Effectiveness of Surface Electromyographic Biofeedback-Triggered Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Knee Rehabilitation

Background

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation initiated by a surface electromyographic biofeedback threshold (sEMG-triggered NMES) has been studied in populations of patients with neurological problems, but has not been applied to orthopedic populations.

Objectives

The purpose of this single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was to investigate sEMG-triggered NMES on knee extension active range of motion (AROM), function, and torque in patients with post-operative arthroscopic knee surgery.

Methods

Twenty-five participants were randomly assigned to either: (1) sEMG-triggered NMES with exercise group, or (2) exercise-only comparison group. Participants received outpatient physical therapy treatment 2 to 3 times a week for 12 visits. Knee AROM and function determined by the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) were collected at the first, sixth, and twelfth visits. Peak isometric extensor torque was assessed using an electromechanical dynamometer at 3 months post surgery. Two analysis of variance tests with repeated measures were used to analyze knee AROM and LEFS data. An independent samples t-test was used to analyze the peak torque index (%) of the involved extremity compared to the uninvolved.

Results

A significant difference in AROM was found between groups. No significant difference was found between groups in the LEFS, nor in the peak isometric extensor torque. A 72.5% strength deficit was found compared to the uninvolved extremity.

Conclusion

Using sEMG-triggered NMES intervention improved extension AROM but did not improve function or torque.     

AN UPDATE FOR THE CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE FROM 2000 TO 2010

Purpose/Background:

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common and clinically challenging knee pathologies. Historically, clinicians have used a myriad of interventions, many of which have benefited some but not all patients. Suboptimal outcomes may reflect the need for an evidence-based approach for the treatment of PFPS. The authors believe that integrating clinical expertise with the most current scientific data will enhance clinical practice. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide an update on the evidence for the conservative treatment of PFPS.

Methods:

The PubMed, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched for studies published between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2010. Studies used were any that utilized interventions lasting a minimum of 4 weeks for subjects with PFPS. Data were examined for subject sample, intervention duration, intervention type, and pain outcomes.

Results:

General quadriceps strengthening continues to reduce pain in patients with PFPS. Data are inconclusive regarding the use of patellar taping, patellar bracing, knee bracing, and foot orthosis. Although emerging data suggest the importance of hip strengthening exercise, ongoing investigations are needed to better understand its effect on PFPS.

Conclusions:

Current evidence supports the continued use of quadriceps exercise for the conservative management of PFPS. However, inconsistent or limited data regarding the other interventions precluded the authors'' ability to make conclusive recommendations about their use. Future investigations should focus on identifying cohorts of patients with PFPS who may benefit from the other treatment approaches included in this systematic review.     

Effects of patellar taping on knee pain,functional disability,and patellar alignments in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A randomized clinical trial

Question

What are the effects of patellar taping on pain, functional disability and patellar alignments in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)?

Medial Foot Loading on Ankle and Knee Biomechanics

Background

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among females continues at disproportionate rates compared to males, with research indicating inconclusive multifactorial causality. Data from previous retrospective studies suggest an effect of abnormal foot and ankle bio-mechanics on pathology at the knee, including the ACL.

Objective

To determine if a relationship exists between plantar foot loading patterns during normal gait and high risk biomechanics purported to increase risk of ACL injury.

Methods

Dynamic barefoot plantar pressure distribution was measured on 33 female collegiate soccer players. Groups were divided according to their predominant gait loading pattern (medial or lateral). Three dimensional (3-D) motion analysis was conducted during drop vertical jumps to assess vertical ground reaction force and discrete angle and joint moment variables of the lower extremities.

Results

No significant differences occured in sagittal or coronal plane knee joint kinematics and kinetics between the medial and lateral loading groups.

Discussion

Dynamic foot and ankle biomechanics during gait do not appear to be related to lower extremity kinematics or kinetics during landing in collegiate female soccer players.

Conclusion

The exact cause of the abnormal differences in female landing biomechanics has not been irrefutably defined. This study suggests no effect of foot and ankle biomechanics exists on the landing mechanics of female soccer players.     

THE EFFICACY OF TAPING FOR ROTATOR CUFF TENDINOPATHY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META‐ANALYSIS

Background

Rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. Non‐elastic taping (NET) and kinesiology taping (KT) are common interventions used by physiotherapists. However, evidence regarding their efficacy is inconclusive.

Objective

To examine the current evidence on the clinical efficacy of taping, either NET or KT, for the treatment of individuals with RC tendinopathy.

Study Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis

Methods

A literature search was conducted in four bibliographical databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) that compared NET or KT to any other intervention or placebo for treatment of RC tendinopathy. Internal validity of RCTs was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A qualitative or quantitative synthesis of evidence was performed.

Results

Ten trials were included in the present review on overall pain reduction or improvement in function. Most RCTs had a high risk of bias. There is inconclusive evidence for NET, either used alone or in conjunction with another intervention. Based on pooled results of two studies (n=72), KT used alone resulted in significant gain in pain free flexion (MD: 8.7 ° 95%CI 8.0 ° to 9.5 °) and in pain free abduction (MD: 10.3 ° 95%CI 9.1 ° to 11.4 °). Based on qualitative analyses, there is inconclusive evidence on the efficacy of KT when used alone or in conjunction with other interventions on overall pain reduction or improvement in function.

Conclusion

Although KT significantly improved pain free range of motion, there is insufficient evidence to formally conclude on the efficacy of KT or NET used alone or in conjunction with other interventions in patients with RC tendinopathy.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 1a     

The Effects of Two Adhesive Ankle-Taping Methods on Strength,Power, and Range of Motion in Female Athletes

Background

Taping is a ubiquitous strategy to help prevent ankle sprains. The restrictive qualities of various taping methods may impair athletic performance.

Objective

The objective of the study was to compare the Gibney closed basket weave taping method with heel-locks to heel-locks and figure-eights in order to determine their effect on vertical jump performance and active range of motion (ROM) before and after exercise.

Methods

Eleven female varsity basketball athletes were subjected to three conditions of no ankle support (control), heel-locks, and figure-eights. The dependent variables of ankle active ROM, plantarflexor maximum voluntary contraction and jump height for the countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), and concentric only squat jump (COSJ) were randomly ordered. Following taping or control conditions, participants were pre-tested, completed a ten-minute treadmill run at 9.6 km/hr with a 3 minute cool down and then repeated the testing procedures.

Results

There were no significant differences in jump performance between taping methods or the effect of exercise. However significant differences for pre-/post-exercise for plantarflexor (p < 0.0001) and dorsiflexor (p = 0.007) active ROM and between no support and taping for plan-tarflexor ROM (p = 0.004) was found.

Conclusions

Despite plantarflexor active ROM being restricted by both taping procedures compared to the control, no effect on jump performance occurred.     

CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF KINESIOLOGICAL TAPING ON PAIN AND PAIN‐FREE SHOULDER RANGE OF MOTION IN PATIENTS WITH SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME: A RANDOMIZED,DOUBLE BLINDED,PLACEBO‐CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background:

Kinesiological taping (KT) is commonly used to improve symptoms associated with musculoskeletal disorders. However, review of the literature revealed minimal evidence to support the use of KT in treatment of shoulder disorders and controversy exists regarding the effect of KT in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS).

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of KT on pain intensity during movement, pain experienced during the night (nocturnal pain), and pain‐free shoulder range of motion (ROM) immediately after taping, after three days and after one week, in patients with SIS.

Design:

Randomized, Double blinded, Placebo‐controlled design.

Participants:

A total of 30 patients with SIS participated in this study. Patients were assigned randomly to a control (N = 15) and an experimental group (N = 15).

Methods:

The patients in the experimental group received a standardized therapeutic KT. The standardized, placebo neutral KT was applied for control group. KT was applied two times with a three day interval, remaining on during the 3 day interval. Both groups followed the same procedures. Pain‐free active ROM during shoulder abduction, flexion, and elevation in the scapular plane was measured. Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity during movement or nocturnal pain and was assessed at baseline, immediately after KT, after three days, and one week after KT.

Results:

The result of repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant change in pain level during movement, nocturnal pain, and pain‐free ROM (p = 0.000) after KT in the experimental group. In the ANCOVA, controlling for pre‐test scores, change in pain level at movement (p = 0.009) and nocturnal pain (p = 0.04) immediately after KT was significantly greater in the experimental group than in control group. There was no significant difference in ROM measures (p > 0.05) between groups immediately after KT. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the after one week measurements of pain intensity and shoulder ROM.

Conclusion:

The KT produces an immediate improvement in the pain intensity at movement and nocturnal pain in patients with SIS.

Level of Evidence:

1     

CLINICAL PROGNOSTIC FACTORS FOR PATIENTS WITH ANTERIOR KNEE PAIN IN PHYSICAL THERAPY; A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background

Although many authors have studied the prognostic factors that may contribute to anterior knee pain, synthesis of the existing evidence has not been performed.

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize and examine existing prognostic models in patients with anterior knee pain that first present to physical therapists (primary care setting).

Design

Systematic review

Method

For this review Pubmed, Embase and Cinahl databases were searched and published papers that reported prognostic models for patients with anterior knee pain that first present to physical therapists (primary care setting) were selected. The authors extracted and summarized the univariate and multivariate predictors and evaluated which predictors consistently appeared to be relevant to pain, function, or recovery.

Results

Nine studies were included. The quality scores of these studies ranged from 9 to 17 positive items out of 21 items included in the assessment for quality. None of the prognostic models were validated internally or externally. Four studies were considered to be of sufficient quality. The authors of these four studies found 14 different predictors significantly related to pain intensity of which seven with limited evidence. Fifteen different predictors were found that were related to function of which seven with limited evidence. Furthermore, strong evidence was found that baseline pain intensity, pain coping and kinesiophobia are of no predictive value for pain, and activity related pain, pain coping and kinesiophobia are of no predictive value for function at follow up.

Conclusions

Because of the low quality of a number of studies and the heterogeneity of the examined variables and outcome measures of most of the studies, only limited evidence for seven predictors related to pain and seven predictors related to function in patients with anterior knee pain in a primary care setting was found.

Level of Evidence

1b     

REHABILITATION OF A SURGICALLY REPAIRED RUPTURE OF THE DISTAL BICEPS TENDON IN AN ACTIVE MIDDLE AGED MALE: A CASE REPORT

Background:

Complete rupture of the distal tendon of the biceps brachii is relatively rare and there is little information to guide therapists in rehabilitation after this injury. The purposes of this case report are to review the rehabilitation concepts used for treating such an injury, and discuss how to modify exercises during rehabilitation based on patient progression while adhering to physician recommended guidelines and standard treatment protocols.

Case Presentation:

The patient was an active 38‐year old male experienced in weight‐training. He presented with a surgically repaired right distal biceps tendon following an accident on a trampoline adapted with a bungee suspension harness. The intervention focused on restoring range of motion and strengthening of the supporting muscles of the upper extremity without placing undue stress on the biceps brachii.

Outcomes:

The patient was able to progress from a moderate restriction in ROM to full AROM two weeks ahead of the physician''s post‐operative orders and initiate a re‐strengthening protocol by the eighth week of rehabilitation. At the eighth post‐operative week the patient reported no deficits in functional abilities throughout his normal daily activities with his affected upper extremity.

Discussion:

The results of this case report strengthen current knowledge regarding physical therapy treatment for a distal biceps tendon repair while at the same time providing new insights for future protocol considerations in active individuals. Most current protocols do not advocate aggressive stretching, AROM, or strengthening of a surgically repaired biceps tendon early in the rehabilitation process due to the fear of a re‐rupture. In the opinion of the authors, if full AROM can be achieved before the 6^th week of rehabilitation, initiating a slow transition into light strengthening of the biceps brachii may be possible.

Level of evidence:

4‐Single Case report     

Measurement Properties of Performance-Specific Pain Ratings of Patients Awaiting Total Joint Arthroplasty as a Consequence of Osteoarthritis

Purpose:

To estimate the test–retest reliability of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain sub-scale and performance-specific assessments of pain, as well as the association between these measures for patients awaiting primary total hip or knee arthroplasty as a consequence of osteoarthritis.

Methods:

A total of 164 patients awaiting unilateral primary hip or knee arthroplasty completed four performance measures (self-paced walk, timed up and go, stair test, six-minute walk) and the WOMAC. Scores for 22 of these patients provided test–retest reliability data. Estimates of test–retest reliability (Type 2,1 intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] and standard error of measurement [SEM]) and the association between measures were examined.

Results:

ICC values for individual performance-specific pain ratings were between 0.70 and 0.86; SEM values were between 0.97 and 1.33 pain points. ICC estimates for the four-item performance pain ratings and the WOMAC pain sub-scale were 0.82 and 0.57 respectively. The correlation between the sum of the pain scores for the four performance measures and the WOMAC pain sub-scale was 0.62.

Conclusion:

Reliability estimates for the performance-specific assessments of pain using the numeric pain rating scale were consistent with values reported for patients with a spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions. The reliability estimate for the WOMAC pain sub-scale was lower than typically reported in the literature. The level of association between the WOMAC pain sub-scale and the various performance-specific pain scales suggests that the scores can be used interchangeably when applied to groups but not for individual patients.     

Chronic pain in survivors of critical illness: a retrospective analysis of incidence and risk factors

Introduction

Chronic pain has been reported in survivors of critical illness for many years after discharge from hospital. This study investigates the incidence and site of chronic pain in survivors of critical illness between 6 months and 1 year after hospitalization, including ICU admission. A retrospective analysis of the risk factors for chronic pain in this patient group was also completed.

Methods

A questionnaire method was used to investigate the incidence of chronic pain and the specific body parts affected. A retrospective study and multivariable analysis were used to investigate the risk factors for chronic pain in this patient group. All survivors of a general intensive care unit (ICU) in South Wales in a 6-month period were included in this study.

Results

Chronic pain was reported in 44% of all respondents. The shoulder was the most commonly reported joint affected by pain (22%). Risk factors for chronic pain between 6 months and 1 year after ICU discharge were increasing patient age and severe sepsis.

Conclusions

Chronic pain is a problem in survivors of critical illness, especially in the shoulder joint, and further studies are needed investigating therapeutic interventions that address this long-term problem.