Joint Range Of Motion Research Articles

Smart nanoengineered electronic-scaffolds based on triboelectric nanogenerators as tissue batteries for integrated cartilage therapy

At present, cartilage defect therapy requires a long-term repair period and does not permit real-time detection of the cartilage repair state named “black box”. Inspired by the electroactive nature of living organisms, next-generation tissue trauma therapy with integrated bioelectronics promises to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. Here, a tissue battery for integrated cartilage therapy was nanoengineered through the on-demand integration of intelligent scaffolds with a porous three-dimensional structure and multi-convex triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)-based sensor. The proposed cartilage tissue battery is repair-induced, self-powered, highly sensitive, implantable, intelligently degradable, and anti-interference. The sensor based on the contact separation TENG mechanism has a high sensitivity (52.5 V MPa–1) within the pressure range of joint movement (0–1.8 MPa), enabling the tissue battery to in-situ detect the real-time status of cartilage repair in the “black box”. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the tissue battery converts mechanical energy into electricity to stimulate chondrocyte proliferation in the scaffold, thereby shortening the cartilage repair period. The proposed tissue battery for tissue repair under electrical stimulation is beneficial for reducing pain and treatment costs for patients with cartilage defects and is a promising strategy for bioelectronic implants.

Shear Wave Velocity to Evaluate the Effect of Botulinum Toxin on Post-Stroke Spasticity of the Lower Limb.

(1) Background: The evaluation of muscles with spasticity using ultrasound elastography has attracted attention recently, and the shear wave velocity (SWV) technique can measure the mechanical properties of tissues objectively and quantitatively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of using SWV to assess the effect of Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) treatment in adult patients with post-stroke lower limb spasticity. (2) Methods: We assessed the modified Ashworth Scale, the modified Tardieu Scale, and SWV at rest and after stretching before and at 1 month after BoNT-A treatment in 10 adult participants with post-stroke lower limb spasticity. (3) Results: Significant changes in SWV of the ankle joint in maximum dorsiflexion to the extent possible (SWV stretched) were observed after BoNT-A treatment. SWV stretched was positively correlated with joint range of motion. Participants whose joint range of motion did not improve (i.e., gastrocnemius medialis muscle (GCM) extension distance did not change) had significantly more reductions in SWV stretched after BoNT-A treatment. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that the SWV measurements may serve as a quantitative assessment to determine the effect of the BoNT-A treatment in adult stroke patients. SWV measurements to assess GCM spasticity should consider the effects of tension, material properties and activation level of muscles. The challenge is to measure SWV with matching limb positions in patients without contractures.

Reconstructive surgery in the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia in children using microsurgical techniques: Reconstruction or amputation?

BACKGROUND: Numerous methods are available for the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, but none of them offers a 100% satisfactory result and does not exclude the development of repeated refractories. One of the treatment methods is vascularized transplantation of a fragment of the fibula into the position of the defect of the tibia. However, the achievement of consolidation of the bone fragments of the lower leg does not stop the series of interventions necessary to restore the function of the affected segment. Therefore, specialists were asked about the advisability of performing amputations as an alternative to long-term and multistage interventions.
 AIM: To analyze the results of the use of microsurgical techniques for the treatment of patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia and, using the example of a patient, to show the way of multistage reconstruction of the lower limb.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of the use of microsurgical techniques in the elimination of a defect in the bones of the leg in five patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia were analyzed. Age, sex, presence of type 1 neurofibromatosis, bone defect size, autograft size, duration of consolidation, osteosynthesis index, refractory, range of joint motion, and secondary deformities of the segments after consolidation were assessed. The course of the patient when performing severe reconstructive interventions to restore the weight-bearing capacity of the limb was described. Vascularized autograft transplantation was performed by a qualified microsurgical team.
 RESULTS: The mean age was 7.8 2.2 years. Boys predominated, and type 1 neurofibromatosis was detected in 60% of the cases. The average defect size was 8.8 1.6 cm, and the autograft size was 10.8 1.6 cm. The duration of fixation was 260 90 days, and the fixation index was 24.6 10.6 days/cm. In two cases, 1 year after the fibula transfer, refractories were noted at the bonegraft interface. In 100% of the cases, patients had fibrous ankylosis at the level of the ankle joint, with a loss of functional range of motion, and in 40% of cases, there were flexionextension contractures of the knee joints with an extension deficit of up to 20. For this observation period, 3 of 5 patients underwent additional surgical interventions to correct the deformities of the affected limb.
 CONCLUSIONS: The use of VFT in patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia allows restoring the integrity of the tibia. Multiple interventions performed on the same segment can lead to irreversible secondary changes in adjacent joints and loss of function of this limb.

Examining kinematics and muscle activity of the upper extremity while performing cleaning tasks: A pre-post shift evaluation

Custodians engage in strenuous manual labour throughout their workday. Uncertainty exists on whether kinematics or muscle activation changes as workers progress through their shift. The purpose of this study was to examine muscle activation and upper extremity kinematics during typical custodial tasks performed at the start and end of the work shift. Electromyography (EMG) of 8 torso and upper extremity muscles and motion capture of the corresponding region were collected for 10 custodial participants while they completed garbage removal, dry mopping, and vacuuming tasks at the start and end of a work shift. The start of shift assessment demonstrated larger anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid and extensor digitorum activation by up to 12.6 %maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) (p < 0.001–0.023). Task affected mean and peak EMG in all muscles except flexor digitorum (p < 0.001–0.0293), and the greatest activation was found during vacuuming (peak <55%MVC in anterior and middle deltoid) and the heaviest garbage removal task (84% MVC peak in upper trapezius). Mopping created the lowest amounts of activation for almost all muscles. Joint range of motion (p < 0.001–0.031) in the shoulder was highest in vacuuming, while trunk flexion was largest in garbage removal tasks. This work replicated common custodial tasks in a laboratory, using actual custodial workers at times relevant to their typical work shifts. The information presented is useful for ergonomists, work tasks designers and custodial administration staff to develop guidelines for injury prevention.

PILOT STUDY ON THE USE OF YUMEIHO THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN

Introduction. Low back pain causes great socio-economic costs. It is found among the adult population but also among children and teenagers. Yumeiho therapy is increasingly appreciated as being effective in relieving myo-articular pains by applying manual methods, which cause relaxation of tense muscles, effective drainage and an improvement in the trophicity of the tissues. Aim. This study aims to test the effectiveness of Yumeiho manual therapy and how it can bring benefits in joint mobility and decreased low back pain in adults. Material and Method. A group of 8 participants, 4 men and 4 women, aged between 22 and 60 years participated in the study. The joint range of motion (ROM), the Schöber test, Fingertips to floor (FTF) test and the VAS scale were used for evaluation. The therapeutic protocol was applied during 6 months, one session per week. The comparative analysis was performed in three distinct temporal sequences (I - initial, II - after 10 sessions, III – after 20 sessions). Results. The results revealed a significant increase in the flexibility of the lumbar spine accompanied by a reduction in the intensity of pain. Conclusions. This study confirms the hypothesis that the Yumeiho therapy brings significant improvements to patients who complain of low back pain estimated to be greater than or equal to 4 on the VAS Scale. The joint ROM and specific tests also showed considerable improvements after 6 months of treatment. In the future, a study should be conducted on numerous subjects.

Feasibility and Application of the B.E.A.T. Testbed for Assessing the Effects of Lower Limb Exoskeletons on Human Balance

Assessing the performance of exoskeletons in assisting human balance is important for their design process. This study proposes a novel testbed, the B.E.A.T (Balance Evaluation Automated Testbed) to address this aim. We applied the B.E.A.T to evaluate how the presence of a lower limb exoskeleton influenced human balance. The B.E.A.T. consists of a robotic platform, standardized protocols, and performance indicators. Fifteen healthy subjects were enrolled and subjected to repeatable step-type ground perturbations in different directions using the multi-axis robotic platform. Each participant performed three trials, both with and without the exoskeleton (EXO and No-EXO conditions). Nine performance indicators, divided into kinematic and body stability indicators, were computed. The reliability of performance indicators was assessed by computing the Inter Class Correlation (ICC). The indicators showed good (0.60 ≤ ICC &lt; 0.75) to excellent (ICC ≥ 0.75) reliability. The comparison between the EXO and No-EXO conditions revealed a significant increase in the joint range of motion and the center of pressure displacement while wearing the exoskeleton. The main differences between the EXO and No-EXO conditions were found in the range of motion of the knee joints, with an increment up to 17° in the sagittal plane.

Effectiveness of arthroscopic long head of biceps tendon transposition combined with Swivelock anchor double fixation for massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears

To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) transposition combined with Swivelock anchor double fixation in treatment of massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears. Between June 2019 and November 2021, 25 patients with massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears were treated by arthroscopic LHBT transposition combined with Swivelock anchor double fixation. There were 12 males and 13 females. The age ranged from 47 to 74 years (mean, 62.4 years). The disease duration ranged from 1 to 62 months (median, 7 months). The rotator cuff tears were classified as Hamada grade 2 in 25 cases and Goutallier grade 1 in 2 cases, grade 2 in 22 cases, and grade 3 in 1 case. Pre- and post-operative shoulder range of motion (ROM), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and Constant-Murley score were recorded. Postoperative complications were observed. The reconstructed tissue integrity was confirmed by MRI. All operations were successfully completed. The operation time was 120-330 minutes (mean, 189.6 minutes). All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 10-36 months (mean, 22.0 months). At last follow-up, the ROM in forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation, VAS score, UCLA score, and Constant-Murley score were superior to those before operation, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). According to UCLA scoring standard, shoulder joint function was rated as excellent in 5 cases, good in 18 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 92.0%. No other complications occurred except shoulder joint adhesion in 2 cases. At last follow-up, MRI examination showed no retear of rotator cuff, and LHBT was intact. For massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears, arthroscopic LHBT transposition combined with Swivelock anchor double fixation can increase the force of pressing the humeral head, effectively relieve the pain, improve the ROM of joints, maximize the recovery of shoulder function, and do not increase the number of anchor nails.

Corticosteroid therapy versus physiotherapy on pain, mobility and function in shoulder impingement: A short note.

The global estimate of shoulder pain is 67% and is often associated with subacromial impingement syndrome. Interventions include corticosteroid injection (CSI) therapy and physiotherapy. Further information is needed to compare the effect of these interventions on pain, joint range of motion (ROM) and shoulder function. To summarise the best evidence comparing the effect of CSI versus physiotherapy on pain, shoulder ROM and shoulder function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. This evidence statement is based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of three randomised controlled trials (RCTs), namely, Rhon et al. (2014) (n = 136), Hay et al. (2003) (n = 207) and Van der Windt et al. (1998) (n = 109), with a total of 452 participants. A total of 14 studies were reviewed and only 3 studies met the inclusion criteria. An improvement in shoulder function was found in favour of CSI at 6- to 7-week follow-up (p < 0.0001), but no evidence was found for the superiority of CSI compared to physiotherapy for pain and ROM over 4-12 weeks. In 24 and 48 weeks, no evidence was found for the superiority of CSI compared to physiotherapy for shoulder function, pain or ROM. No evidence was found for the superiority of CSI compared to physiotherapy for pain and ROM in the short term besides an improvement in shoulder function in favour of CSI at 6-7 weeks. There was a weak recommendation with moderate quality of evidence based on three RCTs (2B). This evidence statement may inform clinical practice when determining which intervention is best suited to manage patients with shoulder pain.

Comparison of Effects of Mulligan Techniques and Muscle Energy Technique on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disabling worldwide disorder in which the knee osteoarthritis range of motion (ROM) is particularly reduced. Mobilization with Movement (MWM) has shown rapid improvements in pain and functions. The muscle energy technique (MET) is claimed to be effective in muscle lengthening, strengthening, and increasing joint ROM.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A clinical trial was conducted to compare knee Mulligan (lateral, medial, and rotational glides) techniques (n=15), and post-isometric relaxation muscle energy techniques (quadriceps, hamstring, and tensor fascia latae) (n=15) on pain and function in OA.&#x0D; Results: Twenty-two subjects (73.3%) were grade-II of knee OA and 8 subjects (26.7%) with grade III. The visual analogue scale (VAS) showed significant changes in the reduction of pain. In the VAS, the main effect of time of treatment shows that the mean value of the VAS score was statistically significant between at least two assessment stages (before the first session, after the third session, and after a month) (P&lt;0.001) in each group. In knee osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), the main effect of time of treatment shows that the mean value of KOOS score is statistically significant in increasing KOOS between at least two assessment stages (before the first session, after the third session, and after a month) (P&lt;0.001) in each group. KOOS showed significant changes for increasing function. Timed up and go (TUG) score showed decremental significant changes in time. In the TUG score, the main effect of time of the treatment shows that the mean value of the TUG score was statistically significant between at least two assessment stages (before the first session, after the third session, and after a month ) (P&lt;0.008). In ROM score, the main effect of time of the treatment shows that the mean value of ROM score was statistically significant in increasing ROM between at least two assessment stages (before the first session, after the third session, and after a month) (P&lt;0.002, observed power= 0.927).

Rat Model of Quadriceps Contracture by Joint Immobilization.

Muscle contracture is an abnormal pathologic process resulting in fibrosis and muscle atrophy, which can lead to limitation of joint motion. To establish a diagnostic method to detect muscle contracture and a method to control its progression, we investigated an appropriate method to create an animal model of quadriceps contracture using rats. Eighteen Wistar rats were divided into three groups, and bilateral hindlimbs were immobilized with either a cast (Group I), a Velcro hook-and-loop fastener (Group V), or steel wire (Group S) with the knee and ankle joints in extension position for two weeks. Five rats in a control group (Group C) were not immobilized. After two weeks, the progression of quadriceps contracture was assessed by measuring the range of joint motion and pathohistological changes. Muscle atrophy and fibrosis were observed in all immobilization groups. The knee joint range of motion, quadriceps muscle weight, and muscle fiber size decreased only in Group S compared to the other immobilization groups. Stress on rats due to immobilization was less in Group S. These results indicate that Group S is the superior quadriceps contracture model. This model aids research investigating diagnostic and therapeutic methods for muscle contracture in humans and animals.

Hand function following accidental automatic animal syringe injector injuries

Accidental self-injection injury is a common occurrence among veterinary and farm workers handling automatic syringe injectors. Most of the time, these injuries are asymptomatic or cause self-resolving mild symptoms, but these injuries may lead to significant morbidity. The aim of the study was to evaluate hand function after inadvertent injection of a poultry influenza or cholera vaccine in patients admitted to our department with infection. We retrospectively gathered data from admission to last follow-up. Functional assessment and physical exam of the hand were done at each stage by either an orthopedic resident or a fellowship-trained hand surgeon. The exam included evaluation of sensation using monofilament, joint range of motion using a goniometer, and a Quick DASH questionnaire. The study included 21 patients, all men, with a mean age of 33.4 years (range 23–44). Of the 21 patients only eight had attended all follow-ups. All patients had injury to the non-dominant hand. Seventeen of 21 of the cases had finger injuries, out of which 11 involved the thumb. The mean hospitalization time was 3.75 days (1–10). Of the 21 patients, seven underwent surgery to drain a collection during hospitalization. Seven out of eight patients had lowest disability scores on Quick Dash questionnaire. Three out of eight patients lost superficial sensation at the tip of the finger. The largest loss of range of motion was found in the distal interphalangeal joint in the finger or interphalangeal joint in the thumb, especially following surgical drainage. Of the eight patients presenting for follow-up, most had returned to the same job. Hand function was normal, as expressed in a DASH questionnaire. Sensory examination demonstrated that the sensation was almost unaffected over the injured finger. Range of motion of the joint closest to the injection site was usually the most impaired. Patients who underwent surgical drainage had a reduced range of motion.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Distancing on Motor Function and Growth of Children with Congenital Zika Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACT This article describes the impact of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on the motor function and growth of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Children’s motor function, weight, height and joint range of movement (ROM) were evaluated before the onset of the pandemic and soon after their return to face-to-face activities at a rehabilitation center. Fifty-two children (Mean 46.07 months, SD 3.76 months) were assessed. Results showed a reduction in proportion of children with adequate body mass index (p = .04), an increase in proportion with adequate height (p < 0.001), deterioration in gross motor function in children with severe motor impairment (p < .01), and a reduction in the maximum ROM for shoulder (p < .01) and wrist flexion (p = .046), elbow (p = .01), knee (p = .03) and ankle extension (p < .01), and an increase in hip flexion (p = .04). The social distancing period appears to have contributed to important losses in motor function and joint mobility of children with CZS; however, this period of time appeared to have less impact on their growth.

Early Joint Use Following Elbow Dislocation Limits Range-of-Motion Loss and Tissue Pathology in Posttraumatic Joint Contracture.

Simple elbow dislocation occurs at an incidence of 2.9 to 5.21 dislocations per 100,000 person-years, with as many as 62% of these patients experiencing long-term elbow joint contracture, stiffness, and/or pain. Poor outcomes and the need for secondary surgical intervention can often be prevented nonoperatively with early or immediate active mobilization and physical therapy. However, immobilization or limited mobilization may be necessary following trauma, and it is unknown how different periods of immobilization affect pathological changes in elbow joint tissue and how these changes relate to range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of varying the initiation of free mobilization on elbow ROM and histological features in an animal model of elbow posttraumatic joint contracture. Traumatic elbow dislocation was surgically induced unilaterally in rats. Injured forelimbs were immobilized in bandages for 3, 7, 14, or 21 days; free mobilization was then allowed until 42 days after injury. Post-mortem joint ROM testing and histological analysis were performed. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare ROM data between control and injured groups, and Pearson correlations were performed between ROM parameters and histological outcomes. Longer immobilization periods resulted in greater ROM reductions. The anterior and posterior capsule showed increases in cellularity, fibroblasts, adhesions, fibrosis, and thickness, whereas the measured outcomes in cartilage were mostly unaffected. All measured histological characteristics of the capsule were negatively correlated with ROM, indicating that higher degrees of pathology corresponded with less ROM. Longer immobilization periods resulted in greater ROM reductions, which correlated with worse histological outcomes in the capsule in an animal model of posttraumatic elbow contracture. The subtle differences in the timing of ROM and capsule tissue changes revealed in the present study provide new insight into the distinct timelines of biomechanical changes as well as regional tissue pathology. This study showed that beginning active mobilization 3 days after injury minimized posttraumatic joint contracture, thereby supporting an immediate-motion clinical treatment strategy (when possible). Furthermore, uninjured but pathologically altered periarticular tissues near the injury location may contribute to more severe contracture during longer immobilization periods as the disease state progresses.

Comparison of clinical efficacy of simple double-row suture bridge technique and double-row suture bridge technique combined with type Ⅱ "Chinese way" in the treatment of huge rotator cuff injury

Objective: To compare the postoperative efficacy of simple double-row suture bridge technique and double-row suture bridge technique combined with type Ⅱ "Chinese way" in treating huge massive rotator cuff injury. Methods: The clinical data of 74 patients with unilateral massive rotator cuff injury admitted to Department of Orthopedic, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2019 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 39 males and 35 females, aged (60.2±7.8) years (range: 42 to 77 years). During operation, 44 patients were treated with single double-row suture bridge technique (the simple group), and 30 patients were treated with double-row suture bridge technique combined with type Ⅱ "Chinese way" treatment (the combined group). In the simple group, only internal and external row anchors were used to fix the fractured rotator cuff, while in the combined group, the biceps long head tendon was first transposed to the footprint area and fixed with an internal row anchor tail thread, and then the remaining rotator cuff fracture was repaired with double-row suture bridge technique. The operation conditions were recorded. The range of motion of shoulder joint, visual analogue scale (VAS), American Society for Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, Constant-Murley shoulder joint score before operation, 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up were compared between the two groups. Postoperative complications and imaging results were recorded. The difference values of each observation index before and after operation were calculated. The repeated measures analysis of variance was used for repeated measurement data, and LSD multiple comparison method was used for the data at different time points in the two groups. Results: All the patients successfully completed the operation, and no serious complications occurred during or after operation. The patients were followed up for (14.6±5.4) months (range: 6 to 24 months). In all patients, the shoulder range of motion, VAS, ASES score, UCLA score and Constant-Murley shoulder score at 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with those before operation (all P<0.01), and the results at the last follow-up were also better than those at 6 months after operation (all P<0.01). The results of the combined group at 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up (all P<0.01) were better than those of the single group. At 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up, the anteroposternal X-ray showed no significant progress in the degeneration of shoulder joint. Of the 27 patients who completed MRI during follow-up, 14 patients re-injured of reconstructed rotator cuff tissue (type Ⅳ and type Ⅴ) was found in 14 cases, the incidence was 22.7% (10/44) in the simple group and 13.3%(4/30) in the combined group. There was no significant difference between the two groups(χ2=1.026, P=0.311). Conclusion: Compared with the simple double-row suture bridge technique, the method of double-row suture bridge technique combined with type Ⅱ "Chinese way" for repairing massive rotator cuff injury has better effect on improving the short-term pain symptoms, joint range of motion, restoring joint function, and has lower incidence of complications.

Kinematical effects of rifle carriage on roller skiing in well-trained female and male biathletes.

This study aimed to investigate how rifle carriage and skiing speed during biathlon roller skiing affect range of motion (ROM) in joint angles and equipment (skis and poles), the vertical distance between shoulders and treadmill (vertdist ), as well as possible sex differences associated with rifle carriage. Fourteen biathletes (6 women, 8 men) roller-skied on a treadmill at submaximal and simulated race speeds, with (WR) and without (NR) a rifle, using gears 3 and 2. Kinematical data for the whole body, poles, roller-skis, rifle, and treadmill were monitored using a 3D motion capture system. Movements determined as flexion/extension (x), abduction/adduction (y), and/or internal/external rotation (z) were analyzed for the hip, shoulder, thorax, knee, ankle, elbow, poles, and roller skis. ROM (the difference between maximal and minimal angles) in joints and equipment, and vertdist were analyzed over six skiing cycles during each condition (WR and NR) and speed. The maximal vertdist was lower for WR compared with NR (gear 3: 1.53 ± 0.06 vs 1.54 ± 0.06 m; gear 2: 1.49 ± 0.06 vs 1.51 ± 0.06 m; both p < 0.001). ROM in the upper body was altered when roller skiing WR (movements decreased in thorax and shoulder (x) and increased in elbow (only gear 3) (x), thorax (only gear 2), and shoulder (y) and (z); all p < 0.05) and increased with speed, without differences between sexes (p > 0.05). Since rifle carriage and speed appear to affect the kinematics of roller skiing, coaches, and biathletes are advised to perform skiing technique training under competition-like conditions (i.e., at race speeds while carrying the rifle).

Effect of Active Stretching and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on the Hip Joint Range of Motion and Stiffness of the Tensor Fascia Lata in Subjects with Shortened Tensor Fascia Lata

Background Various therapeutic methods have been suggested to increase the flexibility of shortened muscles in patients with knee pain. However, no previous study has directly compared the hip joint range of motion (ROM) and muscle stiffness as a mechanical property following the active stretching (AS) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) for shortened tensor fascia lata (TFL). Purpose To compare the effects of AS and IASTM on hip joint ROM and TFL stiffness in subjects with shortened TFL. Study design Two groups pre- and post-test design Methods Twenty healthy male subjects with shortened TFL were selected. The subjects were randomized between the AS group (n=10) and the IASTM group (n=10). A smartphone was used to measure the hip joint adduction ROM and Myoton was used to measure the TFL stiffness. Paired <italic>t</italic>-test was performed to analyze the within-group variation before and after the intervention, and an independent <italic>t</italic>-test was used to compare the between-group variation. Results In the within-group comparison, both the AS and IASTM groups showed a significant increase in the hip joint adduction ROM after the intervention, whereas neither group showed a significant difference in the TFL stiffness after the intervention. In the between-group comparison, a greater increase in the hip joint adduction ROM was observed for the AS group compared to the IASTM group. Conclusions This study found that the hip adduction ROM of the subjects with TFL shortness increased immediately in both AS group and IASTM group, although the TFL stiffness was not decreased. And the greater increase of the hip adduction ROM was revealed in AS group than IASTM group.

The Effect of Stiffness of Lower Extremity Soft Tissue on the Sports Performance of K-7 League Soccer Players: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of soft tissue stiffness on joint range of motion and athletic performance in soccer players.METHODS: Fifteen adult male soccer players participated in the study. After the warm-up, calf muscle and Achilles tendon stiffness were measured. Subsequently, range of motion of the ankle joint and 30 m sprint and vertical jump were performed. Exercise performance was assessed as a field test to create an experimental environment similar to that of actual training and competition.RESULTS: Achilles tendon stiffness showed a significant correlation with the 30 m sprint and the vertical jump (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). A moderate correlation was observed between the 30 m sprint and the vertical jump(&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.01). Soleus muscle stiffness was significantly correlated with the 30 m sprint(&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). No other correlations were observed.CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it was confirmed that Achilles tendon stiffness affects exercise performance. In a follow-up study, it was necessary to confirm the effect of the stiffness of various soft tissues on exercise performance.

활기찬 삶(Energy Life)의 신체 활동(Body Activity)을 위한 개량된 운동 도구 필요성 제안

Objective: The factors for an energy life, exercise for body activity is very important. It is undoubtedly a very important exercuse for preventing or reducing risk factors for personal health and injury. In particular, if physical dysfunction such as reduced joint range of motion and recovery of muscle strength, it can affect activity and participation level, and is progressive and evaluation of treatment. In the existing joint motion range measurement, it is possible to objectively evaluate and present the scale of the mixed angle and motion range of the sagittal plane, coronal plane, and transverse plane. It is suggested that a device that can objectively measure joint mobility and evaluation of muscles, connective tissue by securing user convenience and economic feasibility is required. Conclusion: The dancing steps of Ganggangsullae improved the self-esteem of the hearing impaired.

Arthroscopic treatment of diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the elbow

IntroductionPigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare pathology of the elbow, but presents a risk of progression with cartilage destruction. Surgical treatment consists in synovectomy, as complete as possible. Arthroscopy is an excellent tool for the exploration and treatment of intra-articular lesions in the elbow, but the results in PVNS of the elbow have never been evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the recurrence rate of PVNS of the elbow after arthroscopic synovectomy, and secondarily to assess pain, joint range of motion, functional scores and complication rate. Material and methodsWe performed a retrospective study of a continuous series of 8 patients operated on between February 2012 and February 2019, with a mean age of 43.7 years. The operated side was the dominant side in 75% of cases. Surgery consisted in the most complete synovectomy possible, performed arthroscopically. Recurrence, clinical evaluation, with pain at rest and on mpvement on visual analogue scale (VAS) and joint range of motion, functional MEPS and DASH scores, and any complications were collected. ResultsAt a mean 66.4 months’ follow-up, 2 patients required revision surgery for recurrence. At the last follow-up, VAS for pain at rest was 0.9 and 1.9 for pain on movement. MEPS score was 85.6 and DASH score 82.2. No neurological, vascular or infectious complications of arthroscopic synovectomy were found in our series. DiscussionArthroscopic synovectomy in the treatment of PVNS of the elbow was a reliable and safe therapeutic alternative, with a low complications rate and 2 cases of recurrence (25%) in our study. This was the first study to report the results of arthroscopic surgical treatment of elbow PVNS. Level of evidenceIV Retrospective study without control group.

Post-stroke rehabilitation of the ankle joint with a low cost monoarticular ankle robotic exoskeleton: Preliminary results.

Introduction: Stroke generates a high rate of disability and, in particular, ankle spasticity is a sequelae that interferes with the execution of daily activities. Robotic devices have been proposed to offer rehabilitation treatments to recover control of ankle muscles and hence to improve gait function. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of passive stretching, combined with active and resisted movement, accompanied by visual feedback, by means of playful interactive software using a low-cost monoarticular robot (MEXO) in patients with stroke sequelae and spastic ankle. Methods: An open, uncontrolled, non-randomised, quasi-experimental study of 6weeks duration has been completed. A protocol has been defined to determine the usability, safety and potential benefits of supplementary treatment with the MEXO interactive system in a group of patients. Nine volunteer patients with sequelae of stroke who met the inclusion criteria were included. They received conventional treatment and in addition also received treatment with the MEXO monoarticular robot three times a week during 6weeks. Each session consisted of 10min of passive stretching followed by 20min of active movement training with visual feedback (10min active without resistance, 10min with resistance) and a final phase with 10min of passive stretching. The following variables were measured pre- and post-treatment: joint range of motion and ankle muscle strength, monopodal balance, muscle tone, gait ability and satisfaction with the use of assistive technology. Results: Statistically significant improvements were obtained in joint range measured by goniometry and in balance measured by monopodal balance test. Also in walking capacity, through the measurement of travelled distance. Discussion and significance: Device usability and patient safety were tested. Patients improved joint range and monopodal balance. The MEXO exoskeleton might be a good alternative for the treatment of spastic ankle joint in people with a stroke sequela.