Instrumentation advances have recently allowed the isokinetic evaluation of muscle function for purposes of injury diagnosis, rehabilitation, and training prescription. This type of evaluation has been particularly useful for athletes in preparing for performance or returning to training following injury. lsokinetic testing of specific muscle groups and at the approximate limb speeds required for performance of the sport has allowed more specific analysis of the functional strengths and weaknesses of athletes. Isokinetic testing allows comparison of agonist and antagonist muscle groups for balance across a joint, for right and left side muscle group comparison, and for joint angle at peak torque. Several athletic groups have already been characterized; alpine skiing, track and field (sprinting, jumping, and walking), and orienteering.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the function of important muscle groups for the performance of ice hockey. The data provided the basis for devising a training program for the athletes and also provided data for the characterization of professional (NHL) and elite amateur (Olympic) ice hockey players. Analysis also provided comparative information about the two groups.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1981;3(2):42-47.

The purposes of this investigation were to determine 1) if there was a difference in systemic muscular strength as mandibular position was varied in apparently normal subjects, and 2) if muscle strength changed, were these changes related to a history of pain or discomfort associated with the temporomandibular joint or to a clinical examination of certain muscles at the head or neck. Twenty-seven subjects filled out a screening questionnaire designed to determine a history of pain or discomfort associated with the head and neck. All subjects were examined for muscle tenderness to palpation and occlusal discrepancies. Each subject was tested for muscular strength on the Cybex II-Data Acquisition System while their vertical dimension of occlusion was altered. The data did not support either research hypothesis. Twenty-three of 2 7 (85%) subjects had medial pterygoid tenderness and 25 of 2 7 (93%) subjects had lateral pterygoid tenderness. Only one subject was asymptomatic to muscle palpation. It appears that many apparently normal individuals are symptomatic to muscle palpation.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1981;3(2):57-61.

Connective tissue, one of the basic components of the human body, is a focus of many treatment procedures in orthopaedic physical therapy. As physical therapists, it is important for us to understand the nature of connective tissue and the histological changes that occur when connective tissue is immobilized. These changes are directly related to the causes of joint stiffness, leading to restricted movement. A basic knowledge of connective tissue is necessary to effectively restore normal joint mobility. In addition, this basic understanding provides a rationale for the treatment programs and assists in the development of realistic goals for our patients. This article discusses the biochemical and histological changes of periarticular connective tissue resulting from immobilization of synovial joints. Conclusions derived are confined to hypotheses only, due to lack of applied research in this area

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1981;3(2):67-72.