Hip Abductor Muscle Strength Research Articles

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Hip Abductor after Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Direct Lateral Approach.

Surgical techniques and rehabilitations after total hip arthroplasty (THA) play a significant role in the improvement of pain and limping. This study aimed to assess hip abductor muscle's diameter and its strength after 6 months postoperative THA performed by Hardinge approach. After obtaining the patients' demographic characteristics, the preoperative values of patients' hip abductor muscle diameter were measured using magnetic resonance imaging, and were compared with postoperative values 6 months later. Moreover, the hip abductor muscle's strength was assessed using the Trendelenburg test. A total of 88 patients participated in this study with a mean age of 47.3±1.574 years. It should be noted that 55.7% of the participants were male. Muscle diameter decreased from a mean value of 27.07±7.485 preoperative to mean value of 25.64±7.353 mm postoperative (P<0.001). Moreover, the degrees of Trendelenburg test (i.e., mild or severe) decreased after surgery (P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the frequencies of different grades of limping according to the studied variables. A decrease was observed in gluteus medius muscle diameter, and the Trendelenburg test results were improved in this study. Moreover, the difference between pre- and postoperative gluteus medius muscle diameters were measured using MRI. It can be concluded that MRI is not an appropriate diagnostic tool for the assessment of abductor strength after THA in the 6-month postoperative visit. Accordingly, it is suggested to evaluate muscle strength before and after each surgery to schedule the following treatment protocol required for each patient.

Modulation of the rate of force development in hip abductor muscles by neuromuscular electrical stimulation during gait

Purpose/aim of the study: An increase of hip abductor muscle strength contributes to the increase in gait speed. It is known that the rate of force development (RFD), an indicator of muscle strength, is increased by the combined use of low-intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to the glutaeus medius (GM) and low-load resistance training (RT). However, it is unclear whether low-intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the glutaeus medius during walking also increases the rate of force development. The aim of this study was to clarify whether NMES to the GM during gait modulates the RFD of the hip abductor muscles in healthy adults.Materials and methods: Twenty-two healthy adults randomly received both gait with sub-motor threshold NMES and gait with sham NMES conditions. The RFD was assessed at pre- and post-intervention. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyse the effects of time and intervention.Results: Gait with sub-motor threshold NMES condition significantly increased the RFD in shorter time interval (0–50 and 0–100 ms) compared to gait with sham NMES condition.Conclusions: These findings suggest that the adding low-intensity NMES of the GM to gait is effective in increasing the RFD of the hip abductor muscles.

Excessive Lateral Trunk Lean in Patients With Cerebral Palsy: Is It Based on a Kinematic Compensatory Mechanism?

Introduction: Excessive lateral trunk lean is a commonly observed gait deviation in children with cerebral palsy (CP), with implications for energy expenditure and the development of back pain. While the trunk lean toward the stance leg is widely interpreted as a compensatory strategy to unload the hip, in CP the relation to hip abductor muscle strength is only weak. Therefore, other mechanisms may play a role in the prevalence of excessive trunk lean in CP, or it could be a primary motor function deficit.Research Question: Is the excessive lateral trunk lean in patients with CP part of an underlying biomechanical mechanism?Materials and Methods: Patients with bilateral CP (N = 255; age 13.6 ± 6.6 years) were retrospectively included and divided into a group with (n = 174) and without (n = 81) excessive lateral trunk lean. Ten lower-extremity joint angle waveforms were analyzed using a principal component analysis (PCA) to identify patterns of correlated deviations from average angle waveforms. Binary logistic regressions were performed to determine the discriminative capacity of the identified patterns.Results: The PCA identified correlated kinematic patterns, with lower-order patterns showing more common gait pathologies, such as torsional malalignments and crouch gait pattern. Within five patterns, significant (p < 0.0025) group differences were identified. Interestingly, the trunk lean was not always distinctive in these patterns and despite the significant differences their effect sizes were small. The logistic regression was unable to reliably classify patients based on their trunk lean patterns.Discussion: The current study identified multiple trunk lean-related patterns, however, excessive trunk lean was not attributable to a distinctive CP related gait pathology or to a specific compensatory strategy. Overall, the results do not support the hypothesis that excessive trunk lean is part of a biomechanical mechanism. Therefore, it seems more likely that excessive lateral trunk lean is based on other disease specific dysfunctions, influenced by the severity of the disease.

Effect of exercise therapy combined with branched-chain amino acid supplementation on muscle strength in elderly women after total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.

Many patients develop a prolonged decrease of muscle strength after total hip arthroplasty (THA) despite their reconstructed hip joint. Physical exercise combined with branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation has been reported to improve muscle strength in elderly persons with sarcopenia. However, the effect of BCAA supplementation in patients after THA is unknown. This study examined the effects of BCAA supplementation combined with exercise therapy on the improvement of physical function in elderly patients after THA. The subjects were 31 elderly women who underwent THA. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: BCAA (n=18) and control (n=13). The combined therapy was carried out for one month after THA. For the exercise intervention, a 3-set physical exercise program was conducted. For the nutritional intervention, the participants consumed 3.4 g of BCAA supplement or 1.2 g of starch immediately after the exercise intervention. BCAA supplementation combined with muscle strengthening exercises had a significant effect on knee extension strength of the contralateral side and on upper arm cross-sectional area. The improvement ratio of knee extension strength before and after intervention on the operated side was also significantly higher in the BCAA group. BCAA supplementation is effective for patients to improve the strength of some muscles when combined with physical exercises, but hip abductor muscle strength of the operated leg did not improve. A future study is needed to determine the efficacy of this combined therapy for hip abductor muscle strength.

A comparison of peri-operative effects of modified Bikini minimally invasive approach versus direct lateral approach for total hip arthroplasty

Objective To compare the perio-perative effects of modified bikini minimally invasive approach versus direct lateral approach for total hip arthroplasty(THA). Methods A total of 60 patients(70 hips), including 45 males(49 hips)and 15 females(21 hips)aged(54.9±6.1)years(range from 38 to 63 years)who underwent THA for the first time at joint surgery department of our hospital were retrospectively analyzed from October 2015 to May 2017.Thirty patients(34 hips)underwent modified bikini approach THA(the modified bikini group), and 30 patients(36 hips)received direct lateral approach THA(the direct lateral group). The comparisons were performed between the two groups in the orthopaedic pelvic films, disease stages, Harris scores before and after operation, intra-operative blood loss, postoperative drainage, blood transfusion rate, 24-h visual analog scale(VAS)scores for pain after operation, operation time and incision length.The straight leg elevation time, recovery time of hip abduction muscle strength, average hospitalization days and subjective satisfaction of patients were evaluated.Relevant surgical complications were recorded. Results Postoperative X-ray examinations showed that the position of prosthesis was good in both groups.There were no statistically significant difference between the two groups in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, blood transfusion rate, straight leg elevation time and subjective satisfaction(P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the modified bikini group and the direct lateral group in the incision length[(9.2±1.9) cm vs.(18.5±3.3) cm], recovery time of hip abductor muscle strength[(1.6±0.8) d vs. (12.1±3.9) d], Harris scores[(87.1±5.9) vs.(86.8±7.1)], 24-hour VAS scores[(4.6±2.3) vs.(7.0±3.6)]and average hospitalization days[(7.4±1.8) vs.(10.8±2.4)]after operation between the modified bikini group and the direct lateral group(P<0.05). One case with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury and 1 case of posterior cortical perforation of proximal femur were found in the modified bikini group, and 1 case of dislocation of hip prosthesis was observed in the direct lateral group. Conclusions Both of the modified bikini minimally invasive approach and direct lateral approach for THA can achieve better postoperative effect, while the modified bikini approach achieves faster recovery. Key words: Arthroplasty; Replacement, hip; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive

Physical findings differ between individuals with greater trochanteric pain syndrome and healthy controls: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BackgroundUnderstanding of the biopsychosocial characteristics of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), a prevalent lower limb tendinopathy, is currently lacking. ObjectivesTo quantify differences in participant characteristics between individuals with GTPS and healthy control participants. DesignSystematic review of original studies with meta-analyses where appropriate. MethodsA comprehensive electronic search was undertaken in Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL for terms referring to GTPS. Studies that provided comparison of individuals with clinically characterized GTPS with healthy controls were included. Study quality was rated with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cross Sectional Studies. Standardized mean differences were calculated and supported by narrative synthesis or meta-analyses where appropriate. Certainty of evidence was assessed based on the GRADE guidelines. ResultsThe search revealed 2798 studies, of which 13 studies from five research groups were included. There were 229 participants with at least three months duration of GTPS and 193 control participants. Individuals with GTPS displayed larger greater trochanteric width, greater body mass index, lower hip abductor muscle strength, higher hip abductor muscle activity, altered single leg loading and gait parameters including shorter step length and velocity. No studies investigating psychological features or sensory perception were identified. Quality of life was investigated in a single study. ConclusionsCompared to healthy controls, participants with GTPS are more overweight, have poorer hip abductor muscle function and altered gait parameters. Overall quality of evidence across studies was very low based on GRADE guidelines.

The association between the isokinetic muscle strength and lower extremity injuries in young male football players

BackgroundValidating any screening test to predict and prevent football injuries is in need of identifying related risk factors through prospective designs. In spite of the extensive use of strength testing in football players, there are limited studies investigating the relationship between isokinetic muscle strength and injury risk in young football players. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between isokinetic strength and the risk of lower extremity injury among Iranian young football players. Methodology: seventy three U-21 football players participated in this study. Isokinetic strength of hip, knee and ankle muscles were measured using the Isokinetic system pro 4. Injuries and exposure in training and matches were registered prospectively by club medical staff for one season. ResultsSignificant relationships were revealed between the isokinetic strength of hip abductor and adductor muscles, and isokinetic strength ratio of hip abductor/adductor muscles at an angular speed of 30°/sec, the isokinetic strength of hip abductor muscles at 90°/sec, and isokinetic strength of knee flexor and extensor muscles at 60°/sec and knee flexor/extensor strength ratio at angular velocities of 60°/sec with the injury occurrence among football players.Conclusion: lower extremity isokinetic strength indices are associated with injuries in young male football players.

Improvements in strength and functional performance after Kinesio taping in semi-professional male soccer players with and without functional ankle instability

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to compare the immediate effects of two methods of Kinesio taping on muscle strength, functional performance, and balance in athletes with and without functional ankle instability (FAI). MethodsThe present study investigated the effects of distal taping (muscle application over peroneus longus) and proximal- distal taping (muscle application over gluteus medius and peroneus longus) on the strength of evertor and hip abductor muscles, side hop test, figure of 8 hop test, and star excursion balance test in semi-professional male soccer players with and without FAI (n=15 in each group). A Multifactorial repeated measure ANOVA was used for comparison. ResultsThere were significant differences for factor effect in all outcome measures (P<0.05), except for the figure of 8 hop test. No significant differences for group effects and group by factor interaction effects (P>0.05) was observed except for the side hop test. ConclusionKinesio taping had immediate effects on improving strength, performance and balance. However, there were no differences on the method of application. Clinicians can consider the application Kinesio taping during the rehabilitation process of athletes with FAI, to improve balance and strength. The long-term impacts of taping on the functional, balance and strength measures should be investigated in future studies.

Incorporating hip abductor strengthening exercises into a rehabilitation program did not improve outcomes in people following total knee arthroplasty: a randomised trial.

In adults following primary total knee arthroplasty, does the incorporation of hip abductor strengthening exercises into a 6-week rehabilitation program improve muscle strength, functional performance and patient-reported outcomes at the end of rehabilitation and at 26 weeks? Randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, blinded assessors and intention-to-treat analysis. One hundred and five adults admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility immediately following total knee arthroplasty. Participants in both groups attended 12 days of inpatient physiotherapy followed by 6 weeks of outpatient physiotherapy, which aimed to improve knee range of movement, strength and mobility. The experimental group completed a standard rehabilitation protocol with the addition of hip abductor strengthening. The control group completed the same standard rehabilitation protocol, with the addition of 15 minutes of general functional exercises. Primary outcomes were the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and isometric hip abductor muscle strength normalised to body mass index. Secondary outcome measures included the stair climb test, 6-minute walk test, Timed Up and Go test, 40-m fast-paced walk test, 30-second chair stand test, step test, isometric quadriceps muscle strength, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and Short Form-12. The experimental intervention did not result in significantly greater improvements in hip strength, KOOS or any of the secondary outcome measures than the control intervention at 6 weeks or 26 weeks. Similar improvements in muscle strength, functional performance and patient-reported outcomes were observed whether specific hip-strengthening exercises were incorporated or general functional exercises were continued instead as part of a postoperative rehabilitation program for participants after total knee arthroplasty. ANZCTR12615000863538.

Comparison of the internal hip abduction moment and the pelvic kinematics during single-leg standing between people with knee osteoarthritis and healthy elderly people

Purpose: A high external knee adduction moment (KAM) during walking is known as the risk factors for progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Recent studies demonstrated that contralateral pelvic drop increased the KAM during walking and single-leg standing. Thus, stabilizing pelvis in the frontal plane is one of the goal for conservative treatments for KOA. In addition, internal hip abduction moment (HAM) explaining hip abductor muscle strength of the stance limb play a role in stabilizing the pelvis. However, few studies investigated HAM and pelvic kinematics during single-leg standing in people with KOA. Single-leg standing is convenient method to assess movement of the pelvis in the frontal plane, such as in the Trendelenburg test. The purpose of the present study was to compare the HAM and the pelvic kinematics during single-leg standing between people with KOA and healthy elderly people. Methods: Nine healthy elderly people (healthy group; age: 61.0 ± 9.0 years, height: 157.0 ± 9.3 cm, weight: 57.3 ± 11.2 kg) and 10 patients with KOA (KOA group; age: 67.8±8.9 years, height:152.8±6.9 cm, weight: 56.8±15.1 kg, K/L grade: 2-3) were recruited for this study. These subjects performed the single-leg standing trials. Subjects stood on two force platforms. They lifted one lower limb off the force plate 'as fast as possible' following a sonic cue, and held the posture. The onset of lift-off point was defined as the time when the vertical component of the ground reaction force became less than 10 N. All data were recorded until 3000ms following the lift-off. The data were collected with a six-camera motion analysis system and two force plates that were temporally synchronized and sampled at 200Hz and 1000Hz, respectively. Helen Hays marker set was used. The peak HAM and peak KAM during the single-leg standing were determined using the SIMM6.0.2 software. The maximum and minimum value of the lateral tilt angle of the pelvis during single-leg standing trials were calculated using the custom Matlab code. The contralateral pelvic elevation was denoted as a positive angle. We compared peak HAM, peak KAM and pelvic tilt angle between groups using unpaired t test. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: able 1 shows all kinematics and kinetic data (mean and SD) and statistics. There was no significant difference between groups for peak HAM and peak KAM. Maximum value of the pelvic tilt angle was not significant difference between groups. Minimum value of the pelvic tilt angle was greater in KOA group than in healthy group (p<0.05). Conclusions: People with KOA reduced the contralateral pelvic drop during single-leg standing. In addition, there was no difference peak KAM and peak HAM in KOA group compared with healthy group. People with KOA probably adapted their pelvic kinematics to prevent the increase of peak KAM during single-leg standing. Since hip abductor muscle play a role in stabilizing pelvis, hip abductor muscle strengthening exercises might be effective for rehabilitation program for KOA.

Patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis and knee pain have decreased hip abductor muscle strength while descending stairs.

This study aimed to investigate the association between hip abductor muscle strength and knee pain in patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) while ascending and descending stairs. This cross-sectional study included individuals with early-stage knee OA (Kellgren/Lawrence grades 1 or 2). Knee pain while ascending and descending stairs was evaluated using a knee OA-related health domain measure (Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure). Knee extension and hip abductor muscle strength were also evaluated. The association between hip abductor muscle strength and knee pain while ascending and descending stairs was evaluated using multiple regression analysis. A total of 157 participants were included in the final analysis. After the adjustment for age, sex, and knee extension strength, those with knee pain while descending stairs showed significantly decreased hip abductor muscle strength (β, - 0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], - 0.19 to - 0.003). In contrast, after the adjustment for age, sex, and knee extension muscle strength, those with knee pain while ascending stairs did not have significantly decreased hip abductor muscle strength (β, - 0.06; 95% CI, - 0.15 to 0.02). Patients with early-stage knee OA and knee pain while descending stairs had significantly reduced hip abductor muscle strength.

Strength Profile of Hip Abductor and Adductor Muscles in Youth Elite Soccer Players.

The main objective of this study was to provide an extensive isokinetic profile of the hip joint in youth soccer players, where the literature is limited. Additionally, this study investigated the effect of age on isokinetic peak torque values of hip abductor and adductor muscles and on reciprocal muscle group torque ratios in youth soccer players at different angular velocities (30 vs. 90o/s) and muscle actions (concentric vs. eccentric). Sixty young elite male soccer players were assigned into three equal groups (n = 20): children, young adolescents and older adolescents, and performed five maximal concentric and eccentric hip-abductions and adductions at 30o/s and 90o/s. The results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in peak torque values from childhood to adolescence, with the exception of young adolescents vs. older adolescents where no differences were observed. The reciprocal ratios were not affected by age, but improved with an increase in angular velocity with the exception of the CON/ECC ratio that was higher at 30o/s. The data presented in this study provide an extensive isokinetic profile of hip abductor and adductor muscle strength in youth soccer players to assist both coaches and sports medicine professionals in strength monitoring and training.

Superior migration of the femoral head in patients with severe hip osteoarthritis influences the gait patterns of the coronal plane.

Patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) show abnormal movement patterns, including the leaning of the trunk toward the affected limb (Duchenne limp). Patients with severe OA, especially those with OA due to hip dysplasia, show a lateral pelvic drop (Trendelenburg sign). The aim of this preoperative study is to investigate the relationship between superior migration of the arthritic femoral head, pain, and hip abductor muscle strength, and to clarify the relationship between the coronal plane gait patterns with pain and hip abductor muscle strength. The subjects of this study were 18 patients with unilateral hip OA secondary to dysplasia. A radiographic analysis was performed on standardised anteroposterior pelvis films. The abductor muscle strength of the OA hip joint was measured with a handheld dynamometer. The tilt angle of the pelvis and trunk lean angle during gait were obtained using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. Visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain was obtained after trial. The 2 lateral pelvic angle patterns at the mid-stance of the affected limb during gait were detected. 1 is a pattern that was pelvic rise, and the other was a contralateral pelvic drop. Subjects with pelvic drop showed more superior femoral migration than that with pelvic rise (r = 0.69 p < 0.01). VAS of pain correlate significantly with coronal trunk angle on mid-stance of affected limb during gait (r = 0.761, p < 0.01). The pelvic drop Trendelenburg sign was influenced by superior migration of the femoral head, whereas the trunk lean Duchenne limp was found to be affected by pain.

Backward walking effects on activation pattern of leg muscles in young females with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Background/Aims: Little is known regarding the activation of knee and hip muscles during backward walking in patellofemoral pain syndrome. This study examineD the effects of backward walking and forward walking on the activation of knee extensors, hip abductors, and adductors in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: A total of 20 females with patellofemoral pain syndrome and 20 age-matched typically healthy female controls participated in this study. Surface electromyography from vastus medialis obliquus, vastus lateralis, gluteus medius, and adductor longus muscles were collected during forward walking and backward walking. Findings: The patellofemoral pain syndrome group had a significantly higher normalised root mean square of the vastus medialis obliquus, vastus lateralis and gluteus medius muscles (P=0.001), without significant difference in adductor longus muscle activity during backward walking versus forward walking (P=0.098). During forward walking, the patellofemoral pain syndrome group showed significantly higher activation of adductor longus muscle (P=0.001) and significantly lower activation of the gluteus medius muscle (P=0.002) compared to the healthy group. During backward walking there was a significant increase in the vastus medialis obliquus and adductor longus muscle activity of the patellofemoral pain syndrome group compared to the control group (P=0.003, 0.001) respectively. Conclusions: Clinicians should consider backward walking training to increase the muscle strength of knee extensors and hip abductors when developing rehabilitation programmes for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Patients 10 years after total hip arthroplasty have the deficits in functional performance, physical activity, and high fall rate compared to healthy adults.

Background Long-term results in muscle strength, physical activity (PA), and functional improvement after total hip arthroplasty (THA) have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the deficits in functional performance, PA, and high fall rate in patient 10 years after THA compared to healthy adults. Methods The subjects were 58 patients who underwent primary THA for unilateral hip osteoarthritis 10 years, and 46 healthy adults. Hip abductor strength, balance function (single-leg stance time), Maximal Walking Speed (MWS), fall rate, and PA (IPAQ short ver.) were evaluated. The unpaired t-test and χ2 test were used to assess differences between the groups. Statistical significance was set at p value <0.05. Results Compared to healthy adults, THA patients had 9.5% less hip abductor muscle strength on the operated side, 42.1% shorter single-leg stance time on the operated side, 14.8% slower MWS, 2.0 times less High-PA group, and 2.8 times higher fall rate (p<0.05). Conclusion This study showed that hip abductor muscle strength, gait speed, balance function, and PA were significantly lower in patients 10 years after THA than in healthy adults. Additionally, the fall rate was significantly higher in patients 10 years post-THA than in healthy adults.

Contribution of hip abductor-adductor muscles on static and dynamic balance of community-dwelling older adults.

The previous studies have investigated causes of and risk factors for falls and impairment of functional capability in older adults. However, the biomechanical factors involved in functional performance and postural control, and the contribution of hip muscles, are still unknown. The aim of the present study was to verify the association between the muscle function of hip abductors and adductors and static and dynamic balance, in a narrow base of support, in community-dwelling older adults. Eighty-one older adults, including both women and men, were evaluated. Tandem gait and single-leg stance were used to assess static and dynamic balance, and an isokinetic dynamometer was used to analyze muscle function (peak torque and rate of torque development according to body weight). Data were analyzed by a multivariate linear regression test without adjustment and with adjustment using two models: adjustment I (sex) and adjustment II (age). There was a statistically significant association between peak torque of abductor in single-leg stance and tandem gait speed. The PT of hip adductors contributed to static balance performance, in a narrow base of support from the unadjusted data and from the adjusted data by sex. The findings of the present study are relevant, because if deficits in balance and functionality in older adults can be linked to a decline in maximum muscle strength of hip abductors, this parameter can be treated to maintain independence in older adults for as long as possible.

The effects of non-elastic taping combined with exercises training on motor function in cane-assisted individuals after stroke

Cane is one of the common assistive devices prescribed for individuals with stroke to improve walking ability and safety. It was revealed that long-term cane-assisted individuals with chronic stroke perform abnormal gait pattern during walking. To improve these impairments, strengthening, balance training, task-specific training and intensive mobility training have been suggested. However, the training effects on motor function were limited in cane-assisted individuals with chronic stroke. It is supposed that musculoskeletal alignment of these individuals is not on the efficient position, which may restrict the training effects. The immediate effects of joint alignment adjusted with Luekotape ® P on muscle strength, balance and gait performance has been proved in individuals with stroke. However, the effects of taping combined with exercise training is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of non-elastic tape combined with exercise training on motor function in cane-assisted individuals with chronic stroke. Subjects were randomized into either the experiment group with Luekotape ® P or control group with sham tape. Subjects in both groups received the same exercise training for six weeks. The primary outcomes were gait performance and Berg balance scale. The secondary outcomes were muscle strength of hip extensors and abductors, endurance and fear of falling. Outcomes measurements were performed before and after the intervention and then one-month follow-up. The intervention significantly improved cadence, stance time of affected side, spatial asymmetry ratio, Berg balance scores, and fall efficacy scale scores as well as 6-minutes walk test in the experimental group. In the control group, only the Berg balance scores and 6-minutes walk test had been significantly improved. Although all outcomes did not show significant differences between groups. Our results suggested that exercise combined with Luekotape ® P may have more improvement than exercise alone in stance time, cadence, spatial asymmetry ratio, endurance, and fall efficacy scale.

Electromyographic analysis of hip and knee muscles during specific exercise movements in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome: An observational study.

Hip muscle strengthening and knee extensor strengthening are common training exercises for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). PFPS engendered by insufficient hip abductor and external rotator muscle strength has been of interest, but these exercise movements may increase the lateral vector force of the patella warrants clarification. So, the purpose of this study was to assess muscular activations of vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis oblique (VMO), and gluteus medius muscles in electromyographic analysis during hip abduction and external rotator movements and open and closed kinetic chain knee extension movements.The gluteus medius, VMO, and VL muscles, in addition to the ratio of the VL and VMO muscles, were assessed through surface electromyography in 4 movements. Each muscle's amplitude expressed as a percent of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The differences on MVC at the terminal joint angle and during the movements were compared.Thirty female patients with PFPS were recruited. During hip abduction and external rotation movements, the MVC of the gluteus medius muscle increased, and those of the VMO and VL muscles increased in the open and closed kinetic chain knee extension movements. The MVCs of VL in the hip abduction and external rotation movements were significantly higher than those of the VMO muscle (P < .05). The ratios of the VL and VMO muscles in the open and closed kinetic chain knee extension movements approached 1, and they were significantly higher than those in the hip abduction and external rotation movements (P < .05). The highest MVC of the VMO muscle was observed at the terminal joint angle in the closed kinetic chain knee extension movement.Selective gluteus medius muscle activation was induced during the hip abduction and external rotation movements, accompanied by an increase in VL muscle activation. In open and closed kinetic chain knee movements, the ratios of the VL and VMO muscles approached 1. More selective VMO muscle activation was induced during the closed kinetic chain knee movements.

Association of Hip and Trunk Strength With Three-Dimensional Trunk, Hip, and Knee Kinematics During a Single-Leg Drop Vertical Jump.

Martinez, AF, Lessi, GC, Carvalho, C, and Serrao, FV. Association of hip and trunk strength with three-dimensional trunk, hip, and knee kinematics during a single-leg drop vertical jump. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 1902-1908, 2018-Kinematic changes have been correlated with different lower-limb injuries. Movement is influenced by multiple factors and strength is one of the contributors that can influence it. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation among trunk and hip isometric strength with trunk and lower-limb kinematics during a single-leg drop vertical jump. Twenty-three healthy recreational female athletes aged between 18 and 35 years underwent isometric evaluation of hip abductor, hip extensor, and lateral trunk muscle strength and 3-dimensional trunk and lower-limb kinematics during a single-leg drop vertical jump. Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to establish the association among hip and trunk strength and trunk, hip, and knee kinematics. As result, no significant correlations were found between the peak and movement excursion values of kinematic and hip and trunk isometric strength data. The lack of correlation between isometric strength and kinematics in healthy female athletes indicates that intervention programs should not be focused solely on strength exercises to influence the movement pattern during single-landing activities.

The hip control test is a valid and reliable measure of hip neuromuscular control

Insufficient hip neuromuscular control may contribute to non-contact sport injuries. However, the current evaluative test of hip neuromuscular control, the single-leg squat, requires hip abductor muscle strength to complete. The purpose of this study was to develop the hip control test (HCT) and determine the test’s reliability and construct validity. Nineteen healthy adults visited the laboratory twice. The HCT is a 10-s test of reciprocal toe-tapping accuracy. Both automated and manual HCT ratings were recorded simultaneously during each visit. Additionally, eccentric hip abductor torque was measured. HCT reliability was assessed with intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Agreement between automated and manual ratings was determined with Bland–Altman plots. Construct validity was established if HCT performance significantly decreased with a secondary cognitive task (p < 0.05). Bivariate regression determined the relationship between HCT performance and eccentric hip abductor torque. Automated and manual HCT ratings both had moderate reliability (ICC = 0.72) and yielded similar results (limits of agreement = −1 to 2 taps). The HCT had construct validity (p = 0.001), and no correlation with hip abductor muscle strength (r = 0.213). Thus, the HCT is a reliable and valid test. The HCT is simple to administer and measures hip neuromuscular control separately from strength.