posttreatment and during follow-up in all groups (P < .001). Although effect sizes were greater in groups 1 and 2 than in the control group in initial step pain posttreatment and at 8-week follow-up, group 2 had the highest effect size at 6 months. Mean SF-12 scores in groups 1 and 2 improved on the posttreatment assessment. Furthermore, group 2 showed significant improvements in FFI scores compared with the other groups at 6-month follow-up (F = 6.33; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Although ESWT+SEs and GT+SEs seem to have similar effects on initial step pain posttreatment and at 8-week follow-up, GT+SEs was found most effective for improving functional status at 6 months in the management of CPHP.