Sports Physical Therapy Research Articles

Empowering sports facilities and sports physiotherapy performance with Integrated Management Information System (IMIS): Enhanced user experience and service quality

This study investigates the development of Integrated Management Information Systems (IMIS) to improve user experience and service quality in sports facilities. This research conducts a systematic review (2018-2023) of 7 articles from Scopus, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar to explore how IMIS can address evolving industry needs. The system facilitates user access to information, online transactions, and feedback mechanisms while enabling personalization and recommendations. However, the review also highlights the potential of IMIS to revolutionize sports physiotherapy through enhanced athlete care, data-driven treatment plans, and streamlined operations. Successful IMIS implementation requires careful planning, stakeholder involvement, and continuous adaptation to emerging technologies like AI and IoT. By overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities, IMIS can usher in a new era of personalized, effective, and efficient athlete care. IMIS implementation involves evaluating facility needs, staff training, and introducing the system to users. Data security and privacy are paramount. Future integration of AI, IoT, and mobile applications holds promise for further enhancing IMIS effectiveness. Overall, IMIS implementation has demonstrably improved user experience and service quality. By prioritizing user experience and adapting to technological advancements, sports facilities can remain competitive in a digital age.

EFFECTIVE REHABILITATION STRATEGIES FOR MUSCLE INJURIES IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS

The rehabilitation of muscle injuries in football players is a pivotal area of sports physiotherapy, addressing the intense physical demands and high injury rates associated with the sport. Muscle injuries often arise from factors such as overload, muscle imbalances, and improper techniques, impacting athletes' performance and career longevity. To optimize recovery, evidence-based methodologies are crucial, allowing physiotherapists to create personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to the specifics of each injury. Central to effective rehabilitation is a thorough functional assessment, which identifies specific deficits in players. Techniques such as electrotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound are effective in accelerating healing and reducing pain, while functional taping provides support without restricting movement. Neuromuscular rehabilitation is equally vital, incorporating proprioceptive exercises to enhance stability and prevent future injuries. The multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between physiotherapists, medical professionals, nutritionists, and coaches, ensures comprehensive care for athletes. Psychological support also plays a key role in addressing anxiety and fostering a positive mindset during recovery. Recent studies underscore the importance of accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plans, utilizing frameworks like the PRICE principle and specific rehabilitation protocols that facilitate faster and safer returns to play. The literature indicates a gap in understanding among team managers regarding the role of sports physiotherapy, highlighting the pressure players face to return prematurely, which increases the risk of re-injury. In summary, successful rehabilitation of muscle injuries in football necessitates a comprehensive, personalized approach that integrates physical, nutritional, and psychological elements. As research continues to evolve, these strategies will enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, ensuring football players can recover fully and maintain optimal performance levels.

2024 IJSPT Orthopedic Summit Research Abstracts

The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy is pleased to publish abstracts from the fourteenth Orthopaedic Summit (OSET) taking place in Las Vegas, September 13-18, 2024. The IJSPT hosted the third annual research forum and reception at OSET, sponsored by ATI Physical Therapy and Hyperice. The abstracts presented in the following pages were selected by the OSET Research Committee and editorial staff of the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. After careful review, a total of 18 research abstracts were accepted and presented at OSET 2024. Awards for outstanding abstracts were presented on September 14. The 2024 abstracts include contemporary orthopaedic and rehabilitation topics across various research designs. Each abstract presents only a brief summary of a research project / presentation and does not permit full assessment of the scientific rigor with which the work was conducted. While the abstracts offer only preliminary results that may require further refinement and future validation, they do serve an important role in sharing new research ideas and rehabilitation advancements. This sharing of ideas helps to encourage dialogue among researchers, clinicians, and educators that will ultimately contribute to the orthopaedic and rehabilitation body of knowledge. We strongly encourage authors to continue pursuing the publication of their research as a full manuscript. Thank you to all submitting abstracts for consideration. We look forward to another outstanding season of submissions for OSET 2025. _Phil Page PhD, PT, ATC Chuck Thigpen PhD, PT, ATC_ OSET Research Committee Co-Chairs

American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy Poster Presentation Abstracts SPO1-SPO121

These abstracts are presented here as prepared by the authors. The accuracy and content of each abstract remain the responsibility of the authors. In the identification number above each abstract, SPO designates an American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy poster presentation. JOSPT Open 2024;2(4):CSM31-CSM79. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2024.AASPTCSM2

American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy Platform Presentation Abstracts SPL1-SPL68

These abstracts are presented here as prepared by the authors. The accuracy and content of each abstract remain the responsibility of the authors. In the identification number above each abstract, SPL designates an American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy platform presentation. JOSPT Open 2024;2(4):CSM1-CSM30. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2024.AASPTCSM1

Analyzing the Role of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Sports: A Literature Perspective on Its Application and Benefits in Physiotherapy

This study evaluates the application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in sports physiotherapy, focusing on pain management, muscle recovery, and injury rehabilitation. Utilizing qualitative descriptive research based on a literature review, data were sourced from reputable scientific databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The analysis revealed that TENS effectively manages pain by altering pain signals before they reach the brain, enhances muscle recovery by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and accelerating healing. Additionally, TENS supports injury rehabilitation by preserving strength and muscle mass during immobilization and contributes positively to athletes' mental well-being by maintaining motivation. While TENS demonstrates various benefits, its effectiveness can vary among individuals, indicating a need for further research to optimize usage protocols and assess its impact on specific conditions in sports. In conclusion, TENS is a valuable tool in sports physiotherapy, offering significant advantages in pain relief, muscle recovery, and rehabilitation

Clinical Sports physiotherapy practice in India- it’s time to upgrade with technology and evidence based practice

In India, the job of a sports physiotherapist is very demanding because, due to the increased number of injuries in all sports, it is claimed that athletes require complete care to recover and prevent injuries. At present, the general population in India, looking to lead a healthy life, also participates in recreational sports activities. So sports physiotherapy is also recommended for the general population.After finishing their education, physiotherapists play a crucial and essential role in the recovery of sports players. Sports physiotherapists' main duties include handling on-field injuries, preventing injuries, treating injuries in the outpatient setting, helping patients recover from arthroscopic surgery, and travelling with sports teams or individuals for short or infrequently longer contract periods. This article summarize the suggestions and solutions to improve the standards of sports physiotherapy practice in india.

"Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality in Adjunct to Conventional Physiotherapy on Static Balance, Dynamic Balance and Vertical Jump in Futsal Players with Lateral Ankle Sprain: A Protocol for Randomized Control Trial"

Background As there is high expense of treatment and potential long-term consequences including chronic ankle instability (CAI), lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are common among athletes and represent a substantial healthcare burden. In terms of preventing more injuries and encouraging a full recovery, traditional treatments frequently fall short. Methods At the Department of Sports Physiotherapy, futsal athletes with grade I and grade II lateral ankle sprains will participate in a parallel-group, 1:1 allocation ratio trial. Individuals who fulfil the eligibility requirements will be randomized at random to either the experimental or control group. Conventional physiotherapy treatments will be administered to the control group, and IVR sessions utilizing certain games will be administered to the experimental group in addition to the same therapies. The Y Balance Tool is used to measure dynamic balance, the X Sens MVN system is used to measure vertical jump, and the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is used to assess static balance. Result This study aims to offer a new way to improving results for futsal players recovering from lateral ankle sprains by utilizing IVR technology in conjunction with traditional physiotherapy. The results could lead to the creation of more efficient sports-related injury rehabilitation programs, which would improve athlete performance and lessen the incidence of ankle sprains in athletic populations. CTRI Registration Number: CTRI/2024/04/065627 Name of registry: CTRI (Clinical Trials Registry) No. CTRI/2024/04/065627 Date: 12/04/2024 URL: https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/rmaindet.php?trialid=102982&EncHid=78848.18761&modid=1&compid=19

Sports physiotherapy: A revolution for the athletes

Sports physiotherapy: A revolution for the athletes

The Retos journal is in the second quartile of Scopus: a bibliometric analysis from 2016 to 2023

The Journal of Retos has been selected to be included in Scopus' second quartile in the fields of education, orthopaedics and sports medicine, physiotherapy, sports therapy, and rehabilitation starting from January 25, 2024. Although it is worth mentioning that this accomplishment came almost ten years after the magazine Retos was included in Scopus in 2016, it has now risen to the second quartile. The objective of the study is to present a graphical representation of the scientific patterns observed in the journal Retos from 2016 to 2023. Bibliometric analysis facilitates the identification and examination of scientific trends, as well as the assessment of research structure, patterns, and trends. Hence, bibliometric analysis is a pertinent and crucial approach for attaining the goals of this study. We conducted an analysis on a dataset consisting of 2334 entries obtained from the Scopus data center. This study employed the software VOSviewer and Rstudio for doing bibliometric analysis. The findings suggest that the topics of physical education and physical activity are prevailing. The growing specialized topics are BAPNE techniques and neuromotricity. Journal Retos has made significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge in various areas, including education, orthopaedics, sports medicine, physiotherapy, sports therapy, and rehabilitation, on a global scale. Keywords: Bibliometric; Retos Journal; Scientific Journals; Second Quartile of Scopus.

Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Outpatients With Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Survey of Orthopaedic and Sports Academies

PURPOSE: Venous thromboembolism can present as either a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in physical therapists' estimation of the probability of a patient having a DVT in patient vignettes as compared with the modified Wells criteria prediction. METHODS: Members of the American Academy of Orthopaedics, Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapists (AOPT), and American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT) completed patient vignettes. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and sign tests assessed for differences between responses of the presence of DVT (likely or unlikely) and whether referral was necessary. RESULTS: Six hundred and seventy consented, and 521 completed the survey of 24,028 members from the AOPT and AASPT. In total, 7.2% did not feel competent to screen for DVT. Descriptive statistics revealed difficulty in determining whether a DVT was likely or unlikely in 4/5 vignettes as compared with the modified Wells criteria, with only vignette 2 having 95.9% correctly answering as DVT being unlikely. In the other 4 vignettes, approximately 60% to 70% of respondents estimated DVT to be likely, despite 2 of these being unlikely. Across the vignettes, between 2.3% and 19.2% more respondents chose to refer when they determined if a DVT was likely. Across vignettes, statistically significant differences between DVT being likely or unlikely and decision to refer were present. Respondents consistently chose to refer even when a DVT was unlikely (P < .001 for vignettes 1, 3–5. P = .038 for vignette 2). CONCLUSIONS: Venous thromboembolisms are potentially life-threatening conditions seen by physical therapists. Members of the AOPT and AASPT have difficulty in determining the presence or absence of DVT in clinical case vignettes, with some demonstrating a conservative management decision to refer despite low probability of DVT. Efforts to educate members should be considered to improve the understanding of DVT assessment. Clinical Pearls: Members of the AOPT and AASPT appear to have difficulty in determining the presence of a DVT in clinical patient vignettes. Respondents chose to refer patients perhaps with conservative caution. Efforts to educate therapists should be considered to improve the understanding of DVT assessment.

Global research trends and hotspots in patellofemoral pain syndrome from 2000 to 2023: a bibliometric and visualization study.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a prevalent condition in sports medicine, and as sports competitions become more popular, the incidence of sports injuries is on the rise. Despite the increasing research on PFPS, there remains a lack of bibliometric analyses on this topic. The aim of this study was to identify the research hotspots and trends in the field of PFPS by reviewing 23 years of literature in this field. By analyzing the literature on PFPS research from 2000 to 2023 in the core dataset of the Web of Science database and utilizing bibliometric tools like CiteSpace 6.1, VOSviewer 1.6.18, R-bibliometrix 4.6.1, Pajek 5.16, and Scimago Graphica 1.0.26, our aim was to gain insights into the current status and key areas of PFPS research. The study examined various aspects including the number of publications, countries, institutions, journals, authors, collaborative networks, keywords, and more. Through the visualization of relevant data, we also attempted to forecast future trends in the field. There were 2,444 publications were included in this visualization study, published in 322 journals by 1,247 authors from 818 institutions in 67 countries. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy had the highest number of publications, with the USA leading in article count. La Trobe University contributed the most articles, while Rathleff MS and Barton CJ emerged as the most prolific authors. Hip and knee strength and core strength, lower extremity kinematics and biomechanics, females (runners), muscle activation, risk factors, gait retraining, clinical practice guidelines, and rehabilitation were research hotspot keywords. Current research suggests that there is still significant potential for the development of PFPS research. Key areas of focus include the clinical effectiveness of combined hip and knee strengthening to address PFPS, characterization of lower limb kinematics and biomechanics, gait retraining, risk factors, and clinical practice guidelines. Future research could explore the effectiveness of innovative exercise therapies such as blood flow restricting training, gait retraining, and neuromuscular control training for PFPS improvement. Further investigation into gait retraining for runners, particularly females, and clinical efficacy study of a novel PRP formulation for the treatment of PFPS.

PERBEDAAN PENGARUH OPEN KINETIC CHAIN EXERCISE DAN CLOSE KINETIC CHAIN EXERCISE TERHADAP KEKUATAN OTOT QUADRICEPS FEMORIS PASCA OPERASI ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMEN DITINJAU DARI USIA

This research is an experimental research. The sample is post-Anterior Cruciate Ligament surgery patients at the Solo Sport Physiotherapy Clinic as many as 16 people including Open and Close exercise categories and based on adolescent and adult age categories. Samples were taken using purposive sampling technique. The variables in this study include: 1) Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Strength (Y); 2) Open Exercise (a1); 3) Close Exercise (a2); and 4) Age (b). Research data were obtained from measurements using an Electromyograph. Hypothesis testing using two-way Anova test and t test. Conclusion, (1) There is a difference in the effect of quadriceps femoris muscle strength after being given open kinetic chain and close kinetic chain exercises in ACL postoperative patients. Which means that close kinetic chain training has a better improvement than open kinetic chain in ACL postoperative patients. (2) There are differences in the effect of quadriceps femoris muscle strength in adolescent and adult athletes. Which means that adult athletes have a better increase in quadriceps femoris muscle strength compared to adolescent athletes. (3) There is no interaction between open kinetic chain and close kinetic chain training methods with adolescent and adult age on increasing quadriceps muscle strength.

The Sportscomp Erasmus+ Project: Higher Education to Improve Competency in Sports Physiotherapy.

One of the most important milestones of the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy (IFSPT), a specialty group of the World Physiotherapy (WP) group, was the creation of the Sports Physiotherapy Competencies and Standards document. This statement, finalized by an international panel of experts almost twenty years ago, under The European Union-funded Sports Physiotherapy for All (SPA) project, describes effective professional behaviours and integrates specific knowledge, skills and attitudes in the context of practice. These competencies provide a basis for policy development, enable quality assurance activities and facilitate individual professional development.

Sport-Specific AMCaMP: New Modular Tools for Measuring Adolescent Self-Confidence In Sport-Specific Movement.

Despite increasing interest in psychological factors that affect the impact of self-efficacy on readiness to return to play, few clinical tools are available to assess self-confidence in performing sports-specific movement patterns in the pediatric/adolescent population. The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of sports-specific modules to supplement a general measure of movement self-efficacy, the Adolescent Measure of Confidence and Movement Performance (AMCaMP). Quasi-experimental cross-sectional validation. After preliminary testing for readability and ease of administration, one of 12 sport-specific modules pertinent to the individual's sport (baseball, softball, basketball, football, gymnastics, cheerleading, soccer, ballet, swimming, lacrosse, tennis, and cross country) were administered to 14,744 patients, 11-18 years of age, drawn from 12 pediatric sports physical therapy facilities in a single health care system. Respondents completed the assigned sport-specific self-report questionnaire at initial visit and conclusion of the episode of care. Based on sample sizes, Bartlett's Test of Sphericity, and Kaiser-Myer-Olkin measures, nine modules (baseball, softball, basketball, football, gymnastics, cheerleading, soccer, ballet, and swimming) were deemed suitable for factor analysis. Each module sample was divided into test validation samples. Exploratory factor analysis revealed an underlying structure ranging from one to three factors depending upon the module. Subsequent confirmatory factor analyses fully supported the hypothesized factor structures for each module except swimming. Additional analyses to determine coefficient alpha (range=0.8-0.976), Standard Error of Measurement (range=1.12-2.33), and Minimum Detectable Change (range=3.1-6.47) confirmed the reliability of each of these modules. AMCAMP sport-specific modules are reliable and valid self-report tools to capture self-confidence in performing sport-specific movements to supplement AMCAMP's evaluation of self-efficacy in performing the general movements of everyday life. The results of this study support using these modules as part of the overall clinical evaluation of psychological readiness to return to sport. Level 3b.

Lack of utilizing evidence based training protocols for fitness training and injury prevention in athletes: The need to promote sports physical therapy in Pakistan

Lack of utilizing evidence based training protocols for fitness training and injury prevention in athletes: The need to promote sports physical therapy in Pakistan

Muscular Strategies for Correcting the Pelvic Position to Improve Posture-An Exploratory Study.

The correction of postural weaknesses through the better positioning of the pelvis is an important approach in sports therapy and physiotherapy. The pelvic position in the sagittal plane is largely dependent on the muscular balance of the ventral and dorsal muscle groups. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine whether healthy persons use similar muscular activation patterns to correct their pelvic position or whether there are different motor strategies. The following muscles were recorded in 41 persons using surface electromyography (EMG): M. trapezius pars ascendens, M. erector spinae pars lumbalis, M. gluteus maximus, M. biceps femoris, M. rectus abdominis, and M. obliquus externus. The participants performed 10 voluntary pelvic movements (retroversion of the pelvis). The anterior pelvic tilt was measured videographically via marker points on the anterior and posterior superior iliac spine. The EMG data were further processed and normalized to the maximum voluntary contraction. A linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between changes in the pelvic tilt and muscle activities. Subsequently, a Ward clustering analysis was applied to detect potential muscle activation patterns. The differences between the clusters and the pelvic tilt were examined using ANOVA. Cluster analysis revealed the presence of four clusters with different muscle activation patterns in which the abdominal muscles and dorsal muscle groups were differently involved. However, the gluteus maximus muscle was involved in every activation pattern. It also had the strongest correlation with the changes in pelvic tilt. Different individual muscle patterns are used by different persons to correct pelvic posture, with the gluteus maximus muscle apparently playing the most important role. This can be important for therapy, as different muscle strategies should be trained depending on the individually preferred motor patterns.

Gender Differences Regarding Self-Perceived Physical and Mental Health in Spanish University Sports and Physical Therapy Students after Termination of the COVID-19 Lockdown Period.

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented situation that raised concerns about the physical and mental health of adolescents. Several surveys demonstrated that post-lockdown, women reported more complaints and lower perceived quality of life compared to men. The aim of this study was to analyze gender differences in self-reported physical and mental health immediately after the second lock-down restrictions (July 2020 to December 2020) were suspended and physical exercise classes resumed after a break of several months. This was achieved using a comparative cross-sectional survey of over-18-year-old students from the faculties of Sports Science and Physical Therapy at the University of Cadiz (UCA) in Spain. Quality of life was assessed using two types of questionnaires. The first covered quality of nutrition (PREDIMED), and the second assessed emotional impact (SF12). Physical activity level was estimated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Of the 166 participants in this study, about two-thirds were men. Men had a better perception of their overall health quality than women. In addition, men had significantly fewer limitations in performing activities of daily living than their female counterparts. In contrast, female university students had better coping strategies, that is, they were better able to handle the problems of daily life and did so with more composure, attention, and concentration. These findings highlight the differences in post-release recovery between men and women and can be used to develop programs to promote better living standards and services to reduce gender disparities, which can ultimately improve quality of life.

Fifth World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy Scientific Abstracts.

The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy is pleased to publish abstracts from the 5th World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy, which will take place in Oslo, Norway, June 14-15, 2024. The theme of the Congress is "From Science To Clinical Practice." The variety of presentations during this congress are examples of the contemporary sports physical therapy research activities taking place around the world. The abstracts presented in the following pages were selected by the Scientific Committee, which included members from the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy. It should be noted that abstracts have not been reviewed by the Editorial Board, Associate Editors or Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. After careful review by an international team of reviewers, research abstracts will be presented by authors at the World Congress. Each abstract presents only a brief summary of a research project / presentation and does not permit full assessment of the scientific rigor with which the work was conducted. While the abstracts offer only preliminary results that may require further refinement and future validation, they do serve an important role of sharing new research ideas from around the world. This sharing of ideas helps to encourage worldwide dialogue among researchers, clinicians, and educators that will ultimately contribute to the sports physical therapy body of knowledge. Notice: The abstracts below are presented as prepared by the authors. The accuracy and content of each abstract remain the responsibility of the authors.

Advanced biomechanical analytics: Wearable technologies for precision health monitoring in sports performance.

This study investigated the impact of wearable technologies, particularly advanced biomechanical analytics and machine learning, on sports performance monitoring and intervention strategies within the realm of physiotherapy. The primary aims were to evaluate key performance metrics, individual athlete variations and the efficacy of machine learning-driven adaptive interventions. The research employed an observational cross-sectional design, focusing on the collection and analysis of real-world biomechanical data from athletes engaged in sports physiotherapy. A representative sample of athletes from Bahawalpur participated, utilizing Dring Stadium as the primary data collection venue. Wearable devices, including inertial sensors (MPU6050, MPU9250), electromyography (EMG) sensors (MyoWare Muscle Sensor), pressure sensors (FlexiForce sensor) and haptic feedback sensors, were strategically chosen for their ability to capture diverse biomechanical parameters. Key performance metrics, such as heart rate (mean: 76.5 bpm, SD: 3.2, min: 72, max: 80), joint angles (mean: 112.3 degrees, SD: 6.8, min: 105, max: 120), muscle activation (mean: 43.2%, SD: 4.5, min: 38, max: 48) and stress and strain features (mean: [112.3 ], SD: [6.5 ]), were analyzed and presented in summary tables. Individual athlete analyses highlighted variations in performance metrics, emphasizing the need for personalized monitoring and intervention strategies. The impact of wearable technologies on athletic performance was quantified through a comparison of metrics recorded with and without sensors. Results consistently demonstrated improvements in monitored parameters, affirming the significance of wearable technologies. The study suggests that wearable technologies, when combined with advanced biomechanical analytics and machine learning, can enhance athletic performance in sports physiotherapy. Real-time monitoring allows for precise intervention adjustments, demonstrating the potential of machine learning-driven adaptive interventions.