Non-dominant Side Research Articles

Ultrasound assessment of talar cartilage thickness measurements in asymptomatic subjects with pes planus and its relationship with anthropometric parameters

IntroductionIndividuals with pes planus may have alterations in talar cartilage thickness due to changes in lower extremity alignment. The aim of this study was to measure the talar cartilage thickness of subjects with pes planus and compare the results with those of healthy controls. Another aim of the present study was to evaluate its relationship with anthropometric foot parameters. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 48 individuals (16 males and 32 females) in the pes planus group and 48 individuals in the healthy control group (14 males and 34 females) based on the Navicular Drop (ND) test and the Foot Posture Index (FPI). Talar cartilage thickness (TCT) was measured with ultrasound. Anthropometric foot parameters of the individuals, such as foot length and foot width, were evaluated using a podoscope. ResultsTCT was higher in participants with pes planus compared to the control group (dominant side, p = 0.006; non-dominant side, p = 0.002). Foot width and length were similar in both groups for the dominant and non-dominant feet (p > 0.05). TCT on the dominant foot was positively correlated with the FPI score (r = 0.205, p = 0.045), ND score (r = 0.297, p = 0.003), foot width (r = 0.244, p = 0.017) and foot length (r = 0.253, p = 0.013). On the other hand, TCT on the non-dominant side was positively correlated with the FPI score (r = 0.235, p = 0.021), ND score (r = 0.363, p < 0.001), foot width (r = 0.270, p = 0.008) and length (r = 0.303, p = 0.003). ConclusionThe talar cartilage of patients with pes planus seems to be thicker, and this is generally related to body weight, body mass index, foot anthropometrics, and posture characteristics. Level of evidenceLevel III, diagnostic comparative study.

Normative values and the influence of sex, hand dominance, and direction of movement on active wrist joint position sense in young healthy adults

BackgroundActive wrist joint position sense (JPS) is a feasible method for determining wrist proprioception. However, the normative values and factors affecting wrist JPS are not known. ObjectivesTo identify normative values of active wrist JPS in young healthy adults and explore the influence of sex, hand dominance and direction of wrist movement. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodJPS of 100 individuals aged 18–40 years, (male: female = 51:49) were measured at two wrist positions (20° flexion/extension) using the active wrist JPS test. Absolute error (in degrees) was calculated and summarized using descriptive measures. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance was performed to determine the differences in JPS error based on sex, dominance and direction of wrist movement. ResultsMean absolute JPS flexion error on the dominant side was 3.47°(SD = 3.91°), and non-dominant side was 3.26°(SD = 3.23°). Mean absolute JPS extension error on the dominant side was 3.35°(SD = 3.43°), and non-dominant side was 4.59°(SD = 4.82°). Compared to males, females had more absolute error for flexion and extension on the dominant side. No significant difference was found in the absolute error between the dominant and non-dominant sides or between flexion and extension. ConclusionThese normative values of active JPS in young healthy adults can help clinicians while assessing proprioceptive impairments of the wrist. Differences in JPS errors due to sex were found, but not due to dominance or direction of movement. These findings can guide future research on mechanisms involved in wrist JPS.

Humeral Torsion in Relation to Shoulder Range of Motion in Elite Field Hockey Players.

Sport-specific adaptations in shoulder rotation range of motion (ROM) and the relationship with humeral torsion have been described in overhead-throwing sports. However, information is lacking for other shoulder-loading sports such as field hockey. Therefore, this study's purpose was to evaluate humeral torsion in elite, male field hockey players and explore its association with shoulder ROM. Cross-sectional study. Twenty-five male, elite field hockey players were included. Humeral torsion and shoulder external and internal rotation ROM were evaluated bilaterally by ultrasound and an inclinometer smartphone application, respectively. Field hockey players showed a significantly increased humeral retroversion on the dominant compared with the nondominant side (P < .001; Cohen d = 1.75), along with a significantly increased external (P = .004; Cohen d = -0.64) and decreased internal rotation ROM (P = .003; Cohen d = 0.65). This finding illustrates a shift in total shoulder rotational ROM arc. Correlation analysis showed a significant moderate association between the increased humeral retroversion and decreased internal rotation ROM on the dominant side (r = .523). Elite male field hockey athletes show sport-specific adaptations regarding humeral torsion and shoulder rotation ROM, similar to throwing athletes. These findings increase our insight into the field hockey athlete's shoulder, which is essential to optimize performance and assist in correctly interpreting shoulder rotational ROM measurements.

Return to Play Assessment After Lateral Ankle Sprains - German Male Elite Youth Football (Soccer) Academy Baseline Data.

Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is one of the most common types of injury in football (soccer). Normative baseline data of performance tests for Return to Play (RTP) decision are still lacking. The primary aim of this study was to generate baseline values for uninjured elite youth football players for a multifactorial RTP assessment and compare with previously published data. A secondary aim was to investigate the use of the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) as a method to determine whether an athlete passes a performance test or not. Observational Cohort study. Baseline data of performance tests (Y-Balance [YBT-LQ], Heel Rise [HRT]; Singe Leg Squat [SLST]; Single Leg Drop Jump [SLDJ]; Side Hop [SHT]; Figure of 8 Hop [F-8]; Modified Agility T-Test [MAT]) were assessed in 20 elite youth football players, aged 16-21 years. Additionally, the traditional LSI (dividing the result of the non-dominant leg by the result of the dominant leg and multiplying by 100) and directionally corrected LSI (the worst value is divided by the better value and multiplied by 100) were calculated. The test values were compared to previously reported study results. LSI and side-to-side comparisons between dominant and non-dominant leg sides were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. Male elite youth football players achieved better results in the dynamic performance tests (SHT, F-8, and MAT) compared to reference values of the cohorts previously described in the literature: YBT-LQ total score (cm) dominant (dom) 99.3±8.3, non-dominant (ND) 99.5±10.4; HRT (average number) dom. 27.1±5.4, ND 25.2±5.1); SLDJ height (cm) dom 15±5, ND 15±5 and contact time (sec) dom 0.29±0.08, ND 0.29±0.07, Reactive Strength Index (RSI) dom 0.52±0.12, ND 0.50±0.13); SHT (sec) dom 7.12±0.73, ND 7.39±0.93; F-8 (sec) dom 10.52±1.02, ND 10.37±1.04; and MAT (sec) 5.82±0.22. Directionally corrected LSI differed significantly from the traditional calculated LSI (p<0.05). The findings of this study highlight the need to determine specific baseline data for RTP testing in male elite youth football players after LAS. The traditional LSI should not be used as a "stand alone method" for determining RTP. LSI calculations should consider the direction of asymmetry to determine passing a performance test or not. 3b.

Evaluation of clinico-radiological outcome of conservative treatment in patients with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears

ObjectiveWhile some patients may require surgical treatment a lot of patients do recover on conservative treatment alone while the optimal treatment being unclear. The purpose of this study was to treat the PT-RCTs conservatively for a period of 6 months and to determine its clinical outcome, radiological outcome on MRI and the baseline clinical factors predictive of that outcome. MethodologyAll patients with a partial tear of supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus on their 1st MRI and aged 18–80 years were eligible and 47 patients (22 males, 25 females) were enrolled. Patients were evaluated using a standardised format including clinical history, imaging, and ASES(American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) score. Patients underwent a course of physical therapy for a period of minimum of 6 months which was augmented with the use of analgesics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs, multivitamins and supplements which were patient specific. Patients were followed up at 3 months and 6 months, ASES score was calculated, and a follow-up MRI was done at 6 months to determine if their tear had healed, remained the same, or progressed. A patient that had a better ASES score at 6 months was tagged as “clinically improved”. Radiologically, patients were considered treated “successfully” if the tear size was reduced or remained the same while some “failed” that had an increased size of tear. ResultNon-operatively treated patients demonstrated a mean ASES score of 63.45 ± 16.24 at the end of 6 months. Overall, 35 patients (74.5 %) had the same size, seven patients (14.9 %) demonstrated tear progression and 5 (10.6 %) patients showed a decrease in size of their tear on MRI done at 6 months. In the end, 30 (63.8 %) patients improved clinically and 40 (85.1 %) patients improved radiologically. Statistical analysis also showed that patients with their non-dominant side involved and with an atraumatic onset of their injury were more likely to improve clinically. ConclusionConservative treatment of PT-RCTs may lead to a successful clinical outcome but it may or may not reveal itself radiologically. ASES score is an effective tool to evaluate and manage various conditions of the shoulder and not just the rotator cuff. The baseline factors such as onset (traumatic versus atraumatic) and shoulder involved (dominant versus non-dominant) can predict the outcome of conservative treatment.

A Preliminary Study on the Effects of 4-Week Training Program with Interactive Floor Support on Plantar Pressure Distribution in Sedentary Individuals

Objective: Our purpose was to investigate on the effects of foot exercises by using interactive floor support as a modality of rehabilitation technology on plantar pressure distribution in sedentary individuals. Methods: Participants who were aged between 18-35, who agreed to participate voluntarily and had no pathology developed in the lower extremities in the past 6 months were included in this study. In order to determine the plantar pressure distribution change of all participants, the first and last evaluation was measured with Emed® Pedobarography. Balance and proprioception exercises on both lower extremities for 12 sessions (for four weeks, three sessions per week, lasts 15 minutes each) were performed with an interactive floor device. Results: A total of 15 healthy and sedentary subjects (12 female, 3 male, with a mean of 20,27±0,961 years and 21,31 ± 3,027 kg/m2 BMI) completed the four-week training protocol. Maximum force of total and hindfoot in both feet significantly decreased after 4-week training (p.05). Conclusion: Based on our results, the present study revealed that the 4-week training programme with interactive floor support for ankle joint could decrease maximum force of total and hindfoot on the bottom of the dominant and non-dominant side feet in healthy and sedentary individuals. Future investigation should be conducted to clarify the effects of long-term training programs with interactive floor support on plantar pressure distribution in patients with foot deformities.

Reliability of scapular position and periscapular muscle strength tests in healthy subjects with forward neck and rounded shoulder posture

BACKGROUND: People with forward head posture (FHP) and rounded shoulder posture (RSP) may experience shifts in scapular position and alterations in the strength of the muscles surrounding the scapula. Therefore, a reliable scapula position and scapula muscle strength test are required to identified scapula problem and provided appropriate intervention programs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the reliability of scapular position measurements obtained using a modified digital inclinometer and palpation meter, as well as muscle strength using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) in individuals with FHP and RSP. METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects underwent scapular position tests (upward rotation, anterior tilt, depression, and protraction) and strength tests of periscapular muscles (serratus anterior, upper trapezius, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius) on both the dominant and non-dominant sides. The reliability of the measurements was confirmed by computing the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Test and re-tests were conducted over a period of one week and actual values for each measurement were also obtained and assessed. RESULTS: The ICC ranged from 0.802 to 0.935 for the scapular position tests and from 0.808 to 0.949 for muscle strength tests on the dominant and non-dominant sides. For scapular position tests, SEM values ranged from 0.3 cm to 0.6 cm (protraction and depression), from 1.0∘ to 1.7∘ (upward rotation and anterior tilt) and MCID values ranged from 0.7 cm to 1.6 cm (protraction and depression), from 2.8∘ to 4.7∘ (upward rotation and anterior tilt). Regarding muscle strength tests, SEM and MCID values were in the range 14.4N–27.3N and 39.9N–75.7N, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Scapular position and periscapular muscle strength can be reproducibly measured in healthy subjects individuals with FHP and RSP. These instruments can hence be recommended for evaluating these functional traits in subjects with FHP and RSP.

Influence of restricted visual input on lower limb joint works of female children during sit-to-stand

BackgroundThe ankle-knee-hip joint systems have structures that can produce mechanical work through elastic, viscoelastic mechanisms or muscle activity. This study aimed to compute sit-to-stand (STS) joint works in lower limbs between blind and sighted children to find the relationship between visual memory and STS joint work variables. MethodsThis study included fifteen female children with congenitally blind (CB) and 30 healthy girls without visual impairments. The children with no visual impairments were randomly divided into two condition groups with 15 each, the eyes open (EO) and the eyes closed (EC). Inverse dynamics calculated joint works by integrating multiple the moment and angular velocity (F1) and force and velocity (F2). They were normalized to body mass and body height. ResultsGenerally, the sensitivity of F1 (on both sides in the sagittal and frontal planes) was more than F2 (on the non-dominant side in the mediolateral and vertical axes). In the ML axis, the EC group had insufficient maximal non-dominant hip work relative to the EO group (p = 0.002). In addition, the CB group suffered from low hip efficiency (p = 0.003) and high knee (p < 0.001) mechanical work. ConclusionsNumerous differences between CB and EC groups (on knee and hip works) showed that the time of visual input deprivation could change the type of human body's strategies to reach the consolidation process and keep adequate balance during STS. Therefore, rehabilitation programs should be aimed at addressing the impairments in the management of restricted visual input during STS performance.

Isokinetic Ankle Inversion and Eversion Muscle Strength in Korean Men’s Professional Basketball Players

PURPOSE: In this study, the isokinetic strength of ankle inversion and eversion in Korean professional basketball players (KBL) was assessed, distinguishing between their dominant and non-dominant legs, as well as across different positions.METHODS: A meticulously designed study was conducted involving 25 KBL players (12 guards, 11 forwards, and 2 centers) with an average age of 27.8 ± 5.3 years. The CSMI Norm isokinetic dynamometer, a highly accurate instrument, was used to measure bilateral isokinetic concentric strength at 60°·s-¹ and 150°·s-¹. The study measured peak torque (Nm), body mass normalized peak torque (Nm·kg-¹), bilateral strength asymmetry, and the eversion-to-inversion strength ratio in both dominant and non-dominant legs.RESULTS: Peak torques, normalized peak torques, and eversion-to-inversion strength ratios were not significantly different between the dominant and non-dominant legs at the two angular speeds. There was also less than a 10% asymmetry in strength between the two legs. However, a position-specific analysis revealed that guards had a significantly higher normalized peak torque (0.35 vs. 0.30 Nm·kg-1, p = .048) for ankle inversion of the dominant leg at 150°·s-¹ compared to forwards.CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that healthy KBL players exhibit symmetrical ankle inversion and eversion muscle strength between their dominant and non-dominant sides, with possible positional differences in strength. These findings serve as a reference for the assessment of inversion and eversion strength in basketball players.

Multimodal sensorimotor assessment of hand and forearm asymmetries: a reliability and correlational study.

Effective rehabilitation of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders requires multimodal assessment to guide clinicians' decision-making. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment must include reliable tests. Nevertheless, the interrelationship among various upper limb tests remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of easily applicable upper extremity assessments, including absolute values and asymmetries of muscle mechanical properties, pressure pain threshold, active range of motion, maximal isometric strength, and manual dexterity. A secondary aim was to explore correlations between different assessment procedures to determine their interrelationship. Thirty healthy subjects participated in two experimental sessions with 1 week between sessions. Measurements involved using a digital myotonometer, algometer, inclinometer, dynamometer, and the Nine-Hole Peg test. Intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of the mean, and minimum detectable change were calculated as reliability indicators. Pearson's correlation was used to assess the interrelationship between tests. For the absolute values of the dominant and nondominant sides, reliability was 'good' to 'excellent' for muscle mechanical properties, pressure pain thresholds, active range of motion, maximal isometric strength, and manual dexterity. Similarly, the reliability for asymmetries ranged from 'moderate' to 'excellent' across the same parameters. Faster performance in the second session was consistently found for the Nine-Hole Peg test. No systematic inter-session errors were identified for the values of the asymmetries. No significant correlations were found between tests, indicating test independence. These findings indicate that the sensorimotor battery of tests is reliable, while monitoring asymmetry changes may offer a more conservative approach to effectively tracking recovery of upper extremity injuries.

Comparison of Balance in Habitual High Heels Wearers and Flat Shoe Wearers by Star Excursion Balance Test

Background: The capacity to maintain a stable and upright posture, or balance, is influenced by footwear type. High heel shoes (HHS) alter foot alignment and weight distribution, potentially impacting balance and increasing fall risk. Despite the popularity of high heels, the balance effects compared to flat shoes remain underexplored. Objective: To compare the balance between habitual high heel wearers and flat shoe wearers using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2022 to January 2023, including 70 female participants aged 18-35 years. Participants were habitual wearers of high heels or flat shoes for at least six months. Individuals seeking medical care for lower extremity issues or with a history of lower extremity fractures or surgeries were excluded. Balance was assessed using the SEBT, which involves reaching in eight directions from a central stance. Each participant performed three trials per direction. Leg length was measured to normalize reach distances. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The Mann-Whitney U Test was used to compare balance between groups, with a significance threshold of p&lt;0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 23.83 years (SD = 3.43). For the anterior reach on the dominant side, flat shoe wearers had a significantly better balance with a mean rank of 38.93 compared to 27.50 for high heel wearers (p=0.031). No significant differences were observed in other directions: anterior reach non-dominant side (p=0.499), anteromedial reach dominant side (p=0.384), anteromedial reach non-dominant side (p=0.887), medial reach dominant side (p=0.174), medial reach non-dominant side (p=0.524), posteromedial reach dominant side (p=0.544), posteromedial reach non-dominant side (p=0.913), posterior reach dominant side (p=0.704), posterior reach non-dominant side (p=0.350), posterolateral reach dominant side (p=0.177), and posterolateral reach non-dominant side (p=0.934). Conclusion: Habitual high heel wearers and flat shoe wearers showed no significant differences in balance across most SEBT directions, except for a significantly poorer anterior reach in high heel wearers. These findings suggest that high heel use may specifically impact anterior balance, highlighting the need for further investigation into the biomechanical and physiological impacts of high heels on balance.

Performance in myoelectric pattern recognition improves with transcranial direct current stimulation

Sensorimotor impairments, resulting from conditions like stroke and amputations, can profoundly impact an individual’s functional abilities and overall quality of life. Assistive and rehabilitation devices such as prostheses, exo-skeletons, and serious gaming in virtual environments can help to restore some degree of function and alleviate pain after sensorimotor impairments. Myoelectric pattern recognition (MPR) has gained popularity in the past decades as it provides superior control over said devices, and therefore efforts to facilitate and improve performance in MPR can result in better rehabilitation outcomes. One possibility to enhance MPR is to employ transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to facilitate motor learning. Twelve healthy able-bodied individuals participated in this crossover study to determine the effect of tDCS on MPR performance. Baseline training was followed by two sessions of either sham or anodal tDCS using the dominant and non-dominant arms. Assignments were randomized, and the MPR task consisted of 11 different hand/wrist movements, including rest or no movement. Surface electrodes were used to record EMG and the MPR open-source platform, BioPatRec, was used for decoding motor volition in real-time. The motion test was used to evaluate performance. We hypothesized that using anodal tDCS to increase the excitability of the primary motor cortex associated with non-dominant side in able-bodied individuals, will improve motor learning and thus MPR performance. Overall, we found that tDCS enhanced MPR performance, particularly in the non-dominant side. We were able to reject the null hypothesis and improvements in the motion test’s completion rate during tDCS (28% change, p-value: 0.023) indicate its potential as an adjunctive tool to enhance MPR and motor learning. tDCS appears promising as a tool to enhance the learning phase of using assistive devices using MPR, such as myoelectric prostheses.

Relationship between sensation and balance and gait in multiple sclerosis patients with mild disability

BackgroundPatients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) often experience sensory, balance, and gait problems. Impairment in any sensation may increase imbalance and gait disorder in PwMS. This study aimed to (1) compare foot plantar sensations, knee position sense, balance, and gait in PwMS compared to Healthy Individuals (HI) and (2) examine the relationship between plantar sensations, knee position sense, balance, and gait in PwMS. MethodsThirty PwMS with mild disability and 10 HI participated in this study. Light touch threshold, two-point discrimination, vibration duration, and knee position sense were examined on the Dominant Side (DS) and Non-Dominant Side (NDS). Balance and spatio-temporal gait analysis were evaluated in all participants. ResultsPwMS had higher postural sway with eyes closed on the foam surface, longer swing phase of DS, longer single support phase of NDS, and shorter double support phase of DS compared to HI (p < 0.05). The results of regression analysis showed that the light touch thresholds of the 1st and 5th toes of the DS were associated with postural sway in different sensory conditions (p < 0.05). In contrast, the light touch thresholds of the 1st and 5th toes, two-point discrimination of the heel, vibration duration of the 1st metatarsal head and knee position sense of the NDS, and light touch threshold in the medial arch of both sides were associated with the gait parameters (p < 0.05). ConclusionPwMS, even with mild disabilities needs neurorehabilitation to improve plantar sensation and knee position sense.

Pole Dancing-Specific Muscle Strength: Development and Reliability of a Novel Assessment Protocol.

Pole dancing is a physically demanding sport that combines dance and acrobatic movements on a vertical pole. Despite its highly growing popularity, there is currently limited research in the field. The aim of this study was to create and evaluate a strength assessment protocol for athletes in pole dancing, with a specific focus on functional positions on the pole. Thirty-two female pole dancing athletes participated in this study. Maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) were measured at three different sport-specific positions on the pole (shoulder abduction and adduction, and hip adduction), on two separate days (test and re-test) with a five to seven day interval between them. A hand-held dynamometer (Activ5- Activbody) stabilized on the pole was used for this study. The intra-session reliability was good to excellent for all sports-specific positions and for both sides of the body, across all different movements (ICC = 0.837-0.960, SEM = 5.02Kg-2.24Kg, and SDD = 27.46%-14.92%). Slightly better results were found regarding inter-session reliability (ICC = 0.927-0.970, SEM = 3.72Kg-1.97Kg, and SDD = 22.86%-15.19%). There was not a statistically significant difference between the MVICs between the left and right or dominant and non-dominant side in shoulder abduction (p = 0.105) and hip adduction (p = 0.282), in contrast to shoulder adduction (p = 0.00). The strength assessment protocol developed in the current study has proven to be a reliable and functional tool, with the potential for utilization in clinical practice as part of objective strength testing. Further studies are needed in order to expand the protocol to other muscle groups and positions and to generalize the results in all pole dancing populations such as male athletes.

Quality of life and strength, but not cytokines, are associated with DAS-28 in active and inactive rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: Evaluate and correlate data between relevant cytokines, disease progression, and handgrip and quality of life among RA patients at different stages of disease progression. Method: Thirty-three RA patients were recruited for analysis, using comparisons and correlations, between levels of circulating cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-1β, and TNF receptors I and II), activity of the disease (evaluated using the DAS-28), handgrip (Hydraulic dynamometer), and quality of life (SF-36). Result: RA patients in different disease stages showed increases of IL-6 and IL-10 compared control group. Positive correlation between IL-6 with TNF-α, and IL-4 with IL-10 was found. Handgrip strength and quality of life were not related to cytokine levels. However, remission patients had better strength and quality of life indices compared to the active patients. In addition, handgrip of the non-dominant side, physical functions, role limitations physical health, pain, energy/fatigue and social functions have a negative correlation with the DAS28-PCR. Conclusion: High levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were observed in the chronic RA patients, but the values did not show correlation with disease activity, handgrip strength and quality of life. Disease activity show correlation with handgrip strength and quality of life. Furthermore, remission patients had better strength and quality of life indices compared to the active patients.

Identifying the Differences in Symmetry of the Anthropometric Parameters of the Upper Limbs in Relation to Manual Laterality between Athletes Who Practice Sports with and without a Ball

Identifying the Differences in Symmetry of the Anthropometric Parameters of the Upper Limbs in Relation to Manual Laterality between Athletes Who Practice Sports with and without a Ball

Enhancing soccer goalkeepers penalty dive kinematics with instructional video and laterality insights in field conditions

This study aimed to analyze the effect of laterality and instructional video on the soccer goalkeepers’ dive kinematics in penalty. Eight goalkeepers from youth categories (U15, U17, U20) were randomly divided into control (CG) and video instruction groups (VG). The latter performed 20 penalty defense trials on the field with balls launched by a machine, ten before and after watching a video instruction to improve the diving kinematics. The CG only performed the dives. Three cameras recorded the collections. A markerless motion capture technique (OpenPose) was used for identification and tracking of joints and anatomical references on video. The pose data were used for 3D reconstruction. In the post-instruction situation, the VG presented differences in comparison to the CG in the: knee flexion/extension angle, time to reach peak resultant velocity, frontal step distance, and frontal departure angle, which generated greater acceleration during the dive. Non-dominant leg side dives had higher resultant velocity during 88.4 – 100% of the diving cycle, different knee flexion/extension angle, and higher values ​​in the frontal step distance. The instructional video generated an acute change in the diving movement pattern of young goalkeepers when comparing the control and the video instruction group in the post condition.

P101 Investigating the association between clinical enthesitis and central sensitisation in psoriatic arthritis

Abstract Background/Aims Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis with enthesitis as its characteristic clinical feature. Enthesitis can be clinically challenging to differentiate from the widespread pain associated with Fibromyalgia (FM), the prototype of central sensitisation (CS) present in up to 30% of PsA patients. Algometry is used in CS research to quantify pressure pain threshold (PPT), reflecting increased pain sensitivity when reduced. Ultrasound is a valuable tool to evidence entheseal inflammatory changes in PsA. This study investigates associations between CS, i.e., FM, and entheseal ultrasound outcomes to better characterise pain mechanisms in PsA enthesitis. Methods A total of 20 patients with active PsA about to start a new immunosuppressant were recruited. Ultrasound evaluation of non-dominant knee (left for all patients) using dynamic B-mode and power Doppler was performed alongside the Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI) collection to assess enthesitis. PPT was measured with algometry at the non-dominant knee (enthesitis), trapezius and calf muscle (CS areas), and collection of the ACR 2011 FM criteria was used to determine the presence of CS. Non-dominant areas were selected because they are less likely to exhibit biomechanical ultrasound alterations; moreover, the non-dominant side is generally more sensitive than the dominant side, thus enabling more precise PPT measurements. Correlations and t-tests were used to test associations between variables collected. SPSS was used to analyse the data. Results The 30% of patients met the FM criteria and presented higher LEI scores and lower PPT evoked threshold than FM-negative patients. Total FM scores significantly correlated with LEI scores (r = 0.69, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and calf PPTs (r=-0.53, p=-0.014), but not with knee and trapezius PPTs (r=-0.49, p = 0.09; r=-0.30, p = 0.19), or US enthesitis (r=-0.04, p = 0.86). PPTs in the areas investigated did not show significant correlations with US enthesitis, while an indirect association was observed between LEI with calf PPT (r=-0.51, p = 0.02) and trapezius PPT (r=-0.41, p = 0.06). No significant correlation was demonstrated between LEI and left knee enthesitis (r=-0.32, p = 0.17). Conclusion FM is frequent in PsA and can mimic entheseal pain, as suggested by the strong correlation with the LEI scores. In our cohort, LEI scores did not efficiently capture inflammatory enthesitis, demonstrated by the lack of association with ultrasound data. Moreover, the association between objective measurement of CS, including calf and trapezius PPTs, supports that LEI score may primarily reflect the presence of central sensitisation rather than inflammation. Therefore, relying solely on clinical detection of enthesitis may result in inappropriate treatment escalation. Ultrasound, conversely, serves as a dependable tool for confirming enthesitis and providing valuable information for making informed treatment decisions. Disclosure N.M. Aldehmi: None. N. Basu: None. J. Dale: None. A. Najm: None. F. Sunzini: None.

Effects of Short-Term Hand Tractor Operation on Upper Limb Responses of Users

ABSTRACT Objectives Continuous exposure to hand-arm vibration integrated with poor posture and forceful movements are known causes of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). In most related studies, force and vibration levels in experimental research is controlled. This study aims to determine how actual hand tractor field operation can affect the upper limb of users. It intends to characterize upper limb muscle activation applied during actual hand tractor usage. Lastly, it determines the immediate impacts on hand strength and perceived upper limb discomfort after the operation. Methods We recruited 15 farm operators with a mean working experience of 20.1 ± 12.2 years. They were asked to operate a hand tractor on paddy fields for at most 8 minutes. Handle vibration was measured using a tri-axial accelerometer. The total unweighted vibration acceleration was computed and used to represent the handle vibration magnitude. Muscle activation was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG). Six sEMG sensors were attached to the dominant and non-dominant side of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR), bicep, and deltoid. Pre- and post-task hand strength and subjective discomfort rating were also taken. Results The total unweighted handle vibration acceleration is 17.45 ± 7.53 m/s2. This exceeds the allowable safe value. Meanwhile, the percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (% MVC) of the muscles ranged from 6% to 14% with the ECR having a significantly higher activation (p < .05) than the bicep and deltoid. The post-task grip strength of the dominant hand was lower than its pre-task value (p < .01) while that of the non-dominant side did not vary significantly. There is a modest trend of higher hand discomfort of the non-dominant side on post-task than pre-task rating (p < .10). Although, overall, the perceived discomfort ranged from none to mild discomfort. Conclusion In conclusion, the study showed an indication that the effects of vibration on humans are evident even at mild muscle exertion, with the exertion predominantly concentrated on the distal arm area clearly affecting grip strength and hand discomfort. In such cases, future recommendations can revolve around the improvement of the hand tractor handle grip to impose grip comfort and ease.

Reduced Visuospatial Attention in Personal Space is Not Limited to the Affected Limb in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Alterations in spatial attention have been reported in people with chronic pain and may be relevant to understanding its cortical mechanisms and developing novel treatments. There is conflicting evidence as to whether people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) have reduced visuospatial attention to their affected limb and/or its surrounding space, with some evidence that these deficits may be greater in personal (bodily) space. We aimed to test the competing hypotheses of whether the visuospatial attentional bias is specific to the personal space of the affected limb or generalizes to the personal space of other parts of the affected side of the body. Using visual Temporal Order Judgement tasks, we measured spatial attention in the personal space of the hands and feet of patients with upper (n=14) or lower (n=14) limb CRPS and pain-free controls (n=17). Participants judged the order of two light flashes presented at different temporal offsets on each of their hands or feet. Slower processing of the flash on one side relative to the other reflects reduced attention to that side of space. Controls prioritized stimuli on the non-dominant (left) relative to dominant side, consistent with the well-documented normal leftward bias of attention (ie "pseudoneglect"). Regardless of the location (upper or lower limb) of the pain or visual stimuli, people with CRPS showed no such asymmetry, representing reduced attention to the affected side (compared to the greater attention of controls to their non-dominant side). More severe CRPS symptoms were associated with a greater tendency to deprioritize stimuli on the affected side. Our findings suggest that relative visuospatial bias in CRPS is generalized to the personal space of the affected side of the body, rather than being specific to the personal space of the CRPS-affected limb.