Jim Richards
University of Central Lancashire, Allied Health Research unit, Faculty Member
- I was appointed Professor of Biomechanics and research lead for the Allied Health Research unit at University of Cent... moreI was appointed Professor of Biomechanics and research lead for the Allied Health Research unit at University of Central Lancashire in 2004. My work includes the clinical application of biomechanics, the development of new assessment tools for chronic disease, conservative and surgical management of orthopaedic and neurological conditions, and development of evidence based approaches for improving clinical management and rehabilitation.
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ABSTRACT Growing ever popular within elite sports, Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is the therapeutic application of extreme cold air for a short duration. Minimal evidence is available for determining the physiological effects of WBC,... more
ABSTRACT Growing ever popular within elite sports, Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is the therapeutic application of extreme cold air for a short duration. Minimal evidence is available for determining the physiological effects of WBC, including observation of skin surface and core temperature changes, in particular across specific pre-determined regions of interest. METHODS • 14 male professional first team super league rugby players. • Exposed to 1, 2 and 3 minutes of WBC at -135°C. • Each WBC exposure was separated by seven days, and followed a competitive league fixture. • Core body temperature was recorded pre, immediately post and 20 minutes post WBC. • Non-contact, digital infrared thermal imaging measured skin surface temperature (Tsk). • Tsk was measured pre, immediately post and every five minutes post WBC exposure, up to 20 minutes. • Four regions of interest were defined; anterior triangle of the neck (A), torso (B), lower abdomen (C) and the back (D). RESULTS • Significant reductions (p=<0.05) in mean Tsk were noted after each exposure duration. • Average Tsk over time demonstrated significant differences (p=<0.05) between pre and immediately post exposure time points, for each exposure. • When comparing regions of interest significant differences (p=<0.05) were found in mean Tsk. • When comparing average Tsk of lower abdomen with A, B and D, significant differences (p=<0.05) were determined. DISCUSSION – CONCLUSION In all four regions of interest, Tsk was reduced following all exposure durations of WBC. The lowest Tsk recorded was 12.1°C, in the lower abdomen (ROI(C)) following a 3 minute exposure of WBC. This demonstrates the ability of WBC to achieve skin cooling within a desired therapeutic range, which is a key claim of WBC, as part of a recovery method within elite sport. The pattern of change and differences in average Tsk across C against A, B and D was interesting. In particular vascular shunting to protect vital organs in areas A and B could be a suggestion as to why Tsk differed following WBC exposures. Core temperature did not significantly fluctuate following exposures of WBC. However, a small rise was observed in all exposures, illustrating a relationship with the drop in Tsk, and the body's ability to maintain the function of vital organs. A phase of rewarming occurred following WBC exposures with post mean Tsk at 20 minutes not reaching pre exposure mean Tsk. Although lower limb Tsk was not measured in this study, these findings may have implications for clinicians deciding when it is safe to return an athlete to functional tasks following WBC, to reduce the risk of potential injury. Figure 1. Pre WBC exposure (anterior), 2. Pre WBC exposure (posterior), 3. Post WBC exposure (anterior).
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ABSTRACT Introduction Much has been published on the functional differences between Vastus Medialis (VM) and Vastus Lateralis (VL) between trained and untrained individuals with work mainly focussed on muscular onset timings using surface... more
ABSTRACT Introduction Much has been published on the functional differences between Vastus Medialis (VM) and Vastus Lateralis (VL) between trained and untrained individuals with work mainly focussed on muscular onset timings using surface electromyography (sEMG). Further exploration of the neuromuscular system can now be achieved by studying large yields of concurrently active motor unit action potential trains (MUAPT’s) and their characteristics (De Luca, 2006), using surface decomposition. This study aims to provide insight into the neuromuscular system’s mechanism of controlling Motor Units (MU’s) in trained and untrained individuals during a fatiguing protocol. Methods Trained and untrained individuals were asked to perform a 40 second trapezoid isometric knee extension task at 40% MVC, which was repeated until volitional exhaustion. Surface EMG (sEMG) signals were recorded from VM and VL using five pin surface array sensors. The raw sEMG signals were then inputted into the Precision Decomposition (PD) algorithm (Nawab et al. 2010) which decomposed the sEMG signals into their constituent motor unit action potential trains (MUAPT’s). The mean firing rate (MFR) for each detected motor unit was calculated and smoothed using a 3-s Hanning filter. Results and Discussion The untrained subject showed an increase in the VM MU firing rates during the isometric knee extension when compared to its synergistic partner VL. The trained subject did not show differences between the synergistic pair of VM and VL, instead exhibited similar MU firing rates for both muscles. The VL behaviour did not significantly differ between the fatigued and non-fatigued state or between the subjects. These finding could infers the VM is an important modifiable factor associated with training. These results, although exploratory, offer insight into the benefits of training and the effect on the neuromuscular control of synergistic muscles at the knee. The ability to conduct surface EMG decomposition is a recent technological advancement that is still being explored. However, these preliminary findings show that the application of this technology to exploring training differences can offer insight into individuals’ neuromuscular control. Conclusions The study provides some tantalizing findings and thoughts for progression with regards to the differences in neuromuscular control in training. Although exploratory at this time, the reported differences in motor unit firing rates offer some explanation to knee control during fatiguing muscles and the differences between differently trained individuals. Further investigations among individuals with various levels of training could offer further insight into the mechanisms involved.
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Background: Running is a cyclic movement requiring bilateral symmetry between the lower limbs to reduce injury risk. The assessment of side-to-side differences is often performed to detect functional deficits. Objectives: The purpose was... more
Background: Running is a cyclic movement requiring bilateral symmetry between the lower limbs to reduce injury risk. The assessment of side-to-side differences is often performed to detect functional deficits. Objectives: The purpose was to study side-to-side differences using clinical and running performance assessments in healthy runners (HR), runners with a history of lower limb injuries (RHI), and runners with a current lower limb injury (RLI). Methods: Forty-three runners were recruited, with 14 participants being allocated to the HR group, 13 to the RHI group, and 16 to the RLI group. Peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF), midfoot pressure, foot rotation, and gait variability were recorded using a Zebris FDM-T treadmill analysis system. Participants were also assessed using the navicular drop test. Dependent t-tests were used to determine if any differences existed between the lower limbs within each group. One-way ANOVAs were then used to investigate the side-to-side diff...
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The current investigation aimed to comparatively examine the effects of minimalist, maximalist and conventional footwear on Achilles tendon forces (ATF) during running. Twelve male runners (age 23.11±5.01 years, height 1.78±0.10 cm and... more
The current investigation aimed to comparatively examine the effects of minimalist, maximalist and conventional footwear on Achilles tendon forces (ATF) during running. Twelve male runners (age 23.11±5.01 years, height 1.78±0.10 cm and body mass 77.13±7.89 kg) ran at 4.0 m/s in the three footwear conditions. ATF’s were calculated using Opensim software allowing the magnitudal and temporal aspects of the ATF to be quantified. Differences between footwear were examined using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. The results showed the peak ATF was significantly larger in minimalist footwear (5.97±1.38 body weight (BW)) compared to maximalist (5.07±1.42 BW). In addition it was revealed that ATF per mile was significantly larger in minimalist (492.31±157.72 BW) in comparison to both maximalist (377.31±148.06 BW) and conventional (402.71±125.51 BW) footwear. Given the relationship between high ATF and Achilles tendon degradation, the current investigation indicated that minimalist footwear ma...
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Inertial sensors may help clinicians to assess patients’ movement and potentially support clinical decision making. Our aim was to determine whether shoulder range of motion during movement tasks measured using inertial sensors is capable... more
Inertial sensors may help clinicians to assess patients’ movement and potentially support clinical decision making. Our aim was to determine whether shoulder range of motion during movement tasks measured using inertial sensors is capable of accurately discriminating between patients with different shoulder problems. Inertial sensors were used to measure 3-dimensional shoulder motion during 6 tasks of 37 patients on the waiting list for shoulder surgery. Discriminant function analysis was used to identify whether the range of motion of different tasks could classify patients with different shoulder problems. The discriminant function analysis could correctly classify 91.9% of patients into one of the 3 diagnostic groups based. The tasks that associated a patient with a particular diagnostic group were the following: subacromial decompression: abduction, rotator cuff repair of tears ≤5 cm: flexion and rotator cuff repair of tears >5 cm: combing hair, abduction, and horizontal abduction–adduction. The discriminant function analysis showed that range of motion measured by inertial sensors can correctly classify patients and could be used as a screening tool to support surgery planning.
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Selection and training methods for showjumping horses are largely anecdotal, and performance analysis has been proposed as a method for scientifically improving competitive outcomes. To employ performance analysis in showjumping, an... more
Selection and training methods for showjumping horses are largely anecdotal, and performance analysis has been proposed as a method for scientifically improving competitive outcomes. To employ performance analysis in showjumping, an understanding of the tacit and explicit knowledge and practices of equestrians is required to identify relevant performance indicators. This study aimed to examine the knowledge and practices of equestrians with varying levels of experience (advanced and novice) for selecting horses, based on evaluation of movement, and training showjumping horses using an original questionnaire. It was hypothesised that differences would be present between advanced and novice responses. The questionnaire was composed of closed-end and follow-up open-end questions and 225 equestrians (66.7% advanced, 33.3% novice) participated. Closed-end responses from advanced and novice groups were analysed separately using Chi-Squared tests and open-end responses were subjected to thematic and content analysis. Closed-end responses showed significant within-group preferences (P<0.0001) for specific movement traits and training methods and between-group response differences <13% revealed that advanced and novice groups displayed similar preferences. Thematic analysis indicated different preferences for movement traits when selecting showjumping horses, as well as differences in the level of tacit knowledge between advanced and novice groups. Advanced equestrians placed greater emphasis on aesthetic forelimb traits than novice equestrians, who emphasised traits that they may be less capable of influencing, such as hindlimb impulsion and position of the horse at take-off. An emphasis on hindlimb movement and flatwork/non-jumping exercises for showjumping training was observed across both groups. Understanding equestrian tacit knowledge and its application is fundamental for developing research that is relevant to equestrians. Findings from this study may form a basis for research to identify relevant, objective performance indicators for performance analysis in showjumping, with the ultimate goal of improving competitive performance and welfare for equine athletes.
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Objective This study investigated the effect of patellar bracing and taping on the three-dimensional mechanics of the knee of patellofemoral pain patients during a step descent task. Method Thirteen patients diagnosed with patellofemoral... more
Objective This study investigated the effect of patellar bracing and taping on the three-dimensional mechanics of the knee of patellofemoral pain patients during a step descent task. Method Thirteen patients diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome performed a slow step descent. This was conducted under three randomized conditions:(a) no intervention,(b) neutral patella taping,(c) patellofemoral bracing. A 20 cm step was constructed to accommodate an AMTI force platform. Kinematic data were collected using ...
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ABSTRACT Achilles tendon injuries are a common occurrence in the general population. Middle-aged runners are particularly prone to Achilles tendinopathy, but non-sporting individuals are also affected by these problems. Tendinopathy... more
ABSTRACT Achilles tendon injuries are a common occurrence in the general population. Middle-aged runners are particularly prone to Achilles tendinopathy, but non-sporting individuals are also affected by these problems. Tendinopathy accounts for 30–50% of sports injuries, and it has been identified as a major medical problem associated with overuse that is most prevalent in sporting and working environments. Acupuncture is widely used in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders; however, few studies have investigated the effects of needling on the Achilles tendon. The first application of acupuncture to the Achilles tendon was recorded in ancient China. During the twentieth century, this approach evolved into the herringbone technique, but treatment has not been standardized. This paper reviews the development of acupuncture to the Achilles tendon, and describes a recently developed standardized and specific nine-needle acupuncture treatment protocol. The authors also highlight the physiologi-cal pro-inflammatory changes that occur in the Achilles tendon when this protocol is administered, and propose that such an approach can be a useful adjunct to the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy.
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Background: Little work has been undertaken on the biomechanical effects of patellofemoral taping and bracing in cycling. Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the three-dimensional movement of the knee joint at different... more
Background: Little work has been undertaken on the biomechanical effects of patellofemoral taping and bracing in cycling. Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the three-dimensional movement of the knee joint at different levels of resistance, across four treatment conditions, in experienced cyclists and discuss the clinical implications of the findings. Method: 15 healthy male subjects were asked to conduct four separate tests at three separate resistances on a static trainer. Each test used a different treatment modality ...
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The reliability of surface electromyography (sEMG) has not been adequately demonstrated in the equine literature and is an essential consideration as a methodology for application in clinical gait analysis. This observational study... more
The reliability of surface electromyography (sEMG) has not been adequately demonstrated in the equine literature and is an essential consideration as a methodology for application in clinical gait analysis. This observational study investigated within-session, intra-subject (stride-to-stride) and inter-subject reliability, and between-session reliability of normalised sEMG activity profiles, from triceps brachii (triceps), latissimus dorsi (latissimus), longissimus dorsi (longissimus), biceps femoris (biceps), superficial gluteal (gluteal) and semitendinosus muscles in n = 8 clinically non-lame horses during in-hand trot. sEMG sensors were bilaterally located on muscles to collect data during two test sessions (session 1 and 2) with a minimum 24-hour interval. Raw sEMG signals from ten trot strides per horse and session were DC-offset removed, high-pass filtered (40 Hz), full-wave rectified, and low-pass filtered (25 Hz). Signals were normalised to peak amplitude and percent stride ...
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This study compared muscle activity and movement between the leading (Ld) and trailing (Tr) fore- (F) and hindlimbs (H) of horses cantering overground. Three-dimensional kinematic and surface electromyography (sEMG) data were collected... more
This study compared muscle activity and movement between the leading (Ld) and trailing (Tr) fore- (F) and hindlimbs (H) of horses cantering overground. Three-dimensional kinematic and surface electromyography (sEMG) data were collected from right triceps brachii, biceps femoris, middle gluteal, and splenius from 10 ridden horses during straight left- and right-lead canter. Statistical parametric mapping evaluated between-limb (LdF vs. TrF, LdH vs. TrH) differences in time- and amplitude-normalized sEMG and joint angle–time waveforms over the stride. Linear mixed models evaluated between-limb differences in discrete sEMG activation timings, average rectified values (ARV), and spatio-temporal kinematics. Significantly greater gluteal ARV and activity duration facilitated greater limb retraction, hip extension, and stifle flexion (p < 0.05) in the TrH during stance. Earlier splenius activation during the LdF movement cycle (p < 0.05), reflected bilateral activation during TrF/LdH...
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The relationship between lameness-related adaptations in equine appendicular motion and muscle activation is poorly understood and has not been studied objectively. The aim of this study was to compare muscle activity of selected fore-... more
The relationship between lameness-related adaptations in equine appendicular motion and muscle activation is poorly understood and has not been studied objectively. The aim of this study was to compare muscle activity of selected fore- and hindlimb muscles, and movement of the joints they act on, between baseline and induced forelimb (iFL) and hindlimb (iHL) lameness. Three-dimensional kinematic data and surface electromyography (sEMG) data from the fore- (triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi) and hindlimbs (superficial gluteal, biceps femoris, semitendinosus) were bilaterally and synchronously collected from clinically non-lame horses (n= 8) trotting over-ground (baseline). Data collections were repeated during iFL and iHL conditions (2–3/5 AAEP), induced on separate days using a modified horseshoe. Motion asymmetry parameters and continuous joint and pro-retraction angles for each limb were calculated from kinematic data. Normalized average rectified value (ARV) and muscle activation...
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BACKGROUND AND AIMS.: It has been suggested that thermal imaging may provide alternative appropriate diagnostic information for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The aims of this study are to investigate the optimum method of data collection... more
BACKGROUND AND AIMS.: It has been suggested that thermal imaging may provide alternative appropriate diagnostic information for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The aims of this study are to investigate the optimum method of data collection from thermal images of subjects with CTS, establish base line thermographic reference data in subjects with CTS, measure the effect of a thermal washout on these patients and compare pre/post surgery baseline thermographic data to assess the effects of surgery. METHODS: Patients who had a diagnosis of CTS and were waiting for decompression surgery were recruited. The study involved two data collection sessions, the first immediately before decompression surgery, the second 6 weeks after the operation. A baseline image was taken, cooling using a Cryo/Cuff took place, following removal of the Cryo/Cuff temperature data were sampled during rewarming. Data from pre and post operative images were extracted by mapping three areas defined on screen by usin...
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Achilles tendon pathology is a frequently occurring musculoskeletal disorder in runners. Foot orthoses have been shown to reduce the symptoms of pain in runners but their mechanical effects are still not well understood. This study aimed... more
Achilles tendon pathology is a frequently occurring musculoskeletal disorder in runners. Foot orthoses have been shown to reduce the symptoms of pain in runners but their mechanical effects are still not well understood. This study aimed to examine differences in Achilles tendon load when running with and without orthotic intervention. Twelve male runners ran at 4.0 m·s(-1). Ankle joint moments and Achilles tendon forces were compared when running with and without orthotics. The results indicate that running with foot orthotics was associated with significant reductions in Achilles tendon load compared to without orthotics. In addition to providing insight into the mechanical effects of orthotics in runners, the current investigation suggests that via reductions in Achilles tendon load, foot orthoses may serve to reduce the incidence of chronic Achilles tendon pathologies in runners.
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ABSTRACT Stair ambulation is sometimes unavoidable for humans and canines, and changes several parameters of the gait cycle in comparison to level walking. The purpose of this paper is to review and investigate stair ambulation kinematics... more
ABSTRACT Stair ambulation is sometimes unavoidable for humans and canines, and changes several parameters of the gait cycle in comparison to level walking. The purpose of this paper is to review and investigate stair ambulation kinematics and kinetics for the human and canine when compared with gait on level surfaces. Data collected from 2 laboratories in a similar manner were analyzed to compare the ankle (tarsal) joint, knee (stifle) joint, and hip joint kinematics for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent in dogs and humans. The comparison of humans and dogs reveals humans use a greater overall range of motion (ROM) in the hip and knee compared to dogs in all tasks. Dogs use a much greater ROM in the ankle or tarsal joint compared to humans in all tasks. The decreased amount of ROM used at the hip and stifle joints of dogs during level gait, stair climbing, and stair descent when compared to humans is likely a direct result of the increased amount of tarsal flexion dogs use when compared to people. This paper identifies the peak angles of flexion and extension, overall ranges of motion of the hindlimb during normal walking, stair ascent and descent. This information may be used to help devise rehabilitation programs for dogs that need to increase the motion in a particular hindlimb joint through targeted movement tasks.
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It is well-established that processes involving changing direction or turning in which either or both standing and walking turns are utilized involve coordination of the whole-body and stepping characteristics. However, the turn context... more
It is well-established that processes involving changing direction or turning in which either or both standing and walking turns are utilized involve coordination of the whole-body and stepping characteristics. However, the turn context and whole-body coordination have not been fully explored during different turning amplitudes. For these reasons, this present study aimed to determine the effects of turning amplitude on whole-body coordination. The findings from this study can be utilized to inform the rationale behind fall prevention factors and to help design an exercise strategy to address issues related to amplitude of turning in older adults. Twenty healthy older and twenty healthy younger adults were asked to complete standing turns on level ground using three randomly selected amplitudes, 90°, 135° and 180°, at their self-selected turn speed. Turning kinematics and stepping variables were recorded using Inertial Measurement Units. Analysis of the data was carried out using Mi...
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Background Cognitive age-related decline is linked to dementia development and gait has been proposed to measure the change in brain function. This study aimed to investigate if spatiotemporal gait variables could be used to differentiate... more
Background Cognitive age-related decline is linked to dementia development and gait has been proposed to measure the change in brain function. This study aimed to investigate if spatiotemporal gait variables could be used to differentiate between the three cognitive status groups. Methods Ninety-three older adults were screened and classified into three groups; mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 32), dementia (n = 31), and a cognitively intact (n = 30). Spatiotemporal gait variables were assessed under single- and dual-tasks using an objective platform system. Effects of cognitive status and walking task were analyzed using a two-way ANCOVA. Sub-comparisons for between- and within-group were performed by one-way ANCOVA and Paired t-tests. Area Under the Curve (AUC) of Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) was used to discriminate between three groups on gait variables. Results There were significant effects (P < 0.05) of cognitive status during both single and dual-task walk...
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Background Different multi-segment foot models have been used to explore the effect of foot orthoses. Previous studies have compared the kinematic output of different multi-segment foot models, however, no study has explored if different... more
Background Different multi-segment foot models have been used to explore the effect of foot orthoses. Previous studies have compared the kinematic output of different multi-segment foot models, however, no study has explored if different multi-segment foot models detect similar kinematic changes when wearing a foot orthoses. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of two different multi-segment foot models to detect kinematic changes at the hindfoot and forefoot during the single and double support phases of gait when wearing a foot orthosis. Methods Foot kinematics were collected during walking from a sample of 32 individuals with and without a foot orthosis with a medial heel bar using an eight-camera motion capture system. The Oxford Foot Model (OFM) and a multi-segment foot model using the Calibrated Anatomical System Technique (CAST) were applied simultaneously. Vector field statistical analysis was used to explore the kinematic effects of a medial heel bar using the t...
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A limitation of the ability to rotate the head with respect to the upper body has been associated with turning problems; however, the extent of head constraints on whole-body coordination has not been fully determined. The aim of this... more
A limitation of the ability to rotate the head with respect to the upper body has been associated with turning problems; however, the extent of head constraints on whole-body coordination has not been fully determined. The aim of this study was to limit head on body rotation and observe the effects on whole-body coordination during standing turns at various speeds. Twelve participants completed standing turns at 180°. A Vicon motion system and a BlueGain Electrooculography system were used to record movement kinematics and measure horizontal eye movements, respectively. All participants were tested at 3 randomized speeds, and under 2 conditions with or without their head constrained using a head, neck, and chest brace which restricted neck movement. A repeated-measures analysis of variance found a significant main effect of turning speed on the onset latency of all segments, peak head–thorax angular separation, and step characteristics. Constraining the head rotation had multiple si...
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Background: Generalized joint hypermobility is an important risk factor for knee injuries, including to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Examining movement patterns specific to hypermobile individuals during sport-specific movements... more
Background: Generalized joint hypermobility is an important risk factor for knee injuries, including to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Examining movement patterns specific to hypermobile individuals during sport-specific movements could facilitate development of targeted recommendations and injury prevention programs for this population. Hypothesis: Asymptomatic hypermobile participants will present kinematics measures suggestive of a greater risk of noncontact knee or ACL injuries. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Forty-two (15 asymptomatic hypermobile and 27 nonhypermobile) individuals performed unanticipated side-step cutting on their dominant and nondominant legs. Ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, and trunk angles in all planes of motion were collected during the first 100 ms after initial contact using a 3-dimensional infrared system. Precontact foot-ground angles were also extracted. Data from hypermobile and nonhypermobile groups were c...
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Objectives: This study aimed to identify the most sensitive measures to assess postural stability and to detect between leg differences. Methods: Seventeen healthy volunteers participated in this University physiotherapy clinic... more
Objectives: This study aimed to identify the most sensitive measures to assess postural stability and to detect between leg differences. Methods: Seventeen healthy volunteers participated in this University physiotherapy clinic experiment. Linear segment acceleration and segment angular velocity data were collected using Inertial Measurement Units on the left and right calcanei, shanks, and pelvis. Participants performed a 30s single-leg stance on a firm surface and a balance pad on their dominant and non-dominant leg. A two factor (2x2) repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the two balance surfaces and the leg dominance. Results: Comparing the surfaces, both highest effect size and percentage difference were found in the pelvis angular velocity data. Apart from the anteroposterior linear acceleration of the shank, both effect size and percentage change showed that all average linear acceleration values were less sensitive to detect change between surfaces w...
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INTRODUCTION The use of motor imagery (MI) has been shown to offer significant improvements in movement performance in sports, and is now receiving a lot of attention as a relatively new therapeutic approach which can be applied in... more
INTRODUCTION The use of motor imagery (MI) has been shown to offer significant improvements in movement performance in sports, and is now receiving a lot of attention as a relatively new therapeutic approach which can be applied in rehabilitation. However, the effects of MI on the quality of movement is still unclear. This study explored the immediate effect of MI on reaching tasks in healthy subjects. METHODS 17 healthy individuals (33 ± 8.2 years) participated in the study. Surface electromyography (sEMG) and inertial measurement units (IMU) were used to identify muscle activity and angular velocity in both upper limbs. Participants performed a reach task using their dominant and non-dominant arms at their most comfortable speed, they were then asked to imagine themselves performing the same reaching task, and finally they were asked to repeat the reaching task. RESULTS Significant decreases were seen in the muscle activity between pre and post MI for Biceps Brachii, Anterior Deltoid and Triceps Brachii. In addition, a significant increase was seen in extension angular velocity post MI. DISCUSSION The results indicate that the use of MI just after physical practice appears to have an immediate effect on the muscle activity and kinematics during a reaching task, which may suggest an improved quality of movement. CONCLUSION This proof of concept study shows the potential for MI to improve the quality of performing reaching task and offers a possible therapeutic option for Stroke survivors and other neuromuscular disorders.
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Spinal mobilisation is a common intervention in the treatment of back pain and this review describes the positive aspects of spinal mobilisation for reducing pain, reducing excessive intrinsic muscle stiffness and muscle activity as well... more
Spinal mobilisation is a common intervention in the treatment of back pain and this review describes the positive aspects of spinal mobilisation for reducing pain, reducing excessive intrinsic muscle stiffness and muscle activity as well as the potential issue of instability arising from reducing intrinsic stiffness. Intrinsic stiffness is necessary for spinal stability but excessive stiffness affects function. Therefore, minimum intrinsic stiffness along with fast muscle reflex response is a more efficient way of providing functional stability. However, delayed reflex response reduces stability and increases the risk of suffering back pain. The
effects of spinal alignment on back pain receives little attention in published literature but this review examines how correcting alignment could improve muscle reflex response and therefore increase spinal stability. A novel method for correcting spinal alignment by means of tapping paraspinal muscles in order to elicit a stretch reflex response is examined.
effects of spinal alignment on back pain receives little attention in published literature but this review examines how correcting alignment could improve muscle reflex response and therefore increase spinal stability. A novel method for correcting spinal alignment by means of tapping paraspinal muscles in order to elicit a stretch reflex response is examined.
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AbstractBackground The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of knee brace (KB) and kinesiotaping (KT) on functional performance and self-reported function in individuals six months post-ACLR who desired to return to... more
AbstractBackground The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of knee brace (KB) and kinesiotaping (KT) on functional performance and self-reported function in individuals six months post-ACLR who desired to return to their pre-injury activity levels but felt unable to do so due to kinesiophobia. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 30 individuals six months post-ACLR with Tampa Kinesiophobia Scores > 37. Individuals were tested under three conditions: no intervention, \{KB\} and \{KT\} in a randomized order. Isokinetic concentric quadriceps and hamstring strength tests, one leg hop test, star excursion balance test and global rating scale were assessed under the three conditions. Results The involved side showed that \{KT\} and \{KB\} significantly increased the hop distance (P = 0.01, P = 0.04) and improved balance (P = 0.01, P = 0.04), respectively, but only \{KB\} was found to increase the quadriceps and hamstring peak torques compared to no intervention (P < 0.05). Individuals reported having better knee function with \{KB\} when compared to no intervention (P < 0.001) and \{KT\} (P = 0.03). Conclusions Both \{KB\} and \{KT\} have positive effects in individuals post-ACLR which may assist in reducing kinesiophobia when returning to their pre-injury activity levels, with the \{KB\} appearing to offer the participants better knee function compared to KT.
AbstractObjectives The purpose of this study was to compare lumbopelvic hip ranges of motion during the Trendelenburg, Single Leg Squat, and Corkscrew Tests to walking and to describe the 3-dimensional lumbopelvic hip motion during the... more
AbstractObjectives The purpose of this study was to compare lumbopelvic hip ranges of motion during the Trendelenburg, Single Leg Squat, and Corkscrew Tests to walking and to describe the 3-dimensional lumbopelvic hip motion during the tests. This may help clinicians to select appropriate tests when examining gait. Methods An optoelectronic movement analysis tracking system was used to assess the lumbopelvic hip region of 14 healthy participants while performing Trendelenburg, Single Leg Squat, and Corkscrew Tests and walking. The lumbopelvic hip 3-dimensional ranges of movement for the clinical tests were compared with walking using a repeated-measures analysis of variance with pairwise comparisons. Results No significant differences were found between the pelvic obliquity during the Trendelenburg Test and walking (Trendelenburg Test: L, 11.3° ± 4.8°, R, 10.8° ± 5.0° vs walk: L, 8.3° ± 4.8°, R 8.3° ± 5.1°, L, P = .143, R, P = .068). Significant differences were found between the hip sagittal plane range of movement during the Single Leg Squat and walking (Single Leg Squat: L, 44.2° ± 13.7°, R, 41.7° ± 10.9° vs walk: 38.6° ± 7.0°, R 37.8° ± 5.1°, P < .05), the hip coronal plane range of movement (Single Leg Squat: L, 9.1° ± 5.8°, R, 9.0° ± 4.6° vs walk: L, 9.4° ± 2.3°, R 9.5° ± 2.0°, P < .05), and the hip coronal plane range of movement during the Corkscrew Test and walking (Corkscrew: L, 5.7° ± 3.3°, R, 5.7° ± 3.2° vs walk: L, 9.4° ± 2.3°, R 9.5° ± 2.0°, P < .05). Conclusions The results of the present study showed that, in young asymptomatic participants with no known lumbopelvic hip pathology, the pelvic obliquity during the Trendelenburg Test and walking is similar. During the Single Leg Squat, the hip moved more in the sagittal plane and less in the coronal plane when compared with walking. There was more movement in the hip transverse plane movement during the Corkscrew Test than during walking. These results suggest that for the Trendelenburg Test to be interpreted as normal, the pelvis should achieve at least 10° of pelvic obliquity; during the Single Leg Squat, the hip should move through 43° in the sagittal plane and under 10° in the coronal plane; and for the Corkscrew Test to be interpreted as normal, the hip should move through 6° of rotation and the trunk through 27° of rotation.