Rehabilitation following elbow surgery in the throwing athlete

Rehabilitation after an injury or surgery to the elbow joint complex is common when treating the overhead throwingathlete. The unique anatomical configuration of the elbow joint complex provides a significant challenge to the sports medicine team in rehabilitating throwers after elbow surgery. The programs discussed in this report emphasize immediate controlled motion following surgery and the importance of establishing full elbow extension as expeditiously as possible. This to prevent a frequently encountered side effect of elbow surgery, a flexion contracture. A strengthening program is initiated immediately after surgery in the form of isometrics. The strengthening program is progressed from isometrics to isotonics, then to an advanced strengthening phase consisting of plyometrics, neuromuscular control drills, proprioceptive training, and high speed muscle training. The advanced strengthening phase is instituted to train the throwing athlete to control the potentially harmful stresses imparted onto the elbow joint during the throwing motion. A functional progression for the overhead thrower is discussed. In this report, we will discuss postoperative rehabilitation following elbow arthroscopy, ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, arthroscopic arthroplasty, uInar nerve subcutaneous transposition, and arthroscopic arthrolysis.     

Triathlon participation for the physically challenged athlete: Medical considerations

An overview of the evolution of challenged athlete participation in sports is presented, and specifically as it relates to triathlon participation. Currently there is little literature relative to sports participation for the physically challenged athlete. There is credibility for sports participation for the physically challenged relative to physical, mental, and social issues. Positive aspects of competitive sports for the challenged athlete are apparent to any health professional who has had the opportunity to witness first hand the growth in self-confidence, enhanced self-image, and all around maturity that accompanies those participating in sport.     

Somatosensory deficits in post‐ACL reconstruction patients: A case–control study

Introduction: Diminished cutaneous detection thresholds have been identified in patients with multiple orthopedic conditions, and these phenomena may occur in postanterior cruciate ligament reconstructed (ACLR) patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in lower extremity cutaneous detection thresholds exist in post‐ACLR patients when compared with healthy controls. Methods: Fifteen individuals who were post‐ACLR and 15 individuals who had no history of knee injury participated. Light touch cutaneous detection thresholds were assessed at 4 locations on the foot and ankle (first metatarsal, fifth metatarsal, medial malleolus, and lateral malleolus). Nonparametric statistics examined group differences between the sites. Results: ACLR subjects had decreased cutaneous sensation at the first metatarsal and medial malleolus compared with healthy controls. Conclusions: Somatosensory deficits are present in post‐ACLR patients. Future research should investigate these phenomena longitudinally in post‐ACLR individuals along with somatosensory targeted interventions. Muscle Nerve 55 : 5–8, 2017     

Analysis of linear head accelerations from collegiate football impacts

Sports-related concussions result in 300,000 brain injuries in the United States each year. We conducted a study utilizing an in-helmet system that measures and records linear head accelerations to analyze head impacts in collegiate football. The Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System is an in-helmet system with six spring-mounted accelerometers and an antenna that transmits data via radio frequency to a sideline receiver and laptop computer system. A total of 11,604 head impacts were recorded from the Virginia Tech football team throughout the 2003 and 2004 football seasons during 22 games and 62 practices from a total of 52 players. Although the incidence of injury data are limited, this study presents an extremely large data set from human head impacts that provides valuable insight into the lower limits of head acceleration that cause mild traumatic brain injuries.     

Self-Reported Musculoskeletal Pain in Latino Vineyard Workers

ABSTRACT

The agricultural economy in the United States is dependent on millions of Latino migratory workers. Despite the health risks associated with this line of work, many agricultural workers lack health insurance or access to health care services. The purpose of this study was to collect demographic data and investigate the musculoskeletal health of Latino migratory vineyard workers. A physical therapy team collected demographic data at health clinics held at vineyards in Oregon. Nearly half (48.4%) of all vineyard workers reported experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) in at least one region of the body. The primary region of reported MSS was the back (32% of all men and 43.7% of all women). In most cases, those who reported MSS were significantly older than those who did not report MSS. Future research is necessary to identify personal and work related injury risk factors in order to develop prevention programs.