Hip Flexion Test Research Articles

Validity and reliability of a new hip flexor muscles flexibility assessment tool: The reactive hip flexor (RHF) test

BackgroundThe modified Thomas test is the most used and most reliable test to assess the hip flexors’ flexibility. However it does not evaluate the interaction of both legs. The objective of this study is to propose a new assessment tool for hip flexor flexibility, the Reactive Hip Flexion (RHF) Test. MethodsAn observational, intra-test, and test-retest study with repeated measures was carried out with the aim of assessing the validity and reliability of the RHF Test. The participants were males and females aged between 18 and 35 years old who had a training schedule of at least 2 days a week, without a musculoskeletal lower limb or lumbopelvic pathology. The reliability of the test was examined using the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) by a two-way random model to establish inter-rater reliability and a two-way mixed model to assess intra-rater reliability. The precision was measured by the standard error of measurement (SEM). In addition, the minimum detectable change (MDC95%) was calculated. ResultsTwenty-six participants (52 hips) (47% female) completed the study. No correlations were observed between anthropometric variables and RHF peak force or active knee extension (AKE) measurements. There was an excellent intra-rater and inter-rater ICC in the hip flexors’ reactive peak force and the AKE measurements, with a low SEM. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the proposed RHF test technique is valid and reliable when used in healthy youth population.

ARE THE CAUSES OF ILIOPSOAS-RELATED GROIN PAIN IN TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY AND HIP RESURFACING ARTHROPLASTY EQUIVALENT? A CASE-CONTROLLED INVESTIGATION USING A VALIDATED SIMULATION

Iliopsoas tendonitis occurs in up to 30% of patients after hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) and is a common reason for revision. The primary purpose of this study was to validate our novel computational model for quantifying iliopsoas impingement in HRA patients using a case-controlled investigation. Secondary purpose was to compare these results with previously measured THA patients.We conducted a retrospective search in an experienced surgeon's database for HRA patients with iliopsoas tendonitis, confirmed via the active hip flexion test in supine, and control patients without iliopsoas tendonitis, resulting in two cohorts of 12 patients. The CT scans were segmented, landmarked, and used to simulate the iliopsoas impingement in supine and standing pelvic positions. Three discrete impingement values were output for each pelvic position, and the mean and maximum of these values were reported. Cup prominence was measured using a novel, nearest-neighbour algorithm.The mean cup prominence for the symptomatic cohort was 10.7mm and 5.1mm for the asymptomatic cohort (p << 0.01). The average standing mean impingement for the symptomatic cohort was 0.1mm and 0.0mm for the asymptomatic cohort (p << 0.01). The average standing maximum impingement for the symptomatic cohort was 0.2mm and 0.0mm for the asymptomatic cohort (p << 0.01). Impingement significantly predicted the probability of pain in logistic regression models and the simulation had a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 91%, and an AUC ROC curve of 0.95.Using a case-controlled investigation, we demonstrated that our novel simulation could detect iliopsoas impingement and differentiate between the symptomatic and asymptomatic cohorts. Interestingly, the HRA patients demonstrated less impingement than the THA patients, despite greater cup prominence. In conclusion, this tool has the potential to be used preoperatively, to guide decisions about optimal cup placement, and postoperatively, to assist in the diagnosis of iliopsoas tendonitis.

DEVELOPMENT OF FLEXIBILITY OF THE STUDENTS ENGAGED IN THE FOOTBALL SECTION BY MEANS OF THE SPECIAL COMPLEX OF EXERCISES

Introduction. Physical training aimed at the development of motor skills, in accordance with the requirements of the theory and methodology of physical education, which provides appropriate conditions for the formation of motor skills and skills necessary for playing football. Modern football makes high demands on the body of students, especially in the development of motor abilities, which will serve as an important factor in the future to achieve high results. The article analyzes and substantiates the need to develop the flexibility of students involved in football in the section. Exercises have been developed to increase joint mobility and improve muscle elasticity, the most important for football students. Aim. Analyze indicators of flexibility development of students aged 18-20 under the influence of the proposed methodology. Material and methods: analysis and generalization of data from scientific and methodological literary sources and the Internet, the pedagogical experiment was conducted to test and evaluate the effectiveness of using sets of exercises to develop flexibility. Results. During the study, a set of exercises with and without a ball was used to develop the flexibility of 18-20 year old students who played football. All students of the II - III years had the same level of preparation at the time of the beginning of the study and studied with the same coach-teacher. Accordingly, the number of training sessions and the conditions for their implementation were the same for everyone. For a comprehensive assessment of the impact of using a set of exercises, tests have been selected that allow assessing the level of flexibility development. The following tests were used: "Torse tilt forward while sitting", "Twisting of straight arms with a stick back - forward", "Longitudinal splits (left leg in front)", "Longitudinal splits (right leg in front)", The twine is transverse. Angular measurements of the amplitude of movements in the joints were carried out using a goniometer consisting of two branches (movable and fixed), connected by a hinge, and a semi-arc with a graduated measuring scale from 0 to 180 or to 360 degrees; "Flexion of the hip joint", "Bending the knee joint, Flexing the ankle joint." It has been proven that the results of the test "Torse tilt forward while sitting" increased most significantly by 56,9%. Test indicators "Longitudinal split (left leg in front)" improved by 18,2%, "Longitudinal split (right leg in front)" – 15,5%. According to the "Ankle flexion" test, the results were better by 10,1%. This is due to the fact that special exercises were used to develop flexibility. The lowest growth rate of the results was determined by the results of the hip flexion test -5,4%. Conclusions. As a result of the application of the developed set of exercises, positive dynamics of the tested flexibility indicators were revealed. Complexes of exercises can be recommended to teachers and students for use during physical education classes in institutions of higher education.

Is Mediolateral Head Motion during the Seated Hip Flexion Test and Indoor Cycling Test Associated with Core Stability?

Background Appropriate evaluation of core stability is needed to efficiently evaluate the rehabilitative effectiveness of various training programs. Symmetry in mediolateral head motion during the cycling test depends on the core stability status. The seated hip flexion test requires one of the cycling motions. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate whether symmetry in mediolateral head motion during the seated hip flexion and cycling tests depends on core stability. Study design A cross-sectional study Methods A total of 75 subjects with poor (n=27) or good (n=48) core stability participated in the study. We measured the symmetry in mediolateral head angle during seated hip flexion and cycling tests, and then compared the results between individuals with good and poor core stability. Results There was no significant difference in head motion symmetry during the seated hip flexion test, although the poor core stability group showed greater asymmetry during the cycling test. Conclusions Our findings imply that the indoor cycling test can be used to estimate core stability; however, the seated hip flexion test is not appropriate for evaluating core stability. Proper resistance to lower extremity movements is needed to invoke core stability-dependent head motion in the frontal plane, considering the differences between the seated hip flexion and cycling tests.

Hip Profile in World Elite Junior Badminton Players: Impingement and Range of Motion Data from the World Junior Badminton Championship 2018

AbstractBadminton is played with repetitive high loading to the hip with lunging and jumps. In sports like soccer there is a high prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome in youth populations which may predispose them to osteoarthritis (OA). Internal rotation deficit in the hip of football players is a predictor of hip and groin pain and differences in the range of motion (ROM) of the hip between sex and different ethnicities exist. Early hip replacements in former elite badminton players due to OA seem to be a problem. There are no published values for ROM and impingement of the hip in badminton. The purpose is to report ROM and impingement of the hip in elite junior badminton players and to report any differences between sex and ethnicities. Players at the World Junior Championship 2018 were examined for hip flexion, rotation, and impingement test. Injury history was obtained from a questionnaire. Two hundred and eighty-four players of 433 aged 16 to 18 years were examined. One hundred and forty-three players answered the questionnaire. Females demonstrated greater hip ROM than males. In the dominant side hip flexion was (137.7 degrees [ ± 9.1] vs. 132.2 degrees [ ± 11.1], p < 0.001), internal rotation range of motion or IROM (60.0 degrees [ ± 10.9] vs. 49 degrees [ ± 11.1], p < 0.001) and external rotation range of motion or EROM (57.9 degrees [ ± 9.9] vs. 54.7 degrees [ ± 8.9], 0.004). Hip flexion was higher in Asian players compared with non-Asian players (139.1 degrees [ ± 8.4] vs. 130.3 degrees [ ± 10.7], p < 0.001). One hundred (35%) players had at least one positive impingement test. A possible relationship between a positive FADIR and a decrease in hip flexion was found in the dominant hip, OR 1.06 (1.02–1.11) p = 0.005. A total of 104 previous injuries lasting over 30 days were reported with five hip-related injuries. No correlation between injury and examinations was found. Females and Asians demonstrated higher ROM in the hip than males and non-Asians. Impingement of the hip is frequent and may be related to low hip flexion.

The Effect of Traditional and Stabilization-Oriented Exercises on Deep Stabilization System Function in Elite Futsal Players.

Background: This study aimed to compare the effect of traditional and stability-oriented strength exercises on trunk stability and deep stabilization system (DSS) activation in elite futsal players. Methods: Twenty elite futsal players (21–34 years, 180 ± 13 cm, 79 ± 15 kg) were randomly divided into a group that performed stability-oriented exercises and a group that performed traditional strength exercises. Both interventions lasted for 10 weeks and included 25 strength training sessions. Main outcome measures: The DSS pretest and posttest included the diaphragm test, trunk flexion test, back extension test, hip flexion test, intraabdominal pressure test, and a side plank test on a 1–5 point scale. Results: Both groups had similar initial test results, where the stability-oriented exercise group had significantly improved intraabdominal pressure test (p = 0.004, by lower quartile rate), trunk flexion (p = 0.036, by 0.5 grade in median), and side plank (p = 0.002, by 1 grade in median) in posttest results. Traditional exercise did not change the results of any of the included DSS function tests. Conclusions: Stabilization-oriented exercises effectively activate the functions of the DSS and should be prioritized over traditional strength exercises in injury prevention training programs. The use of stabilization-oriented exercises might prevent injury and overloading in elite futsal players.

Inertial Measurement Unit Based Hip Flexion Strength-Power Test for Sprinters.

This study aimed to examine whether a recently developed inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based hip flexion strength-power test could be an indicator of sprint performance, step length (SL) and frequency (SF) during sprinting using sprinters. Sixteen well-trained male sprinters performed 60-m sprints and an IMU-based hip flexion test which consisted of five serial hip flexion-extension motions for each leg with three different conditions (unweighted, 0.75 or 1.5 kg ankle weighted). Running speed, SL and SF from the start to the 50-m mark were measured using a long force platform system. The hip flexion strength-power test variables were collected using one IMU attached to the lateral thigh. The right hip flexion positive work in the 1.5 kg weighted condition was positively correlated with running speed from the 9th−12th to 21st−22nd step sections (r = 0.588–0.761) and with SF at the 17th−20th step section (r = 0.526). The right hip flexion positive mean power in the 1.5 kg weighted condition was positively correlated with running speed from the 13th−16th to 21st−22nd step section (r = 0.547–0.638) and with SF from the 13th−16th to 21st−22nd step section (r = 0.501–0.553). The current results demonstrate that, among well-trained male sprinters, hip flexion positive work and mean power measured using IMU-based strength-power test in the 1.5 kg weighted right leg condition can be a determinant of better sprint performance through higher SF during the later acceleration section approaching maximal speed.

Correlation between palpatory assessment and pressure sensors in response to postural trunk tests

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of postural trunk muscle function is a critical component of clinical assessment in patients with musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Postural activation of the trunk muscles has been evaluated by various methods. This study evaluates the correlation between subjective assessment of postural trunk muscle function with an objective measurement of abdominal wall expansion. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy participants (16 women, 9 men, age 22.4 years) were assessed. The subjective assessment was performed by two experienced Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) clinicians evaluating the quality of trunk stabilization using five postural stability tests through palpation and observation. Interrater reliability was determined using an intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Objective measurement was performed using a new device (DNS Brace) which externally measures abdominal wall pressure. Spearman rank correlations were calculated for both palpation and observation measures with DNS Brace data. RESULTS: The interrater reliability (ICC2,k) estimates demonstrated moderate reliability in palpation measures for three DNS tests: Hip flexion test, Diaphragm test, & Intra-abdominal pressure regulation test (IAPRT) (ICC = 0.645–0.707). For observation measures, good reliability was found in IAPRT (ICC = 0.835), and three tests demonstrated moderate reliability: Hip flexion test, Diaphragm test, & Breathing Stereotype (ICC = 0.577–0.695). Correlation analysis demonstrated several moderate to strong correlations between palpation and DNS brace values (Assessor 1): IAPRT, rs= 0.580, p= 0.002, Diaphragm test, rs= 0.543, p= 0.005, (Assessor 2): IAPRT, rs= 0.776, p< 0.001, Breathing Stereotype, rs= 0.625, p= 0.001, Diaphragm test, rs= 0.519, p= 0.008, Hip Flexion test, rs= 0.536, p= 0.006, and Arm Elevation test, rs= 0.460, p= 0.021. For observation, several moderate correlations were demonstrated with DNS brace values (Assessor 1): Arm Elevation test, rs= 0.472, p= 0.017, (Assessor 2) Diaphragm test, rs= 0.540, p= 0.005, IAPRT rs= 0.475, p= 0.016, Hip Flexion test, rs= 0.485, p= 0.014, and Arm Elevation, rs= 0.451, p= 0.024. CONCLUSION: Based on inter-rater reliability and DNS brace correlations with trained DNS professionals, the IAPRT, Diaphragm test, and Hip Flexion test may prove useful when assessing asymptomatic individuals. More research is needed in order to establish the utility of DNS brace and clinical testing both in asymptomatic and back pain populations. DNS tests must be supplemented by further examinations for definitive clinical decision making.

Inertial measurement unit-based hip flexion test as an indicator of sprint performance

ABSTRACTThis study aimed 1) to examine the validity of inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based hip flexion strength test, and 2) to investigate the hip flexion strength test as an indicator of sprint performance. Eight males performed five repeated hip flexion-extension, while leg motion was recorded using an IMU and a motion capture system (Mocap). As the second experiment, 24 male athletes performed the IMU-based hip flexion strength test and sprinted 50 m, during which step-to-step ground reaction force (GRF) was recorded. The strength test variables were calculated using IMU and Mocap data including angular impulse, mean moment, and positive and negative work and power. Using GRF data, step-to-step spatiotemporal variables were obtained. The results showed high intra-class correlation coefficient and correlation coefficient (both >0.909) between IMU and Mocap for angular impulse, mean moment, positive work and power. The hip flexion mean moment showed significant correlation with running speed from the 5th–8th step section onwards. The angular impulse, mean moment, positive work and power are recommended to be used for the IMU-based hip flexion strength test variables in terms of accuracy and validity. Moreover, the proposed IMU-based hip flexion strength test can be an indicator for better sprinting performance.

Tight hamstrings: primary culprit for acute pelvic girdle pain: A case report

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is the most common type of pelvic girdle pain in youngsters with sedentary lifestyle, the incidence of which being 60% of all lower back pain. The pelvic girdle is stabilized by ligaments (sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments) as well as by local muscles. Hamstrings along with sacrotuberous ligament provide posterior stability during functional activities. A 30 year old IT professional presented with acute onset of low back pain and difficulty in transition from sit to stand, walking & sitting for a long duration. Physical examination revealed disturbed Standing hip flexion test (SHFT), disturbed lumbo-pelvic rhythm, severely tight hamstrings & poor stability of pelvis. Based on the clinical findings, he was diagnosed as acute sacroiliac joint pain with anterior rotation of innominate. Manual therapy was aimed to achieve joint movement & correction of asymmetry, which led to significant short term functional recovery. Addition of hamstrings flexibility & core stability training resulted in functional betterment through correction of the asymmetry was not accomplished. Therefore, we can derive that the nociception that occurred was due to stress on the SIJ restricting the functional activity. Improvement in the functional ability and physiological movement of SIJ can be attained by correcting the muscle functions through manual therapy, exercise training, and pain rehabilitation. Keywords: Hamstrings tightness, Sacroiliac joint, Pelvic girdle pain, Sedentary lifestyle, Innominate.

Evaluation of hemiplegia caused by stroke by using joint detection of depth sensors—case of SIAS

AbstractStroke Impairment Analysis Set (SIAS) is a set of evaluation methods of the hemiplegia body caused by stroke. The score of the test is made by visual examiners. However, the decisions are often different between them. Thus, the purpose of this study is to make an automatic evaluation system for the SIAS by using depth sensors. Kinect and Leap Motion are used to evaluate the proximal and distal upper extremity tests and the proximal lower extremity test in SIAS. The evaluation of these tests is based on the time difference of left and right cases, and the smoothness. If both of left and right motions are roughly the same and the motion is smooth enough, the score is 5, otherwise the score is decreased to between 4 and 0. The perfect match ratio between the system output and therapist judged is 65‐75% and it can be higher than this if similar judgments are partially added to the score. In experimental results, this system has been shown to yield reasonable scores for the knee‐mouth test, the finger test and the hip flexion test in motor function of SIAS.

Acute effect of different time periods of passive static stretching on the hamstring flexibility.

Several factors are associated with the presence of chronic low back pain; one of them is the flexibility of the hamstring muscles that influences the posture of the pelvic spine. Investigate the influence of two different time periods of passive static stretching on the flexibility of the hamstring. Forty-six physiotherapy students were divided into two groups performing stretching exercises: 30 s and 60 s duration. The collections consisted of: (1) pre-test: evaluation of the flexibility of the hip and knee, using a manual goniometer by means of the following tests: Straight Leg Raise Test (SLR), Passive Hip Flexion Test (PHFT) and Modified Knee Extension Test (MKET), (2) intervention: stretching with different runtimes, (3) post-test: reappraisal of flexibility, conducted immediately after the intervention. Significant difference was observed intra groups, group that did stretching exercises lasting 30 seconds (G30) (SLR p = 0.000. PHFT p = 0.003 and MKET p = 0.000) and group that did stretching exercises lasting 60 seconds (G60) (SLR p = 0.000. PHFT p = 0.001 and MKET p = 0.002). Comparing the groups, no significant difference was found (SLR p = 0.307; PHFT p = 0.904; MKET p = 0.132). Thus it can be inferred that 30 seconds are sufficient for increased flexibility of young women. Therefore the time-treatment sessions can be optimized. Only the acute effect of stretching was observed; further investigation of the long-term effect is required.

The Influence of Two Stretching Techniques on Standing Hip Range of Motion.

The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of two stretching techniques on standing hip range of motion (ROM) in female dancers. The participants were 18 university students. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups: active stretch group (Bartenieff Fundamentals(TM) thigh lift), passive stretch group (contract-release-contract form of PNF), or a control group. The participants assigned to the stretching groups completed 12 sessions of their randomly assigned stretch technique over a 3-week period. A repeated measures ANOVA (group x day) was used to analyze statistically the data gathered on the pre- and post-standing hip ROM tests. Both of the stretching groups had statistically significant increases in standing hip flexion angles during the standing hip flexion test. The passive stretch group had greater increases than the active stretch group [F(4, 86) = 7.03, p < 0.01]. The results of this study provide evidence that the effects of supine stretching transfer to standing hip flexion.

Mobile Sensor Application for Kinematic Detection of the Knees.

ObjectiveTo correctly measure the knee joint angle, this study utilized a Qualisys motion capture system and also used it as the reference to assess the validity of the study's Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) system that consisted of four IMU sensors and the Knee Angle Recorder software. The validity was evaluated by the root mean square (RMS) of different angles and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values between the Qualisys system and the IMU system.MethodsFour functional knee movement tests for ten healthy participants were investigated, which were the knee flexion test, the hip and knee flexion test, the forward step test and the leg abduction test, and the walking test.ResultsThe outcomes of the knee flexion test, the hip and knee flexion test, the forward step test, and the walking test showed that the RMS of different angles were less than 6°. The ICC values were in the range of 0.84 to 0.99. However, the leg abduction test showed a poor correlation in the measurement of the knee abduction-adduction movement.ConclusionThe IMU system used in this study is a new good method to measure the knee flexion-extension movement.

Test-retest reliability of seven common clinical tests for assessing lower extremity muscle flexibility in futsal and handball players

ObjectiveTo determine the inter-session reliability of seven lower limb muscle flexibility measures obtained from the passive hip extension test (PHE), passive hip flexion test (PHF), passive hip abduction test (PHA), passive straight leg raise test (PSLR), modified Thomas test (MTh), the ankle dorsi-flexion with knee extended (ADFKE) and flexed (ADFKF) tests. DesignRepeated measures design. SettingControlled laboratory environment. Participants60 futsal and 30 handball players. Main outcome measuresReliability was examined through the change in the mean (ChM), standard error of measurement expressed in absolute values (SEM) and as a percentage of the mean score (%SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC95), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,k). ResultsThe findings showed negligible ChM values for all the flexibility measures analysed (<1°). Furthermore, the SEM and MDC95 for each flexibility measure ranged from 1.3° to 2.5° and from 3.8° to 6.9°, respectively, with %SEM scores lower than 10% and ICC scores higher than 0.88. ConclusionsClinicians can be 95% confident that an observed change between 2 measures larger than 3.7°, 6.2°, 5.5°, 6.1°, 6.9°, 4.7°, and 5.0° for the flexibility measures obtained from the PHE, PHF, PHA, PSLR, MTh, ADFKE and ADFKF, respectively, likely indicates a real change in muscle flexibility.

NINE TEST SCREENING BATTERY – INTRA-RATER RELIABILITY AND SCREENING ON ICELANDIC MALE HANDBALL PLAYERS

BackgroundInjuries are common in handball, but little is known about their risk factors. One potential screening test to identify player at risk is the Nine Test Screening Battery (NTSB).ObjectiveTo test...

Assessment of asymmetry in pelvic motion – An inter- and intra-examiner reliability study

Pelvic asymmetry has been suggested to change the biomechanics of the body and result in musculoskeletal pain. It is therefore of great relevance that there are tests that are reliable and valid when assessing pelvic asymmetry. The aim of this study was to examine the inter- and intra-examiner reliability for the standing flexion test (SFT), the initiation of the squat motion test (IOSMT) and the standing hip flexion test (SHFT), assessing asymmetry in pelvic motion around a transverse axis. Four experienced physiotherapists assessed in total 34 participants. Percentage agreement for inter-examiner reliability varied between 59% and 71% and kappa values between 0.2 and 0.4.The percentage agreement in intra-examiner reliability varied between 74% and 87% and kappa values between 0.4 and 0.7. A post hoc analysis of participants reporting low back and/or neck symptoms showed similar results in percentage agreement. A limitation in the present study was that the distribution of findings of pelvic mobility was skewed, which could have affected the kappa analysis. This study indicates in conclusion that SFT, IOSMT and SHFT may be reliable palpation tests in clinic settings. It is recommended that assessment of pelvic motion should include all three tests, since this showed higher reliability than when using the tests separately.

Die Ausgangsstellung des kontralateralen Beines beeinflusst die muskuläre Kraftfähigkeit beim Testen und Trainieren auf einer Beinpresse

There are numerous studies on the factors influencing the maximum isometric force. These include, among others, the activity of the contralateral extremities in unilateral measurements. With reference to this parameter, there is still disagreement. Some studies suggest that activation of the contralateral antagonist leads to an increase in force production of the tested limb. In contrast, other research groups came to the conclusion that simultaneous contraction of the contralateral agonists have this effect. The aim of this study was to find out how certain starting positions and contraction directions of the non-tested limb affect the force capability of the contralateral limb during unilateral maximum isometric force measurements on a leg press. In the course of the investigation, the unilateral isometric maximum force capacity of the lower limbs of 20 subjects in four different starting positions and forms of activation of the contralateral limb was tested. The non-tested leg was first loosely placed on the floor (starting position A), then it was held on the body in maximum knee and hip flexion (test situation G) and after that it had to perform maximal contraction exercises in extension (KE) and flexion (KF) each against a stabilisation bar. The results showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower force levels during the contralateral contraction KF compared to all other test situations. In the starting position A, the subjects reached the highest values. Compared to G and KF these differences in maximum force development were significant (p < 0.05). Both the initial position, and the activity of the contralateral limb has an impact on the maximum isometric extension strength of the tested leg at the leg press. Therefore, during the repeated execution of an isometric strength test on this apparatus, it should be taken care that the subject occupies the same starting position as the previous test. A voluntary activation of the contralateral side should be avoided during the measurement, or in the same way.

Disfunción sacroilíaca y dolor lumbar relacionado con el embarazo: ¿son efectivas las terapias médico-manuales?

IntroductionBack pain during pregnancy is a condition having unquestionable importance, sacroiliac malfunction being one of the most common causes. This study has aimed to analyze the efficiency of medical manual treatment for pregnant women with irradiated lumbar pain and symptoms consistent with sacroiliac malfunction. Material and methodsA study was conducted on 15 pregnant women with sacroiliac malfunction, diagnosed with the standing hip flexion test (Kirkaldy-Gillet) and the sitting test (Piedallu), who were treated with a technique adapted from manual medicine. For monitoring results, lumbar pain disability Oswestry test and visual analog numerical scale (VAS) were used. ResultsA 2-point improvement was observed on the VAS scale and a decrease of 10 points on the Oswestry test. At 40 days after giving birth, none of the women reported sacroliac malfunction symptoms. ConclusionsSacroiliac malfunction is an important condition in pregnant women with irradiated lumbar pain, and its treatment differs from the classic unspecific lower back pain. Medical manual techniques have demonstrated significant benefits in this condition in terms of pain and disability. However, further clinical trials are required to support its efficiency.

Intrarater Reliability of the Adductor Squeeze Test in Gaelic Games Athletes

Groin pain is commonly experienced by athletes involved in field-based sports and is particularly prevalent in Gaelic Games athletes. The adductor squeeze test is commonly used in the assessment of groin pain and injuries. To date, no evidence in the literature provides the reliability of the adductor squeeze test using a sphygmomanometer in assessing the adductor muscle integrity of Gaelic Games athletes. Given the high proportion of groin pain encountered in Gaelic Games athletes, establishing the reliability of the adductor squeeze test will allow clinicians to monitor injury responses and to assess return-to-play criteria. To evaluate the intrarater reliability of a commercially available sphygmomanometer for measuring adductor squeeze values in Gaelic Games athletes and to determine if different squeeze values are associated with the 3 commonly used test positions. Descriptive laboratory study. University clinical skills laboratory. Eighteen male Gaelic Games athletes without any previous or current history of groin or pelvic pain. Each participant performed the adductor squeeze test in 3 positions of hip joint flexion (0°, 45°, and 90°) on 2 test days separated by at least 1 week. Adductor squeeze test values (mm Hg) quantified by a commercially available sphygmomanometer. Intrarater reliability intraclass correlation values ranged from 0.89 to 0.92 (intraclass correlation coefficients were 0°, 0.89; 45°, 0.92; and 90°, 0.90). The highest squeeze values were recorded in the 45° of hip flexion test position, and these values differed from those demonstrated in the 0° and 90° hip flexion test positions (P < .05). A commercially available sphygmomanometer is a reliable device for measuring adductor squeeze test values.