Category: Statistics

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:402-409. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.018. Epub 2021 Mar 19.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have analyzed the effects of manual therapy techniques (MTT) in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Clinicians treat patients according the finding-oriented MTT approach. This approach is seldom pursued in research. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of finding-oriented MTT applications in patients with CAI.

METHOD: In this randomized controlled, blinded assessor crossover feasibility trial, participants were randomized to receive nine finding-oriented MTT treatments or no treatment during a three-week period, followed by a six-day washout period after which participants were crossed-over. Criteria under evaluation were adherence and attrition rates, safety (adverse events (AEs)) and acceptability and preliminary effects of finding-oriented MTT on muscular activity (measured by surface Electromyography (sEMG)) and on dynamic balance (measured by time to stabilization (TTS) and the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (modified STBT)).

RESULTS: Seven women and two men (mean age: 26 ± 6.1 years) with CAI enrolled in this feasibility study. Success criteria showed a high adherence (90%) and low attrition rate (10%). All data could be used for analysis. AEs such as tingling in the foot during a short time frame were reported after four finding-oriented MTT interventions. Preliminary effect sizes showed divergence and few statistically significant results for sEMG.

CONCLUSION: The participants were adherent to the finding-oriented MTT intervention. The acceptability of data recording and data analysis was good. In addition, the study protocol should be adapted by adding a 10-min warm up period, a participant familiarization to TTS and modified STBT, and test repetitions.

PMID:34391263 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.018

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:447-454. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.007. Epub 2021 Mar 19.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of sling-based manual therapy on the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) area in patients with neck pain and forward head posture.

DESIGN: Single-blind randomized controlled trial.

SETTING: Outpatient, Chonbuk National University hospital, Republic of Korea.

SUBJECTS: A total of 22 participants with neck pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale >3) and forward head posture (craniovertebral angle <51) were randomly assigned to a CTJ group or a control group (n = 11 each).

INTERVENTION: In the control group, joint mobilization and motor control training was applied for the upper cervical spine (C0-C1). The CTJ group applied the same intervention to the upper cervical spine and cervicothoracic junction (C7-T3).

MAIN MEASURES: Numeric pain rating scale and neck disability index, craniovertebral angle, active range of motion, and muscle activity were evaluated before and after 4 weeks of intervention.

RESULT: The CTJ group participants showed significant improvement in the craniovertebral angle and cervical extension range after the intervention than the control group (P = 0.025, P = 0.001). While both groups presented significant differences after the intervention regarding Numeric pain rating scale, neck disability index, and muscle activity (sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene muscle), there were no statistically significant differences between the groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the CTJ and the upper cervical region in patients with neck pain and forward head posture represent an area which if approached by manual therapy, improves cervical mobility and posture.

PMID:34391270 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.007

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:464-471. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.05.008. Epub 2021 May 12.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Trunk rotations are important functional movements which form the foundations of human motion pattern, especially in the functions of walking and running. They prevent the functional impairments and structural lesions resulting from axial overloading in static positions such as sitting.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of rotational movement training exercises on the abdominal muscle thickness and spinal mobility range.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.

METHODS: The study involved 73 individuals aged 18-45. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. The study group (TG) comprised 40 people who performed rotational movement exercises over the period of 4 weeks (16 training sessions). In the control group (CG) the training was not applied. Changes in the thickness of selected abdominal muscles on ultrasound imaging were evaluated, as well as trunk mobility, based on the trunk lateral flexion test.

RESULTS: The analysis of the obtained data has demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the thickness of the abdominal internal (IO) (p < 0.05) and external oblique muscles (EO) (p < 0.001) in the study group (TG) between measurements I and II, and measurements I and III. A similar increase in the thickness was found in the summation measurement of TrA + IO + EO. Bilateral increase in the trunk lateral flexion range in the frontal plane has also been noted.

CONCLUSIONS: Rotational movement training of the trunk leads to an increase in the thickness of the abdominal oblique muscles. Rotational movement exercise training increases trunk mobility in the frontal plane.

PMID:34391272 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.05.008

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:352-357. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.01.014. Epub 2021 Jan 28.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a common ailment causing pain and functional limitations. There is an inadequate understanding of its etiopathogenesis. Involvement of the radial nerve (RN) as the primary causative factor for this condition remains debatable. The aim of the present study was to assess the RN thickness in patients with LE and compare it with the unaffected side.

METHODS: The study included seventy eligible patients (M:F, 22:48) in the age group of 30-60 years with a clinical diagnosis of LE. The cross-sectional area of RN was measured at the spiral groove (SG) and around the antecubital fossa (AF) using ultrasound and compared with the unaffected side. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the QuickDASH scale were used to assess pain and functional impairment.

RESULTS: Thickness of RN at the AF (p = 0.026) and the SG (p = 0.0117) on the affected were statistically significant compared to the unaffected side in the cohort comprising of all the 70 patients. Out of 70 patients, increased thickness was seen in 23 at the SG and 19 at the AF. QuickDASH was statistically significant in patients who had thickened nerves compared to the unaffected side at the SG (p = 0.04) but not at the AF (p = 0.16). NPRS was not statistically significant at either the AF (p = 0.34) or the SG (p = 0.71) in patients with thickened nerves.

CONCLUSION: Tennis elbow needs to be no longer acknowledged only as tendinopathy. It also requires consideration of the involvement of the RN.

PMID:34391257 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.01.014

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:26-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.027. Epub 2021 Mar 5.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the effect of the Kinesio Tape on the muscle power of the elite weightlifters.

METHODS: A randomized controlled trial, single blind. Forty-two male weightlifters were randomly assigned to the experimental Kinesio Tape and sham Kinesio Tape groups of the study. The participants then performed a single leg vertical jump and a single leg horizontal jump with three attempts of each to obtain the measurement of muscle power. Outcome measures were included single-leg vertical countermovement jump, estimated peak power, and single-leg horizontal countermovement jump.

RESULT: Significant effect of Kinesio Tape on horizontal jumps distance among the weightlifters in the experimental group (p = 0.002). The study showed that the vertical jump height (p = 0.433), estimated peak power (p = 0.542) and horizontal jump distance (p = 0.841) measurements did not improve significantly between the groups at level p = 0.05.

CONCLUSION: There is a small and better improvement noticed on the outcome measurements after Kinesio Tape application, which may be considered clinical importance for the sport. However, there was no statistically significant effect of Kinesio Tape between the groups.

PMID:34391243 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.027

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:274-280. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.025. Epub 2021 Mar 5.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Although many studies indicated a decreased reaction time in post-traumatic complaints including ACL injury, no study has been devoted to measure reaction time in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The purpose of the present study was to compare the visuomotor reaction time between PFPS and healthy individuals.

METHODS: Twenty five patients with PFPS (20 women and 5 men, mean age 29.28 years, SD 5.59) and 25 healthy controls (19 women, 6 men, mean age 29.32, years SD 5.30) were recruited in the present study. The dependent variables were upper extremity reaction time, upper extremity error rate, knee extension reaction time in both involved and non-involved legs, plantar flexion reaction time in both involved and non-involved legs.

RESULTS: The results of one-way multiple analysis of variance showed that patients with PFPS had slower upper extremity reaction time (P=0.047, Effect size (ES)=0.39) and plantar flexion reaction time (symptomatic side) (P<0.001, ES=0.77) as compared with healthy control. The symptomatic knee extension reaction time was slower than the healthy matched leg, but this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.296, ES= 0.19).

CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that the reaction time might be considered as a factor associated with PFPS.

PMID:34391245 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.025

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:287-293. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.022. Epub 2021 Mar 11.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cricket is one of the prominent global team sports. With an emergence of Twenty20 tournaments, the physical preparation of elite cricket players has become complex with high match injury incidence. Yoga as a body-mind training is associated with having positive effects on a person’s physical and psychological conditions, bringing in better mind-body equilibrium.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluating the impact of yoga in facilitating muscular functioning and mindfulness among asymptomatic male cricket players.

METHOD: First-class domestic male cricket players in the age group of 18-35 years were randomized into yoga group n=42 and wait-list control group n=40. Players received the yoga module for five days per week for a duration of six weeks. Primary outcome measures of muscular functioning were core stability, flexibility, range of motion, static balance, dynamic balance and proprioception of the ankle. Assessments were held at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and a follow-up after six months of intervention.

RESULTS: A statistical significance with p < .001 was observed for most of the variables at T2 and T3. Comparison of the model fit shows a highly significant p < 0.001 difference between the model as compared to the baseline model among most of the variables.

CONCLUSION: This yoga module was appropriate for enhancing muscular functioning variables of this study. Continuous practice of this yoga module can reinforce sustainable benefits for male cricket players.

PMID:34391247 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.022

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:256-264. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.022. Epub 2021 Apr 2.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent ankle sprains are common in soccer players, characterized by restricted range of motion, pain, and decreased proprioception, strength, and postural control. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a fascial therapy and strength training program, combined with kinesiotaping, in improving ankle range of motion, pain, strength and stability in footballers with recurrent sprains.

METHOD: A simple blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on soccer players. Thirty-six federated footballers were recruited and randomized to the two study groups. The experimental group received an intervention using myofascial techniques applied to the subastragaline joint, eccentric training with an isoinertial device and neuromuscular taping. The control group was administered an intervention using myofascial techniques on the subastragaline joint and eccentric training with an isoinertial device. The results were recorded for all players at baseline, after 4 weeks of intervention, and at the end of the 4-week follow-up period.

RESULTS: Subsequent to intervention and follow-up, we found statistically significant improvements in the experimental group in ankle mobility, strength and stability. The control group exhibited improvements in all study variables. No differences in the improvement of variables were found based on the allocation of athletes to one group or another.

CONCLUSION: The combination of fascial therapy and eccentric strength training with an isoinertial device improves ankle mobility, strength and stability in footballers with recurrent ankle sprains. The use of taping techniques failed to provide a greater improvement of the study variables when combined with manual therapy and strength techniques.

PMID:34391242 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.022

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:113-126. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.009. Epub 2021 Mar 11.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The emergence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic increased the need for an effective treatment for respiratory conditions exponentially. To meet this challenge, we reevaluated the effectiveness of our physical therapy protocols for respiratory conditions. Protocols of interest were categorized as decongestive, neurogenic, mechanical, and immune modulating.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate which of our existing treatment protocols or protocol combinations produce the best outcome. To do so, we analyzed which ones can meet the following criteria when compared to all other treatments: test statistic (>2.0) in parametric and non-parametric tests, [statistical significance (p < 0.05)], effect size larger than 0.2, difference in the Patient Identified Problem Scale (PIP) score above Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID), and sample size minimum 15 treatments.

DESIGN: Retrospective multivariate analysis using a modified adaptive platform design.

METHODS: A computerized sampling using respiratory related key words from a blinded dataset yielded 178 patients with respiratory complaints or pain in the chest area. Additional statistical analysis using parametric and non-parametric tests evaluated the difference between each treatment protocol and the rest of the treatments provided.

RESULTS: Several protocol combinations and one individual protocol passed the study criteria. Cardiac vascular venous thoracic (CVVT) protocol was used most frequently within these combinations (7), followed by Urinary Drainage (UD) (4). Other protocols in this group were Cardiac Cervical Cranial Vascular (CCCV), Venous Thoracic Cardiopulmonary (VTCP), and Diaphragm Cranial Sinus (DCS). Among the respiratory specific protocols, CVVT was significantly better than VTCP (0.40, p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: For the patient population studied, CVVT appears to be the primary protocol to consider, followed by UD, CCCV, VTCP, and DCS. Combining CVVT with Barral Abdominal Motility protocol (Barral) or VTCP with Lower Abdominal Urogenital (LAUG) on the same day might be required with acute patients.

PMID:34391222 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.009

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:127-133. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.023. Epub 2021 Mar 5.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Basketball is a dynamic team sport which involves skilled movement and activities. Shooting is considered to be an essential part of the game for scoring points. The core strength is an important preconditioning for the sport, and it influences the performance of the player.

METHOD: In this study the subjects included thirty-six male basketball players divided into two groups of high and low core groups. The subjects performed one arm hop test and modified upper quarter y balance test (mUQYBT) under with and without core activation condition. The performance of the subjects was evaluated using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukeys HSD. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05 as significant. Value of confidence interval was set at 95%.

RESULTS: Based on the study, significant difference (p < 0.05) in performance for one arm hop test was observed among all the four groups of core muscles (group 1: high core with core activation, group 2 high core without core activation, group 3 low core with core activation and group 4 low core without core activation). Whereas, no significant difference (p > 0.05) in performance for mUQYBT was observed among all four groups.

DISCUSSION: Core training is the basis for many functional movements and has become the norm in athletic training programs. Broad benefits of core stabilization have been overlooked, from improving athletic performance to preventing injuries in the sports medicine world.

CONCLUSION: In the present study, core activation was associated with improved stability and mobility of basketball players during the upper extremity performance test, and the greatest influence of core activation was seen in individuals with lower core scores.

PMID:34391223 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.023