karen may

Delayed effects of a 20-min crushed ice application on knee joint position sense assessed by a functional task during a re-warming period. The effect of cryotherapy on joint positioning presents conflicting debates as to whether individuals are at an increased risk of injury when returning to play following cryotherapy application at the lower limb. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a 20 min application of crushed ice at the knee affects knee joint kinematics immediately post and up to 20 mins post ice removal, during a small knee bend. 17 healthy male participants took part in the study performing a functional task. Using three-dimensional motion analysis (Qualisys Medical AB Gothenburg, Sweden), kinematics of the knee were measured during a weight bearing functional task pre and immediately post, 5, 10, 15 and 20 min post cryotherapy intervention. Skin surface temperature (T) cooling was measured via infrared non-contact thermal imaging (Flir Systems, Danderyd, Swed...

Bilateral decline squatting has been well documented as a rehabilitation exercise, however, little information exists on the optimum angle of decline. The aim of this study was to determine the ankle and knee angle, moments, the patellofemoral joint load, patellar tendon load and associated muscle activity while performing a double limb squat at different decline angles and the implications to rehabilitation. Eighteen healthy subjects performed double limb squats at 6 angles of declination: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 degrees. The range of motion of the knee and ankle joints, external moments, the patellofemoral/patellar tendon load and integrated EMG of gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris and biceps femoris were evaluated. As the decline angle increased up to 20 degrees, the range of motion possible at the ankle and knee increased. The joint moments showed a decrease at the ankle up to 15 degrees and an increase at the knee up to 25 degrees, indicating a progressive reduct...

Introduction Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) is a neuromuscular training method that has recently been popularised and integrated into many conditioning programs. WBVT and balance training have also been used in combination as a rehabilitation and injury prevention modality (Rittweger, 2010). However, little work has investigated the effects of WBVT on the motor control system. This study explores the effects of combined Vibration Training and Balance Training using the Vibrosphere and its efficacy within an applied or clinical setting. Methods Subjects (n=10) participated in a single testing session consisting of 5 single dominant leg dips pre and post each intervention. The randomised interventions were standing in a double leg mini squat position for 30 seconds; on 1) Vibrosphere placed on a mat with the vibration at 45 Hz, 2) Vibrosphere on a mat without vibration, 3) on a soft mat, and 4) laboratory hard floor. 3D Joint kinematics of the Ankle, Hip and Knee joint were capt...

To observe postural characteristics of female dressage riders, through application of three-dimensional motion analysis and to assess the effects of athletic taping on postural asymmetry during sitting trot. Randomised cross-over. Data collection took place at Myerscough Agricultural College in an indoor riding area. Ten healthy female experienced dressage riders participated. Movement kinematics of the trunk and pelvis, pre and post taping intervention. Riders presented pre-intervention with asymmetric movement characteristics through dynamic observation of trunk and pelvic postures during sitting trot. There was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the range (°) of trunk lateral-flexion following tape intervention applied over the thoracic spine. This study supports the quantification of dynamic postural characteristics of dressage athletes by three-dimensional motion analysis. Asymmetrical postures occur within dressage riders when performing sitting trot. The application of tape to 'align' asymmetry altered riders' postures. Taping over the thoracic region resulted in a compensatory increase in motion through the lumbar region. Clinicians should approach the application of postural taping with an awareness of the restrictive mechanisms of tape. Findings may help clinicians determine whether technique/type of tape applied is suitable for achieving marginal gains in the alignment of posture in competitive dressage athletes.

ABSTRACT Background Low back pain (LBP) is widespread in all populations and is a worldwide health problem, which poses substantial challenges for clinical management. Individuals with LBP may reduce their symptoms by implementing self-managed at-home interventions. The theoretical design of the LumbaCurve™ promotes the principles of a passive gravity-assisted traction (PGAT) stretch of the lumbar and sacral region in order to reduce LBP. This study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of the LumbaCurve™ in the management of LBP when compared to a control group of standardised care. Methods Following a screening form using Red Flags and STarT Back tools, 60 individuals with LBP were recruited to the 4-week intervention. Eligible participants completed a pre-intervention questionnaire and were randomly allocated to either ‘standardised care’ or ‘standardised care PLUS LumbaCurve™’ group. Intervention material was trialled for 4 weeks consecutively, followed by a post-intervention questionnaire. Pre and post assessments applied the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS). Results Interim results suggested RMDQ values demonstrate a trend toward the classification of ‘definite improvement’ following standardised care plus LumbaCurve™ intervention. When comparing pre/post outcomes alone for the intervention of standardised care plus LumbaCurve™, significant reductions in RMDQ results occurred (p=.014). PROMS results reported a significant decrease (p=.015) in average pain rating when comparing interventions. Conclusion Initial findings report that through a four week intervention programme, significant improvements in patient reported back pain levels are demonstrated following standardised care plus LumbaCurve™ intervention. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest Sources of funding: Spark Ventures UK