Range Of Motion Measurements Research Articles

A webcam-based machine learning approach for three-dimensional range of motion evaluation.

Joint range of motion (ROM) is an important quantitative measure for physical therapy. Commonly relying on a goniometer, accurate and reliable ROM measurement requires extensive training and practice. This, in turn, imposes a significant barrier for those who have limited in-person access to healthcare. The current study presents and evaluates an alternative machine learning-based ROM evaluation method that could be remotely accessed via a webcam. To evaluate its reliability, the ROM measurements for a diverse set of joints (neck, spine, and upper and lower extremities) derived using this method were compared to those obtained from a marker-based optical motion capture system. Data collected from 25 healthy adults demonstrated that the webcam solution exhibited high test-retest reliability, with substantial to almost perfect intraclass correlation coefficients for most joints. Compared with the marker-based system, the webcam-based system demonstrated substantial to almost perfect inter-rater reliability for some joints, and lower inter-rater reliability for other joints (e.g., shoulder flexion and elbow flexion), which could be attributed to the reduced sensitivity to joint locations at the apex of the movement. The proposed webcam-based method exhibited high test-retest and inter-rater reliability, making it a versatile alternative for existing ROM evaluation methods in clinical practice and the tele-implementation of physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Continuous suprascapular nerve blockade to potentiate intensive rehabilitation for refractory adhesive shoulder capsulitis: a cohort study.

Evaluating the short- and long-term efficacy of a continuous tenday suprascapular nerve block combined with daily multidisciplinary rehabilitation on shoulder range of motion (ROM), pain, and function in patients with refractory adhesive capsulitis (AC). In this retrospective cohort study, patients admitted to a specialized pain clinic for refractory AC for more than 6 months underwent continuous suprascapular nerve blockade for ten days and received 2 hours of physiotherapy and occupational therapy daily. Standardized assessments were performed at baseline, at days three, six, ten, 30, 90, and 180, and included active and passive ROM measurements, the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire to assess pain, disability, and quality of life. Improvements over time were assessed using ANOVAs. Thirty-two patients were followed (age: 52 ± 8 years, 25 females, mean symptoms duration of two years). There was a significant improvement in ROM for all amplitudes at day ten (short-term; range: 20-35°, p < 0.001) and at day 180 (long-term; range: 18-47°, p < 0.001). The pain and disability scores significantly reduced by day 180 (mean VAS reduction: 2.6 units, p < 0.001; mean DASH reduction: 9.5 points, p < 0.001). Continuous SSNB combined with intensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation represents an efficient therapeutic option for patients with chronic AC who did not respond to conventional treatments.

Range of Motion Limitations in Middle-aged Adults With Cerebral Palsy

ObjectiveTo describe limitations in range of motion (ROM) in middle-aged adults with cerebral palsy (CP), and identify associations with CP subtype, gross motor function, sex and age. DesignPopulation-based cohort study. SettingLocal and regional referral centers. ParticipantsInclusion criteria: diagnosis of CP, born 1959 to 1978 and living in the county of Västra Götaland, Sweden. In the population-based register of CP in Western Sweden, 417 subjects were identified and 139 volunteered to participate. Adults with CP, born elsewhere, who had moved into the area were invited through patient organizations and habilitation units, and eleven chose to participate. In total 150 participants, age 37-58 years (mean 48) 65 women (43%) (N=150). All CP subtypes and Gross Motor Function Classification (GMFCS) levels were represented. InterventionsNot applicable Main Outcome MeasuresPassive ROM was measured in the upper and lower extremity and was classified into 4 levels (inspired by The Spinal Alignment and Range of Motion Measure and adapted from the values of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons); good=1, vs mild=2, moderate=3 or severe=4 limitation. The results were summarized to obtain a total score of the participants' ROM limitations. ResultsModerate to severe limitations were present in 98 % of the participants. There was a correlation to GMFCS level in both the upper and lower extremity (P<.001), but no correlation with age. Upper extremity limitations were most common in dyskinetic CP, lower extremity limitations were most common in dyskinetic CP and bilateral spastic CP. Men had more limitations in the lower extremity (P=.001). The most common limitation in the lower extremity was hamstrings tightness (82%) and hip abduction (80%), and in the upper extremity, limited shoulder abduction (57%). ConclusionsLimited ROM is common in adults with CP, most pronounced in shoulders, hip joints and hamstrings muscles, with no differences related to age in this age-span.

Is Dry Needling Treatment an Extra Contribution to Conventional Treatment for Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain? A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study.

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding dry needling (DN) treatment to conventional rehabilitation for pain, range of motion (ROM), and functionality in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP). Patients with HSP (n = 38) were divided into 2 groups. A multimodal rehabilitation protocol, including physical therapy and exercise treatments, was given to both groups (5 sessions per week for 15 sessions). In addition to this rehabilitation, 3 sessions of DN therapy were given to one of the 2 groups. Measurements were a visual analogue scale; ROM; and 2 other scales (Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand; and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity). Evaluations were made before, after, and at the third month after treatment. While a statistically significant improvement was seen in both groups in all parameters after their treatments, a statistical superiority was found in the conventional treatment+DN group (P < 0.05). However, the differences were not greater than the minimal clinically important difference values (MCID). At the 3rd month follow-up, there was no difference in pain and functionality parameters between the groups, while flexion and abduction measurements were higher in the conventional treatment+DN group (P < 0.05). Adding DN treatment to conventional rehabilitation did not show any difference except in some joint ROM measurements in the subacute time. Although the changes found were statistically significant, they were not clinically significant as they did not reach MCID values.This study was registered prospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (ref. no: NCT04790071).

Quantifying success after first revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: the minimal clinically important difference, substantial clinical benefit, and patient acceptable symptomatic state.

When patients require revision of primary shoulder arthroplasty, revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is most commonly performed. However, defining clinically important improvement in these patients is challenging because benchmarks have not been previously defined. Our purpose was to define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for outcome scores and range of motion (ROM) after revision rTSA and to quantify the proportion of patients achieving clinically relevant success. This retrospective cohort study used a prospectively collected single-institution database of patients undergoing first revision rTSA between August 2015 and December 2019. Patients with a diagnosis of periprosthetic fracture or infection were excluded. Outcomes scores included the ASES, raw and normalized Constant, SPADI, SST, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. ROM measures included abduction, forward elevation (FE), external rotation (ER), and internal rotation (IR) score. Anchor-based and distribution-based methods were used to calculate the MCID, SCB, and PASS. The proportions of patients achieving each threshold were assessed. Ninety-three revision rTSAs with minimum 2-year follow-up were evaluated. Mean age was 67 years, 56% were female, and average follow-up was 54 months. Revision rTSA was performed most commonly for failed anatomic TSA (n=47), followed by hemiarthroplasty (n=21), rTSA (n=15), and resurfacing (n=10). The indication for revision rTSA was most commonly glenoid loosening (n=24), followed by rotator cuff failure (n=23), subluxation and unexplained pain (n=11 for both). The anchor-based MCID thresholds (% of patients achieving) were as follows: ASES,20.1 (42%); normalized Constant,12.6 (80%); UCLA,10.2 (54%); SST,0.9 (78%); SPADI,-18.4 (58%); abduction,13° (83%); FE,18° (82%); ER,4° (49%); and IR,0.8 (34%). The SCB thresholds (% of patients achieving) were as follows: ASES,34.1 (25%); normalized Constant,26.6 (43%); UCLA,14.1 (28%); SST,3.9 (48%); SPADI,-36.4 (33%); abduction,20° (77%); FE,28° (71%); ER,15° (15%); and IR,1.0 (29%). The PASS thresholds (% of patients achieving) were as follows: ASES,63.5 (53%); normalized Constant,59.1 (61%); UCLA,25.4 (48%); SST,7.0 (55%); SPADI,42.4 (59%); abduction,98° (61%); FE,110° (56%); ER,19° (73%); and IR,3.3 (59%). This study establishes thresholds for the MCID, SCB, and PASS at minimum 2-years after revision rTSA, providing physicians an evidence-based method to counsel patients and assess patient outcomes postoperatively.

High- versus Low-dose Steroid Injection for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Intraarticular steroid injections are a commonly used and proven treatment for frozen shoulder; however, there is no scientific basis for a certified dose. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the difference between high- and low-dose steroid injections treatments and suggest an appropriate dose. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane electronic databases were searched through February 15, 2023 for eligible randomized controlled trials. The effects of high- and low-dose steroid injections were calculated as standardized mean differences (SMD) in pain, shoulder range of motion (ROM), and functional improvement. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate evidence quality. RESULTS: Four studies with 274 patients were included in the final analysis. The meta-analysis showed that improvement in pain (SMD, 0.10; 95% CI, -0.12 to 0.32), ROM (SMD, 0.07; 95% CI, -0.05 to 0.19), and functional improvement (SMD, 0.08; 95% CI, -0.10 to 0.26) did not differ significantly between the high- and low-dose steroid injections. Subgroup follow-up analyses also showed no clinically significant differences in SMD for pain, ROM, and functional scale measurement in any subgroups (after 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and one year). One article described that, although there was no significant difference in adverse events frequency between the high- and low-dose groups, flushing tended to occur more frequently in the high-dose group. LIMITATIONS: Limitations are the small number of studies included in the meta-analysis, no disease stage considered, and a short follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests there are no significant differences between the high- and low-dose steroid groups in pain, ROM, or functional improvement. Therefore, considering the side effects of high-dose steroids, starting with low-dose steroids is recommended. However, further studies are needed to establish exact protocols according to disease severity. KEY WORDS: Frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis, steroids, triamcinolone acetonide, injections, intraarticular, optimal dose, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trial

Factors Associated with Medial Elbow Torque Measured Using a Wearable Sensor in Junior High School Baseball Pitchers

There are no reports investigating the relationship between shoulder range of motion (ROM) and pitching elbow torque in junior high school pitchers. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the factors associated with medial elbow torque in this population. Sixty-three junior high school baseball pitchers were recruited for this study. The participants completed a questionnaire and passive ROM measurements of shoulder abduction and horizontal adduction. All pitchers pitched three fastballs at maximum effort while wearing a wireless sensor recording pitching mechanics and elbow valgus torque for each pitch. Age (r = 0.65, p &lt; 0.001), height (r = 0.83, p &lt; 0.001), body weight (r = 0.82, p &lt; 0.001), BMI (r = 0.60, p &lt; 0.001), and ball velocity (r = 0.80, p &lt; 0.001) were significantly positively correlated with elbow valgus torque. Participants were divided into two groups based on elbow valgus torque, &gt;30 (high torque [HT]) and &lt;30 N·m (low torque [LT]). Age, height, body weight, BMI, and ball velocity were significantly higher in the HT group than in the LT group. The difference between dominant and non-dominant shoulder horizontal adduction ROM was 5.3 ± 9.3° and 1.0 ± 6.4° in the HT and LT groups, respectively, which was also significantly different. Ball velocity, age, larger physique, and increased restriction of the dominant shoulder’s horizontal adduction ROM were associated with higher medial elbow torque in junior high school pitchers. This suggests that improving the dominant shoulder’s horizontal adduction ROM contributes to preventing elbow injuries.

Inertial Measurement Unit Sensor-to-Segment Calibration Comparison for Sport-Specific Motion Analysis.

Wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) can be utilized as an alternative to optical motion capture as a method of measuring joint angles. These sensors require functional calibration prior to data collection, known as sensor-to-segment calibration. This study aims to evaluate previously described sensor-to-segment calibration methods to measure joint angle range of motion (ROM) during highly dynamic sports-related movements. Seven calibration methods were selected to compare lower extremity ROM measured using IMUs to an optical motion capture system. The accuracy of ROM measurements for each calibration method varied across joints and sport-specific tasks, with absolute mean differences between IMU measurement and motion capture measurement ranging from <0.1° to 24.1°. Fewer significant differences were observed at the pelvis than at the hip, knee, or ankle across all tasks. For each task, one or more calibration movements demonstrated non-significant differences in ROM for at least nine out of the twelve ROM variables. These results suggest that IMUs may be a viable alternative to optical motion capture for sport-specific lower-extremity ROM measurement, although the sensor-to-segment calibration methods used should be selected based on the specific tasks and variables of interest for a given application.

Outcomes of revision versus re-revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: A case-control-matched cohort study.

The increasing incidence of reverse total shoulder arthroplasties (RTSA) has led to an increase in revision surgery. We aimed to compare patients undergoing re-revision RTSA to a matched cohort undergoing first-revision RTSA. A retrospective review of all revision RTSAs was performed at a single institution. Sixteen shoulders that underwent re-revision RTSA were matched 1:3 to shoulders that underwent revision RTSA with a minimum two-year follow-up. Outcome scores including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES), Short-Form 12 (SF-12), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores, range of motion (ROM), and improvement from preoperative to postoperative outcomes after re-revision RTSA were assessed. Additionally, postoperative outcomes after re-revision RTSA were compared to patients that underwent first revision RTSA and subsequently compared to the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) values for the outcome scores and ROM measurements assessed. Sixteen shoulders that underwent re-revision RTSA and 78 revision RTSAs met the final inclusion criteria to be included in this study. Significant improvement from preoperative to postoperative re-revision RTSA was seen in the ASES score (p = 0.046), SPADI score (p = 0.044), SST (p = 0.008), abduction (p = 0.016), and elevation (p = 0.025), but not the SF-12 score (p = 0.396), external rotation (p = 0.449), or internal rotation (p = 0.451). Outcomes after revision RTSA were found to be superior to outcomes after re-revision RTSA for all outcome scores (ASES p = 0.029, SF-12 p = 0.018, SPADI p = 0.003) except the SST score (p = 0.080) and all ROM measures (p > 0.05 for all). Internal rotation was equivalent postoperatively between both groups. From preoperative to postoperative re-revision RTSA, the mean improvement exceeded the MCID for the SST score, abduction, forward elevation, and external rotation. When comparing postoperative revision RTSA to postoperative re-revision RTSA, the mean difference between revision and re-revision RTSA exceeded the MCID for the SPADI score and external rotation. The complication rate was 19% in shoulders undergoing first revision and 41% in shoulders undergoing re-revision RTSA. Patients undergoing re-revision RTSA receive improvement in clinical outcomes, but do not achieve outcomes comparable to those achieved after first revision RTSA.

Assessment of Bilateral Shoulder Range of Motion in Firefighter Trainees Using a Markerless Motion Capture System

The unpredictable environments firefighters face paired with biomechanically compromising shoulder movements, such as overhead and lifting movements, place this population at an increased risk for shoulder injury. The purpose of this study was to assess firefighter trainees’ bilateral shoulder range of motion (ROM) using the Dynamic Athletic Research Institute Motion system. Retrospective anthropometric and ROM data for 31 male firefighter trainees were analyzed. Firefighter trainees’ mean shoulder ROM for bilateral external rotation, internal rotation, and extension were lower than previously published values. External rotation demonstrated the lowest percentage of trainees within normal ROM (left—6.67%, right—16.67%). Noting the susceptibility of upper extremity injuries among firefighters, establishing baseline ROM measurements for reference may improve musculoskeletal evaluations, training interventions, and injury rehabilitation.

Types and doses of anti-adhesive agents injected into subacromial space do not have an effect on the clinical and anatomical outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Joint stiffness after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a major concern for orthopaedic surgeons. Various antiadhesive agents are commonly administered after rotator cuff repair for its prevention. This study aimed to compare the outcomes among patients injected with different types and amounts of anti-adhesive agents after rotator cuff repair. It was hypothesized that the outcomes might differ depending on the use of the anti-adhesive agent and its type and dose. A total of 267 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with or without subacromial injection of anti-adhesive agents were enrolled. The first group (group A; 51 patients) were injected with 3mL of poloxamer/sodium alginate-based anti-adhesive agent. The second group (group B; 93 patients) were injected with 3mL of sodium hyaluronate-based anti-adhesive agent. The third group (group C; 82 patients) were injected with 1.5mL of sodium hyaluronate-based anti-adhesive agent. Finally, the last group (group D; 41 patients) who did not use anti-adhesive agents served as the control. The range of motion (ROM) and pain VAS scores were measured preoperatively and at 5weeks, 3months, 6months, and 1year postoperatively. Functional outcomes were evaluated using American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant scores, whereas cuff integrity was assessed via MRI or ultrasonography at least 6months postoperatively. All ROM measurements, pain VAS scores, and functional scores were significantly improved regardless of the use, type, and dose of the anti-adhesive agents. In addition shoulder ROM and rotator cuff healing did not significantly differ among the groups (all n.s.). No significant differences were found in the clinical and anatomical outcomes according to the type and dose of the anti-adhesive agents subacromially injected after rotator cuff repair. III.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Humeral Shaft Fracture Management and Its Outcomes.

Background and objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated a sudden and drastic shift in patient management throughout the healthcare system,to curb the spread of the disease and deal with resource limitations. Many surgical cases were canceled or delayed with only the most urgent and emergent cases taken up for treatment. It is unknown if and how these alterations affected patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare time to fracture care and outcomes between patients treated for humeral shaft fractures prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and those treated during the pandemic. We hypothesized that the pandemic cohort would have a prolonged time to fracture care and worse outcomes than the pre-pandemic cohort. Materials and methods This was a retrospective cohort study performed within a single healthcare system. All humeral shaft fractures treated from March to June 2019 (pre-pandemic cohort) and March to June 2020 (pandemic cohort) were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes and ICD-10-CM codes as well as Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Data on demographics, fracture characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were collected via chart and radiograph review. Outcomes analyzed included time to being made weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT), radiographic union, and final follow-up; range of motion (ROM) at radiographic union and final follow-up; and rate of complications. Results The pre-pandemic cohort (n=19) was significantly younger with a mean age of 29years than the pandemic cohort (n=17)with a mean age of 49years (p=0.010). Therewere no other significant differences in demographics, fracture characteristics, or treatment type between the groups. Time to fracture care was not significantly different in the pre-pandemic cohort (five days) versusthe pandemic cohort (four days). Time to being made WBAT, radiographic union, and final follow-up were not significantly different between thepre-pandemic(86, 113, and 98days) and the pandemic cohorts (77, 106, and 89.5 days). ROM measurements in abduction at radiographic union were significantly different between the cohorts: in the pre-pandemic cohort, 100% of patients reached greater than 160 degrees; in the pandemic cohort, only 16.7% of patients reached greater than 160 degrees (p=0.048). There was a non-significant decrease in the proportion of patients who achieved the maximal category of ROM measurements in forward elevation and extension at radiographic union and abduction, forward elevation, and extension at final follow-up, as well as a non-significant increase in visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at final follow-up between cohorts. There were no significant differences in the rate of complications. Conclusions Despite limited resources, reduced operating room availability, and increased utilization of virtual visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with humeral shaft fractures may not have faced delays in fracture care or worse outcomes compared to the pre-pandemic period. The pandemic cohort may have experienced significantly decreased ROM compared to the pre-pandemic cohort, which may reflect the decreased availability of physical therapy services and overall decreased activity levels due to the quarantine orders. However, we could not identify any other significant differences in the type of treatment, pain, complications, or time to union.

Outcomes of acute vs. delayed reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures in the elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has become an increasingly popular treatment option for proximal humerus fractures in the elderly. There is however contradictory evidence on the impact of timing of RSA on patient outcomes. It remains unclear if poor results after initial nonsurgical or surgical management can be improved with delayed RSA. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the outcomes of acute RSA and delayed RSA for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures in the elderly. A systematic search was performed on 4 databases for studies that compared acute RSA with RSA used after prior nonoperative or operative treatment. Studies with a mean cohort age of <65 years were excluded. Demographical data, clinical outcome scores, range of motion measurements, and postoperative complications were collected from the included studies. Sixteen studies were included for data analysis. Compared with delayed RSA cohorts, acute RSA cohorts had higher forward flexion (124.3° vs. 114.9°; P=.019), external rotation (24.7° vs. 20.2°; P=.041), and abduction (113.2° vs. 99.8°; P=.03). Compared with RSA after conservative management, acute RSA had greater external rotation (29.9° vs. 21.4°; P=.043). The acute RSA cohort had significantly higher American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (76.4 vs. 68.2; P=.025) and Constant-Murley scores (65.6 vs. 57.3; P=.002) compared with the delayed RSA cohort. Subgroup analyses showed significantly greater Constant-Murley (64.9 vs. 56.9; P=.020) and Simple Shoulder Test scores (8.8 vs. 6.8; P=.031) with acute RSA compared with RSA after conservative treatment. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was higher in the acute RSA cohort compared with RSA after open reduction internal fixation (77.9 vs. 63.5; P=.008). The overall complication rate per 100 patient-years was 11.7 for the acute RSA cohort and 18.5 for the delayed RSA cohort (risk ratio: 0.55; P=.015). Based on the current evidence, acute RSA presents better clinical outcome measures and range of motion measurements, with decreased complication rates than RSA performed after prior nonoperative or operative treatment.

Anterior Displacement of Tibial Spine Fractures: Does Anatomic Reduction Matter?

Operative treatment of displaced tibial spine fractures consists of fixation and reduction of the fragment in addition to restoring tension of the anterior cruciate ligament. To determine whether residual displacement of the anterior portion of a tibial spine fragment affects the range of motion (ROM) or laxity in operatively and nonoperatively treated patients. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Data were gathered from 328 patients younger than 18 years who were treated for tibial spine fractures between 2000 and 2019 at 10 institutions. ROM and anterior lip displacement (ALD) measurements were summarized and compared from pretreatment to final follow-up. ALD measurements were categorized as excellent (0 to <1 mm), good (1 to <3 mm), fair (3 to 5 mm), or poor (>5 mm). Posttreatment residual laxity and arthrofibrosis were assessed. Overall, 88% of patients (290/328) underwent operative treatment. The median follow-up was 8.1 months (range, 3-152 months) for the operative group and 6.7 months (range, 3-72 months) for the nonoperative group. The median ALD measurement of the cohort was 6 mm pretreatment, decreasing to 0 mm after treatment (P < .001). At final follow-up, 62% of all patients (203/328) had excellent ALD measurements, compared with 5% (12/264) before treatment. Subjective laxity was seen in 11% of the nonoperative group (4/37) and 5% of the operative group (15/285; P = .25). Across the cohort, there was no association between final knee ROM and final ALD category. While there were more patients with arthrofibrosis in the operative group (7%) compared with the nonoperative group (3%) (P = .49), this was not different across the ALD displacement categories. Residual ALD was not associated with posttreatment subjective residual laxity, extension loss, or flexion loss. The results suggest that anatomic reduction of a tibial spine fracture may not be mandatory if knee stability and functional ROM are achieved.

Telerehabilitation Technology Used for Remote Wrist/Finger Range of Motion Evaluation: A Scoping Review.

Monitoring finger/wrist range of motion (ROM) is an important component of routine hand therapy after surgery. Telerehabilitation is a field that may potentially address various barriers of in-person hand therapy appointments. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review is to identify telerehabilitation technologies that can be feasibly used in a patient's home to objectively measure finger/wrist ROM. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews, we systematically searched MEDLINE and Embase electronic databases using alternative word spellings for the following core concepts: "wrist/hand," "rehabilitation," and "telemedicine." Studies were imported into Covidence, and systematic two-level screening was done by two independent reviewers. Patient demographics and telerehabilitation information were extracted from the selected articles, and a narrative synthesis of the findings was done. There were 28 studies included in this review, of which the telerehabilitation strategies included smartphone angle measurement applications, smartphone photography, videoconference, and wearable or external sensors. Most studies measured wrist ROM with the most accurate technologies being wearable and external sensors. For finger ROM, the smartphone angle application and photography had higher accuracy than sensor systems. The telerehabilitation strategies that had the highest level of usability in a remote setting were smartphone photographs and estimation during virtual appointments. Telerehabilitation can be used as a reliable substitute to in-person goniometer measurements, particularly the smartphone photography and motion sensor ROM measurement technologies. Future research should investigate how to improve the accuracy of motion sensor applications that are available on easy-to-access devices.

Isolated Muscle Activation Exercises on Lumbopelvic Muscle Strength and Lumbar Range of Motion among Bike Riders

ABSTRACT Background: Two-wheelers are the most important means of commuting as they provide fast transportation at a low cost in India. Acquired sitting posture for a prolonged period on the bike increases the fatigue level of the Lumbopelvic muscles. Objective: The study aims to find out whether there is a difference in Lumbopelvic muscle strength and lumbar range of motion (ROM) between bike riders and non-bike riders and to find out the acute effect of isolated muscle activation exercises on Lumbopelvic muscle strength and lumbar ROM among bike riders. Methodology and Procedure: It is a quasi-experimental study in which the lumbopelvic muscle strength and lumbar ROM were measured for both bike riders (15) and nonbike riders (15). Isolated lumbopelvic muscle activation exercises were given to bike riders. Postintervention measurement of lumbopelvic muscle strength and lumbar ROM was measured after 10 days. Outcome measures: were manual muscle testing, modified MRC grading for muscle strength and modified-modified Schober test for lumbar ROM. Results and Conclusion: Results show that the bike riders group has significantly reduced lumbopelvic muscle power and lumbar spine ROM than nonbike riders and isolated lumbopelvic muscle activation exercise has a significant effect on lumbopelvic muscle strength and lumbar ROM in bike riders.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes in Lateralized versus Non-lateralized and Distalized Glenospheres in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Randomized Control Trial.

Lateralization in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has been used to theoretically offer the potential benefits of reduced scapular notching rates and improved stability and range of motion (ROM), particularly external rotation. The aim of this study was to compare ROM, clinical and radiographic outcomes between patients who underwent RTSA with a lateralized versus a non-lateralized and distalized glenosphere. A single surgeon randomized control trial was conducted comparing 27 patients with a lateralized glenosphere and 26 patients with a non-lateralized and distalized glenosphere. 66 patients were enrolled, two patients died prior to two-year follow-up, four patients withdrew from the study and seven patients were lost to follow-up. All patients in the lateralized group received 6 mm of lateralization through the glenosphere. Participants represented a population presenting to an orthopedics sports medicine clinic with any indication for RTSA including revision arthroplasty. Patients completed preoperative and routine postoperative functional outcome measures 3, 6, 12, and a minimum of 24 months postoperatively including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function Upper Extremity (PROMIS PF UE) and Activities of Daily Living Requiring Active External and Internal Rotation (ADLEIR) assessments. Patients were also evaluated with ROM and radiographic measurements. The primary outcome of interest in this study was ROM, particularly external rotation. At two-year follow-up, both groups had significant improvement in their ASES, PROMIS PF UE and ADLEIR scores with no significant difference observed between groups. There were no statistically significant differences in incidence of scapular notching or acromial stress fractures. ROM in both groups improved significantly at their two-year assessment with the only exception to this being external rotation at 90° of abduction in the non-lateralized and distalized group (39° ± 31° versus 48° ± 24°, p=0.379). Regardless of glenosphere lateralization status, patients in both groups had significant improvement in functional outcome scores and ROM and there were no significant differences observed between groups at two-year follow-up. Longer follow-up is needed to determine the effect of implant design on late complications, long-term outcomes and implant retention.

Range of Motion Measurements of the Hip Joint Are Useful in Screening for Acetabular Dysplasia in Healthy Young Japanese Women.

The purpose of this study is to clarify whether a hip range of motion (ROM) measurement is useful in screening for early hip osteoarthritis with acetabular dysplasia (AD). Subjects were 58 healthy Japanese women volunteers (21.1 ± 0.7 (20 - 22)). We evaluated a total of 116 hip joints in these 58 cases. Sharp angle and centeredge angle were 44.1° ± 3.1° (37.0° - 51.5°) and 30.7°± 6.2° (19.5° - 47.0°), respectively. AD was present in 47.4%, but there were no severe cases. First, we compared the ROM of the hip joints with AD (AD group) and without AD (control group) according to the Mann-Whitney U test. Extension angles and external rotation angles in the AD group were significantly smaller than in the control group (18.9°± 6.1° VS. 22.1°± 4.2°, p= 0.01636, 26.3°± 8.9° VS. 34.1°± 8.8°, p= 0.001362, respectively). Next, we evaluated the following factors associated with AD by logistic regression analysis after adjustment for age: flexion, extension and internal and external rotation angles of the hip joint. As a result, internal rotation and external rotation were extracted as related factors. The area under the ROC curve was determined to have a moderate accuracy (0.72996). Cut off values of internal rotation and external rotation angles were 50 degrees and 35 degrees, respectively. Our findings suggest that ROM measurement of the internal and external rotation angles would be useful as a screening for AD in healthy young Japanese women without symptoms.

The concurrent validity and reliability of virtual reality to measure shoulder flexion and scaption range of motion

BackgroundShoulder pain commonly has a detrimental impact on patient's work and social activities. Although pain is the most common reason for seeking care, a reduction in shoulder range of motion (ROM) is another common impairment. ROM assessment is used as an evaluation tool and multiple methods are available to measure shoulder ROM. Virtual reality (VR) has been introduced into shoulder rehabilitation, mostly when exercise and ROM measurement is indicated. This study evaluated the concurrent validity and system reliability of active ROM measurements of VR for people with and without shoulder pain. MethodsForty volunteers participated in this study. Virtual goniometry was used to assess active shoulder ROM. Participants performed flexion and scaption to six predetermined angles. Measurements from the VR goniometer and smartphone inclinometers were recorded simultaneously. To assess reliability, two identical test sequences were performed. ResultsThe concurrent validity ICCs were 0.93 for shoulder flexion and 0.94 for shoulder scaption. The VR goniometer application on average systematically overestimated the ROM compared to the smartphone inclinometer. The mean difference between goniometer values was −11.3 degrees for flexion and −10.9 for scaption. The system reliability was excellent with an overall ICC of 0.99 for the flexion movements and 0.99 for the scaption movements. ConclusionAlthough the VR system demonstrated excellent reliability, and high ICC’s for concurrent validity, the large range between the lower and upper 95% CI limits suggests it lacks measurement precision. This suggests VR, as used in this study, should not be used interchangeably with other measurement tools. Contribution of the paper•Virtual reality is a relatively new technology that is being increasingly adopted in clinical practice including the assessment and treatment of people with shoulder pain.•Virtual reality can support the growing demand for improved efficacy and efficiency of healthcare delivery by enabling physiotherapy assessment and treatment of patients via tele-health services.•The VR system (hardwear and software) tested in this study demonstrated excellent reliability and excellent concurrent validity, however, the wide limits of agreement associated with the VR system suggest that the current VR system should not be used interchangeably with digital inclinometry.

Histological and clinical analysis of knee cyclops lesions.

Cyclops Syndrome, first described by Jackson and Schaefer in 1990, is known as a complication of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However further researches have demonstrated that cyclops can be present even without symptoms and/or in absence of ACLR, simply configuring itself as a lesion in patients with rupture of the native ligament. This is a retrospective cohort study in which we report our experience of 13 cyclops lesions found between 126 patients during a primary arthroscopic ACLR. Preoperative examination with tests of joint stability and range of movement measurement was performed and recorded. Accurate joint examination was performed during arthroscopy and the cyclops lesions found were removed and analyzed with haematoxylin-eosin coloration. Post-operative clinical examination was performed until 6 months of follow-up. Histological analysis showed proliferation of dense fibroelastic polypoid nodules with a macroscopically histological aspects of a "blue eye", hence the name Cyclops. At 6 months of follow-up after surgery, none of the patients reported pain at terminal extension or instability and they were all able to resume their previous activities. Our study confirmed that surgical reconstruction of the ACL is not the only condition in which the Cyclops Syndrome develops; in fact our histological analysis indicate that the Cyclops lesions develop like a reactive fibroproliferative process following the rupture of the native ACL fibers, as scar reaction to the trauma: for this reason an accurate arthroscopic detection of these Cyclops lesions is crucial during primary ACL reconstruction in order to obtain the best surgical outcomes.