The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of lower extremity asymmetry on the kinetic energy of the leg segments during ambulation. The equalization of leg length by means of a lift equalized the time durations for the four phases of a gait cycle. Leg length equalization also decreased the kinetic energy of the lower extremity segments for both legs despite a difference in the segmental masses of the two legs.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1982;3(3):105-107.

Anterior instability of the knee and its associated rotatory components is recognized as a common disabling knee problem in athletes and nonathletes. The spectrum of anterior instability begins with injury to the anterior cruciate ligament as an isolated event or as part of an injury complex. Within the genera classification of anterior instability are straight, anteromedial, anterolateral, and combined. The type of instability is recognized in relation to the relative movement of the tibia on the femur and the rotational position of the tibia relative to the femur when an anteriorly directed force is applied to the tibia. The status of the static stabilizers of the knee dictates the type of instability. Treatment following anterior cruciate injury depends upon the extent of injury. Where significant disability and instability exist, reconstructive surgery utilizing intracapsular and/or extracapsular repairs can be performed. Rehabilitation begins at the time of injury and continues throughout life. The rehabilitation program should attempt to: 1) minimize risks of reinjury; 2) educate the patient; 3) reinforce stability with exercise based on biomechanical principles; 4) prevent or prolong the subsequent onset of degenerative changes; and 5) reinstate the previous performance level.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1982;3(3):121-128.

This study examined the use of heat and cold therapy in conjunction with either static stretching or a technique of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching to determine which combination of these treatment techniques would elicit the greatest amount of relaxation in muscle which exhibits delayed, postexertional pain as indicated by changes in levels of EMG activity. Results indicated I) a strenuous exercise task can produce an increase in electrical activity and is considered to be effective in inducing experimental muscle pain; 21 the use of cold followed by static stretching appeared to be superior to other treatments in reducing delayed muscle pain; 3) treatments involving the use of cold followed by some type of stretching are more effective than treatments involving heat and stretching for inducing muscle relaxation; 4) treatments involving static or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching appear equally effective in reducing muscle pain; and 5) subcutaneous fat may serve as a type of insulation against the penetrative effective of heat or cold therapy.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1982;3(3):133-140.