Universal Goniometer Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Rheumatic Gymnastics on Patella Joint Flexibility in Elderly with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the Elderly Integrated Service Post (Posyandu Lansia) in Mipiran Village, Purbalingga

Background: Based on data from the 2018 Riskesdas, 7.30% of the Indonesian population is estimated to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited joint movement. As the most common autoimmune rheumatic disease, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that permanently damages the joints, where the body's immune system, which generally protects the body from infections and diseases, attacks joint tissues for unknown reasons. Method: The research design used in this study was the Pre-Experimental one-group pre-test post-test method. The sample consisted of 31 individuals selected using a total sampling technique. The research instruments used were rheumatic gymnastics SOP and the Long-arm universal goniometer (UG) for measuring patella joint flexibility. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon statistical test. Results: There was an increase in the average value of right and left patella joint flexibility before and after the application of rheumatic gymnastics. The obtained P value was 0.005 for the right patella and 0.001 for the left patella. Both statistical analyses discovered that P-value was less than 0.05. Conclusion: Rheumatic gymnastics significantly affects patella joint flexibility in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis at the elderly integrated service post (Posyandu Lansia) in Mipiran Village, Purbalingga.

Favorable Clinical Outcomes After Humeral Head Depressor Muscle Coactivation Training With EMG for Patients With Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The coactivation (Co-A) of shoulder muscles that contribute to humeral head depression can lead to mechanical unloading of the subacromial structures during abduction and thus can be beneficial for patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). The present study aims to examine the effectiveness of humeral head depressor muscle Co-A (DM-Co-A) training on clinical outcomes in a sample of patients with ARCR. We hypothesized that DM-Co-A training with medioinferior vector during glenohumeral exercises can improve clinical results in the rehabilitation of ARCR. Randomized controlled single-blind study. Level 1B. A total of 27 patients who underwent ARCR after a medium-sized rotator cuff tear and completed their Phase 1 training with ≥80% compliance were included. Together with 14 weeks of conservative treatment (6 weeks of Phase 2 training and 8 weeks of Phase 3 training), synchronized "DM-Co-A Training" was applied to the treatment group with an electromyography (EMG) biofeedback (EMG-BF) device. Patients in the treatment group were asked to voluntarily activate the humeral head depressor muscles guided by visual and auditory feedback of the EMG-BF device during the Phase 2 and Phase 3 conservative treatment exercises performed by the control group. Demographic characteristics of the participants were recorded. Visual analog scale and universal goniometer were used to assess pre- and posttreatment pain severity and joint range of motion, respectively. The Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire, Revised Oxford Shoulder Score, Modified Constant-Murley Shoulder Score, and the Western-Ontario Rotator Cuff Index were used to assess functionality. There was a clinically meaningful improvement in pain severity, active ROM excluding internal rotation, and functionality in the treatment group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). A 14-week duration DM-Co-A with EMG may be beneficial in the postoperative rehabilitation of patients after ARCR.

Effects of Different Taping Techniques in Individuals with Myofascial Pain Syndrome with a Trigger Point in the Trapezius Muscle: A Sham-controlled Randomized Study.

This study aimed to compare the effects of three different kinesio taping (KT) techniques in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) who have a trigger point in the trapezius muscle. The individuals included in our study were randomly divided into four groups: Group 1: Functional correlation technique, group 2: Fascia correlation technique, group 3: Star taping technique (STT), and group 4: Sham group. The visual analog scale was used to assess pain, cervical joint range of motion (ROM) with a universal goniometer, grip strength with a hand dynamometer, number of active trigger points by palpation, pressure-pain threshold with an algometer, quality of life with the Nottingham Health Profile and functional level with the Neck Disability index were evaluated before and after treatment. There was no difference between the groups in terms of demographic data and pre-treatment outcome measures (p>0.05). There was a significant difference in the pain score between the groups after treatment (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in the cervical flexion ROM of all groups after treatment (p<0.05). In pairwise comparisons, these differences were found due to group 3 (p<0.05). The three KT techniques are effective in reducing pain, increasing ROM, reducing the number of active trigger points, and increasing grip strength. Among these techniques, STT was found to be more effective in reducing pain and increasing cervical flexion ROM. KT is a method that can be used in the clinic for patients with MPS.

Quantitative evaluation of adhesion severity around subscapularis and its relationship with shoulder range of motion in frozen shoulder and rotator cuff disorder: an observational study using dynamic ultrasonography

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the severity of adhesion between muscles in the shoulder joint using dynamic ultrasonography and to confirm whether adhesions cause range of motion (ROM) restrictions. MethodsTwenty-four shoulders from fifteen frozen shoulder (FS) patients and Twenty-four shoulders from eighteen rotator cuff disorder (RCD) patients were enrolled. We obtained ultrasound video sequences of the subscapularis and deltoid muscles during shoulder external rotation. The mean stretching velocities of the deltoid (VDelt) and subscapularis (VSSC) were subsequently analyzed using a PC. If adhesions occurred between both muscles, the deltoid was stretched more vigorously, and we calculated VDelt/VSSC as adhesion severity. The coracohumeral ligament (CHL) thickness was measured using the same images. Shoulder ROM was measured by using a universal goniometer. ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficients (1.1) and (2.1) of the adhesion severity measurements were 0.85 and 0.91, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the adhesion severity is a significant predictor for external rotation ROM in the RCD group (R2 = 0.44, F = 10.1, p < 0.01, t = -2.9), while CHL thickness predicts ROM in the FS group (R2 = 0.28, F = 5.5, p = 0.01, t = -3.0). ConclusionThe proposed method is reliable. Muscle adhesion causes ROM restriction of the shoulder joint. The primary cause of shoulder ROM restriction differed between the diagnostic groups.

Effectiveness of Myofacial Release versus Proprioceptive Neuro Facilitation Technique on Pain and Range of Motion in Patients with Cervicogenic Headache

Background: Cervicogenic headache is a prevalent condition characterized by headaches caused by cervical musculoskeletal impairments. The effectiveness of Myofascial Release (MFR) and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) in managing this condition has been explored, with varying outcomes on pain intensity, cervical range of motion (ROM), and functional disability. Objective: To compare the efficacy of MFR and PNF techniques in reducing pain and improving ROM in patients with cervicogenic headache. Methods: This randomized control trial included 30 female participants diagnosed with cervicogenic headache. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either MFR or PNF treatments over a period of 4 weeks, with sessions conducted twice weekly. Outcome measures included pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), cervical ROM measured using a universal goniometer, and functional disability evaluated through the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing t-tests for within-group comparisons and ANOVA for between-group analyses. Results: Both MFR and PNF groups showed significant improvements post-treatment. The MFR group demonstrated a reduction in VAS scores from 6.73 ± 0.593 to 4.26 ± 0.703 (p&lt;0.001), and the PNF group from 6.73 ± 0.593 to 5.26 ± 0.432 (p&lt;0.001). Cervical ROM and NDI scores also significantly improved in both groups. Comparative analysis revealed MFR to be more effective in enhancing cervical rotation (MFR: 70.13 ± 3.020 to 80.20 ± 2.840; PNF: 60.33 ± 2.690 to 64.06 ± 2.548; p&lt;0.05) and reducing NDI scores (MFR: 48.33 ± 5.56 to 17.53 ± 5.46; PNF: 10.00 ± 2.267 to 8.93 ± 1.667; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Both MFR and PNF are effective in treating cervicogenic headache, significantly reducing pain intensity and improving cervical ROM and functional disability. MFR, however, exhibited a superior efficacy in enhancing cervical rotation and reducing NDI scores, suggesting it may offer additional benefits in the management of cervicogenic headache.

VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF ON-SCREEN APPLICATION-BASED PROTRACTOR IN ASSESSMENT OF HIP JOINT IN TELEHEALTH MEDIUM

Introduction: The Google Chrome extension Protractor (GCE-P) by Ben Burlingham is a small software application where it can be used in a telerehabilitation setting by physical therapists and clinicians to measure active range of motion (AROM). This study is directed to determine the concurrent validity, intra- and interrater reliability of the GCE-P as compared to the universal goniometer (UG), in measuring the hip internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) in a seated position. Methods: This study is a descriptive validation study with crossover design of 54 recruited healthy participants. The hip AROM IR &amp; ER were first measured with a UG to set a standard, and then was digitally measured via Google Meet using GCE-P, all were done in 3 trials. The following were used for data analyses: Pearson moment correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient and Blant-Altman analysis in sitting IR and ER, with alpha set at 0.05. Results: The GCE-P had a high agreement with the UG, with values of concurrent validity in hip IR (r=0.92) and ER (r=0.88). With a minimal mean difference of (3.44o) in hip IR and (0.30o) in hip ER, using Blant-Altman analysis. The GCE-P also had good intra-rater reliability, measured via intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), with values for hip IR of (ICC=0.92, 95%CI=0.87-0.95), and for hip ER of (ICC=0.94, 95%CI=0.90-0.96). Interrater reliability was also shown to be excellent with values of ICC=0.91 (95%CI=0.84-0.94) in hip IR, and ICC=0.88 (95%CI=0.81-0.93) in hip ER. Discussion: The Google Chrome extension Protractor is accurate and reliable for measuring hip joint AROM in IR &amp; ER. This is valid to be used in a telerehabilitation setting during consultations, and initial evaluations within the context of quarantine protocols.

Reliability and validity of a smartphone goniometer application for measuring the quadriceps angle in healthy women: a cross-sectional study

Background/Aims The quadriceps angle, which depicts the quadriceps muscle's mechanical effect on the knee, is frequently used as an assessment metric when diagnosing a variety of knee-related issues. Smartphone goniometer applications have clinical assessment capabilities that can be used instead of the universal goniometer. The aim of this study was to analyse the criterion validity and inter- and intra-rater reliability of a smartphone goniometer application for measuring the quadriceps angle. Methods A total of 50 typically healthy women were included in this study. The quadriceps angle was evaluated with the universal goniometer as the gold standard and the Angulus smartphone goniometer application on each participant. The intraclass correlation coefficient and 95% confidence intervals were used to analyse reliability, while the standard error of the mean was used to calculate precision. Bland-Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement were used to establish the levels of agreement between the smartphone goniometer application and the universal goniometer. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to quantify the smartphone goniometer application criterion validity in comparison to the universal goniometer. Results The smartphone goniometer application had good intra-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.99; 95% confidence interval 0.96–1) and inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.98; 95% confidence interval 0.94–1). A strong and significant correlation was found between the universal goniometer and the smartphone goniometer application, showing good criterion validity (r=0.99; 95% confidence interval 0.98–0.99; P=0.006). Conclusions The use of the smartphone goniometer application to measure the quadriceps angle was valid and demonstrated excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability levels. Implications for practice The smartphone goniometer application can be used in clinical practice as a valid and reliable quadriceps angle measurement tool.

Efficacy of Positional Release Therapy Versus Deep Transverse Frictional Massage on Quadratus Lumborum Strain among IT Workers

Background: The study was designed to inspect the effectiveness of Positional Release Therapy (PRT) and DeepTransverse Frictional Massage (DTFM) on Quadratus Lumborum Strain.Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of Positional Release and Deep Transverse FrictionalMassage for Quadratus Lumborum.Materials and Methods: Sixty subjects with Trigger Points in quadratus lumborum muscle were divided randomlyinto two equal groups. Group “PRT” received Positional Release Therapy five times/week while Group “DTFM”received Deep Transverse Frictional Massage five times/week for two weeks. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS),Universal Goniometer were used to evaluate subjects at two intervals (Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment).Theentire process was performed from November 2022 to March 2023.Result: The results of the study revealed that both the interventions were effective but in terms of superiority PRTgave a significant result than DTFM.Conclusion: Based on the study results, it was concluded that PRT was found to be more effective for the treatmentof Quadratus Lumborum strain.

Effect of Isometric Strengthening Exercise Combined with Interferential Current on Pain among Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Experimental Study

Background: Osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease, is the gradual breakdown of the articular cartilage in the joint.Knee osteoarthritis is more prevalent in women than men which causes pain and discomforts. The intention of thisstudy is to find out the effect of isometric strengthening exercises combined with interferential therapy on pain inpatients with knee osteoarthritis.Purpose: To find out the effect of isometric strengthening exercises combined with interferential therapy in themanagement of knee osteoarthritis patients.Materials and Methods: Thirty individuals aged above 45 years of both genders with mild or moderate osteoarthritisparticipated in the study. The individuals were assigned in single groups. They received interferential therapyand performed isometric strengthening exercises for 4 weeks. Pain, Active range of motion (AROM), Passiverange of motion (PROM) and functional state of the subjects were evaluated by Numerical Pain Rating Scale(NPRS), universal goniometer and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC),respectively. The entire process was performed from November 2022 to March 2023.Result: The interventional group showed a considerable difference in each criterion (NPRS, AROM, PROM, andWOMAC). Isometric exercise and IFT was found to be effective in reducing pain in knee osteoarthritis.Conclusion: At the commencement of the four-week intervention plan, isometric exercise and interferentialtherapy showed a marked outcome on pain and functional state of subjects with osteoarthritis in the knee.

Effectiveness of Scapular Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation with Maitland Glenohumeral Mobilization in Adhesive Capsulitis

Background: Adhesive capsulitis, an idiopathic condition that can cause severe disability, is characterized byfibrosis, a reduced glenoid capsule volume, and increasing pain with loss of range of motion (ROM) in the shoulderjoint. In this study the efficiency of scapular Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) with Maitlandglenohumeral mobilization in adhesive capsulitis patients.Purpose: This study was to evaluate the effectiveness of scapular Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation(PNF) mobilization with Maitland glenohumeral mobilization and) in subjects with adhesive capsulitis.Methodology: Subjects were selected from out patient department of Saveetha Medical College and Hospitalamong 15 subjects following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quasi-experimental study design, Convenientsampling is the sampling method. Range of motion and the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) two outcomemeasures. Both the universal goniometer for ROM and the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), which were usedas outcome measures for adhesive capsulitis, were measured before and after the 16th therapy session. For fourweeks, the treatment consisted of four-week sessions.Conclusion: As a result of the findings, it was concluded that Scapular Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitationwith Maitland Glenohumeral Mobilization was effective in improving the Range of motion and reducing pain inAdhesive capsulitis.

The Impact of Myofascial Release Therapy and Deep Oscillation Therapy on Hamstring Muscle Length and tone in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: As a result of restricted joint range of motion due to spasticity in patients with spastic cerebralpalsy, the patient’s ability to regain normal functioning may be hindered.PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) versus Deep Oscillation Therapy(DOT) in helping children with spastic cerebral palsy to relax and extend their hamstring range of motion.METHODOLOGY: A total of 32 individuals with spastic cerebral palsy, aged 2 to 10, were recruited for thiscomparative experimental study through a method of random sampling. Sixteen subjects were assigned to eachgroup. Group 1(N=16) received two sessions of MFR with conventional exercise per day, whereas Group 2(N=16)received a single session of DOT with conventional exercise per day. Throughout the course of four weeks, bothgroups got therapy five days per week. A universal goniometer was used to compare the knee extension passiverange of motion (PROM), active range of motion (AROM), and Popliteal angle (POP angle) measurements betweenthe pre- and post-treatment periods. Statistical analyses were conducted using ANOVA 2×2 and Post hoctables.RESULT: Both groups’ post-mean values for each of the dependent variables (AROM, PROM, and POP angle)statistically improved (p&lt; 0.05). Both groups’ mean differences in the PROM and POP angles were statisticallysignificant, and Group 1’s spastic hamstring muscle was more improved than Group 2’s, but both groups’ AROMshowed almost equal improvement.CONCLUSION: In children with spastic cerebral palsy, both MFR and DOT, when combined with conventionaltherapy, reduce spasticity and increase length (AROM &amp; PROM) in the hamstring muscle. However, our studyclearly shows that MFR is more successful than DOT.

Ab. No. 89 Reproducibility of a Smartphone-Based Application for Assessing Knee Range of Motion

Introduction: Smartphone applications using in-built gyroscope chips are attractive options that can facilitate self-assessment of knee range of motion without having to wear a sensor-based device. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare this smartphone-based app with universal goniometer (UG) in assessing active knee range of motion in sitting and lying position. Consecutive patients with knee osteoarthritis or those who had knee replacement or the healthy accompanier and hospital staff above 18 years of age and consenting to volunteer were approached for the study at a tertiary care academic hospital in India. The comparisons were repeated measurements with UG and test-app under same conditions, UG versus test-app, physiotherapist versus patient’s accompanier with test-app in the same phone, in different phones, and a physiotherapist measuring on different stool heights using test-app. We report mean difference between two measurements with 95% limits of agreement and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculated using one-way random effects. Result: The 95% LoA between the UG and test-app in supine flexion was -7.5° to +4.5° and extension was ±4°. The test retest 95% LoA of the test-app in supine flexion and sitting flexion across all scenarios was within ± 8.5°. The test-retest 95% limits of agreement of extension in sitting and supine position across all scenarios was within ±6.5°. Test-retest reliability (ICC) of knee flexion ranged between 0.70 to 0.99 and extension between 0.16 to 0.97 across all scenarios. Conclusion: The smartphone-based app is reliable to differentiate between various ranges of motion of knee with measurement errors no greater than universal goniometer. This app has the potential to measure changes in ROM that are above 8° of flexion and above 7° in extension.This app can enhance the ability to remotely measure and monitor knee ROM of pathologic knee.

Ab. No. 55 Using Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) for Measuring Neck Range of Motion (ROM) in Persons With Neck Pain: a Validity and Reliability Study

Introduction: Neck pain is one of the top five leading causes of disability in people around the globe. Range of Motion (ROM) is a fundamental clinical measure used to examine movement of joints in the body. A Universal goniometer is used to manually measure the ROM, this may be prone to measurement errors. Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) sensors detect the linear acceleration and angular velocity. They could be utilized to evaluate joint ROM, as they are relatively inexpensive and can be calibrated to convenience. The study aims to validate the device using an Optical motion capture system (OMCS) (Phase 1) and To measure the test-retest reliability of the device in the clinical setup in people with neck pain (Phase 2) Methods: Phase 1: Validation of the IMU was done against OMCS in Bioengineering department for Neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation (both left and right) on two consecutive days for 34 individuals. Phase 2: Forty patients with neck pain were recruited from Outpatient Physiotherapy unit, CMC Vellore. Data was recorded by the IMU system and stored on a computer. Patients were reassessed again to test the reliability on another day. The same clinician administered the assessments for all patients. Result: Phase 1 - The correlation coefficient was found to be excellent between the IMU and OMCS for all movements of the neck. Neck angle error - 2.19 to 4.20. Phase 2 - Intra-rater reliability of the device was assessed and it was found to be moderate to good among people with neck pain. The ICC ranged from 0.62 to 0.83 for the different neck ROM. Conclusion: The use of IMU for measuring neck ROM is a valid and reliable tool. It can be a useful clinical tool for consistent measurement and accurate documentation in the future.

Effect of 8-week Abdominal Core Endurance Training on Shoulder Pain and Function in Patients with Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Abstract Background: The focus of this study is to report the influence of core muscle endurance training on shoulder pain and function. Materials and Methods: Participants (n = 60) were randomly divided into two groups: group A (core rehabilitation group) and Group B (conventional group). The participants were assessed for shoulder pain using the Numerical Rating Scale, shoulder range of motion using a universal goniometer, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and core muscle strength using pressure biofeedback pre- and postintervention. Results: There was a significant reduction in shoulder pain in both the groups (P = 0.00), with mean pain scores of 37.67 years in Group A and 39 years in Group B. There was a significant increase in core muscle endurance in Group A (P = 0.00) as compared to Group B. The shoulder function as measured by SPADI score improved significantly in Group A (P = 0.00) as compared to Group B, with mean scores of 20.40 in Group A and 31.90 in Group B. Conclusion: Findings from the present study report that the addition of abdominal core muscle endurance training in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy was effective as compared to conventional exercises only for improving the shoulder function.

Evaluation of Knee Radiograph and its Interrelation between Body Mass Index and Range of Motion in Osteoarthritic Knee

Abstract Context: Assessing knee osteoarthritis (OA) radiologically is a well-recognised investigation technique. Range of motion (ROM) measurement gives an idea about the functional status of the joint. Body mass index (BMI) increment is one of the risk factors of worsening knee OA. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate OA radiologically and to search the status of BMI, ROM and Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) score of osteoarthritic knee patients and find their interrelations. Settings: This study was conducted at the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation in a tertiary hospital of Bangladesh. Designs: This was a cross-sectional study. Methodology: Purposive selection of 66 primary OA knees was done. Compartmental distribution of osteoarthritic knee was determined. Radiographics were determined by KL score system. BMI was calculated conventionally. Maximum flexion, extension and total excursion were measured by a universal goniometer. Results: Fifty per cent of participants had tricompartmental OA. Patients with maximum KL score 2 had significantly more total excursion (127.44 ± 2.89) compared to maximum KL score 3 (121.51 ± 3.14) and 4 (110.00 ± 3.58). Subjects with normal BMI had significantly more total excursion (125.00 ± 4.21) compared to overweight (121.03 ± 6.84) and obese patients (122.54 ± 4.31) (P = 0.044). 60.9% of subjects with normal BMI had significantly more maximum KL score 2 compared to overweight (33.3%) and obese patients (7.7%). A positive correlation was present between BMI and maximal KL score (r = 0.345, P = 0.005). A significant strong negative correlation was found between maximal KL score and total excursion (r = −0.825, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Different percentages of unicompartmental, bicompartmental and tricompartmental knee OA were found. Osteoarthritic patients with higher BMI had lower ROM and increased KL radiographic scores.

Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation versus low level laser therapy on shoulder adhesive capsulitis post-neck dissection surgery

IntroductionNeck dissection (ND) operations are performed to treat known metastatic neck illness. These operations have been associated with chronic neck and shoulder problems. In patients who have had a ND, adhesive capsulitis (AC) is one of the causes of shoulder dysfunction.MethodsForty patients with AC following modified radical neck dissection (MRND) surgeries were chosen at random and divided into two groups of equal size. The low-level laser therapy (LLLT) group (group A) received LLLT with: wavelength – 830 nm, output – 50 mw, maximum frequency – 5000 Hz, pulse duration – 50 ns, and average dose – 9 J/cm2 for 20 min, plus traditional physical therapy (mobilisation technique, myofascial release, range of motion (ROM), and strengthening exercises) for 30 min. The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) group (group B) received PNF for 25–30 min in addition to traditional physical therapy. The treatment period was 3 times each week and lasted for eight weeks. The discomfort in the shoulder was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Shoulder impairment and pain were assessed by the SPADI scale and the shoulder ranges of motion were assessed using the universal goniometer technique. All measures were taken before and after the intervention.ResultsThe findings reveal that there was a significant enhancement in all variables in both groups A and B after therapy compared to before the treatment (p &lt; 0.001). After therapy, there were no obvious changes in the VAS and SPADI values among the groups (p &gt; 0.05). However, statistical analysis showed significant improvement in the PNF group (group B) in shoulder flexion, abduction and external rotation in comparison to that of the LLLT group (group A) after treatment (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsPNF proved to be more effective than LLLT in increasing ROM but was as effective as LLLT in decreasing shoulder pain and dysfunction in AC post ND surgery.

Combined effect of myofascial release and passive stretching on plantar pressure in individual with hamstring tightness- an experimental study

IntroductionThe lower kinetic chain is known to be affected by hamstring tightness which causes biomechanical alterations. As per the literature, short hamstring might cause prolonged forefoot loading, which can cause higher repeated stress on the plantar fascia. There is evidence supporting the use of various stretching and myofascial release techniques for hamstring tightness, further research is needed to investigate their impact on plantar pressure. Hence the study aims to determine combined effect of myofascial release and passive stretching on plantar pressure in individual with hamstring tightness. MethodsThis was an experimental pre-post study design with 67 randomised screenings from asymptomatic health care science students aged 18 to 25. From this scientific survey, a sample size of 47 students having HMS tightness based on the popliteal angle were recruited using a universal goniometer. An intervention was proposed that included MFR and passive stretching in 3 sessions on alternate days. Plantar pressure of these individuals was noted by using the “Harris and Beath foot printing mat” before and after the intervention. ResultSignificant pressure changes were observed after intervention: great toe of right side (p = 0.001), toes 2 to 5 of right side (p = 0.010) and left side (p = 0.008), first metatarsal of left side (p = 0.010), lateral forefoot of right side (p = 0.019) and left (p = 0.018), medial heel (p = 0.044), and lateral heel of right side (p = 0.025). These values substantiate the enhancement in plantar pressure. ConclusionThe combined effect of Myofascial release and passive stretching in an individual with hamstring tightness resulted in a significant increase in popliteal angle and plantar pressure.

Relationship between ankle pain, range of motion, strength and balance in individuals with functional ankle instability: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAbout 15–60% of individuals with ankle sprains may develop functional ankle instability (FAI), which is characterised by ankle pain, decreased muscle strength, limited range of motion, and impaired balance, causing a decline in social activity and quality of life. However, the relationship between those characters is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether a relationship existed between ankle pain, active range of motion (AROM), strength and balance and if ankle pain, AROM and strength can predict balance in individuals with FAI.MethodsSeventy-seven subjects (46 males; 31 females) with unilateral FAI participated in this study. Ankle pain was measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), ankle AROM was measured using a universal goniometer, ankle strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer, the static balance was measured by the Time in Balance Test (TBT) and the dynamic balance was measured by the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Pearson product-moment correlations were used to determine the correlations between ankle pain, AROM, strength and balance. Multiple linear regressions were used to investigate if ankle pain, AROM and strength can predict balance in individuals with FAI.ResultsVAS and AROM-plantarflexion predicted 25.6% of the TBT (f2 = 0.344, P < 0.001). AROM-dorsiflexion predicted 24.6% of the mSEBT-anterior reach (f2 = 0.326, P < 0.001). VAS, AROM-plantarflexion and strength-plantarflexion predicted 33.5% of the mSEBT-posteromedial reach (f2 = 0.504, P < 0.001). AROM-plantarflexion and strength-plantarflexion predicted 28.2% of the mSEBT-posterolateral reach (f2 = 0.393, P < 0.001).ConclusionThis study shows that ankle plantarflexion strength, AROM of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion and pain are predictors of balance in individuals with FAI. These factors could be considered in the rehabilitation of FAI.Trial registrationTrial registration number: ChiCTR2200063532.

Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices

Measurement errors play an important role in the development of goniometric equipment, devices used to measure range of motion. Reasonable validity and reliability are critical for both the device and examiner before and after to testing in human subjects. The objective is to evaluate the concurrent validity and reliability of five different clinical goniometric devices for the purpose of establishing an acceptable measurement error margin for a novel device. We explored the validity and inter- and intrarater reliability scores of five goniometric devices namely (i) the universal goniometer (UG), a two-armed hand-held goniometer, (ii) the inclinometer (IC), featuring a single base, fluid level, and gravity-weighted inclinometer, (iii) the digital inclinometer (DI), functioning as both a DI and dynamometer, (iv) the smartphone application (SA), employing gyroscope-based technology within a smartphone platform application and (v) the modified inclinometer (MI), a gravity pendulum-based inclinometer equipped with a specialized fixing apparatus. Measurements were obtained at 12 standard angles and 8 human shoulder flexion angles ranging from 0° to 180°. Over two testing sessions, 120 standardized angle measurements and 160 shoulder angle measurements from 20 shoulders were repetitively taken by three examiners for each device. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated to assess reliability and validity. Concurrent validity was also evaluated through the execution of the 95% limit of agreement (95% LOA) and Bland–Altman plots, with comparisons made to the UG. The concurrent validity for all device pairs was excellent in both study phases (ICC > 0.99, 95% LOA − 4.11° to 4.04° for standard angles, and − 10.98° to 11.36° for human joint angles). Inter- and intrarater reliability scores for standard angles were excellent across all devices (ICC > 0.98, SEM 0.59°–1.75°, MDC 1°–4°), with DI showing superior reliability. For human joint angles, device reliability ranged from moderate to excellent (ICC 0.697–0.975, SEM 1.93°–4.64°, MDC 5°–11° for inter-rater reliability; ICC 0.660–0.996, SEM 0.77°–4.06°, MDC 2°–9° for intra-rater reliability), with SA demonstrating superior reliability. Wider angle measurement however resulted in reduced device reliability. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that it is essential to assess measurement errors independently for standard and human joint angles. The DI is the preferred reference for standard angle testing, while the SA is recommended for human joint angle testing. Separate evaluations across the complete 0°–180° range offer valuable insights.

The effect of spinal range of motion on functional balance, quality of life, and perception of appearance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after posterior spinal fusion surgery.

Spinal fusion, which is widely used in the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), limits the movements of the vertebral column. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between spinal mobility in the postoperative period with functional balance, quality of life, and perception of appearance in individuals with AIS. Thirty patients with AIS who underwent posterior spinal fusion surgery 1 to 3years ago were included in the study. A universal goniometer was used to measure a spinal range of motion (ROM), functional reach test for functional balance, Scoliosis Research Society-30 (SRS-30) for quality of life, and Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) for perception of appearance. Surgical fusion length was significantly correlated with movements in the sagittal and transverse planes (r = - 0.383-[- 0.608]; p = < 0.001-0.037). Except for spinal left rotation, there was a significant positive correlation between functional balance level and ROM results (r = 0.374-0.523; p = 0.003-0.42). The SRS-30 total score correlated significantly with all other ROM measures except for rotations (r = 0.434-0.574; p = 0.00-0.016). SAQ total data correlated significantly with all ROM measurements (r = - 0.553-[- 0.395]; p = 0.002-0.031). In AIS, limitation of movement in the coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes is observed after fusion surgery. Spinal ROM is affected by the level of fusion performed at surgery. Postoperative spinal limitation of motion adversely affected functional balance, quality of life, and perception of appearance. We believe that comprehensive rehabilitation approaches that improve postoperative range of motion and increase functionality are important for optimal postoperative recovery.