The purpose of this study was to examine changes in peak torque and to determine if an isokinetic measure of maximal knee extensor strength changed significantly in the presence or absence of submaximal isokinetic contractions. Twenty subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 performed three gradient submaximal isokinetic contractions prior to the test session, and group 2 did not perform submaximal contractions. The test session consisted of six trials with each trial consisting of a maximal isokinetic contraction at 30°/second. No significant differences were found among trials, between groups, and within each group. A trend analysis of each group revealed a significant positive linear trend (P < 0.05) in group 1 with no significant trend in group 2. Subjective data demonstrated that the three gradient submaximal contractions were adequate to prevent discomfort during the following test session.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1982;4(2):74-77.

Foot orthotic devices (FOD) are often used to treat excessive pronation and related problems of runners. In order to assess the effectiveness of FOD, 29 runners who used FOD were filmed on an outdoor track during three conditions: 1 ) barefoot, 2) running shoe, and 3) running shoe plus FOD. The barefoot data were not used because of marked variability. Comparison between the shoe and FOD conditions showed that only two of the six variables were statistically significant at the 0.05 level. Both the maximum angle of pronation and percentage of support time in pronation on the left foot were significantly decreased in the FOD trial. No significant differences were found between the shoe and FOD conditions for the other four variables (pronation velocity on both feet, maximum angle of pronation on the right foot, and percentage of support time spent in pronation on the right foot). The variability of these results support the conclusion that the type of FOD used in this study have questionable effectiveness in the treatment of excessive pronation.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1982;4(2):86-90.

Phonophoresis with antiinflammatories or local anaesthetics is utilized by physical therapists as part of their treatment plans. The physics of ultrasound and the mechanical, thermal, chemical, biological, and physiological effects on the body's tissues are reviewed. Experimental studies cited showed increased muscle and nerve cortisol concentration when a topical application is followed by ultrasound. Clinical studies demonstrate greater pain relief and functional range of motion improvement when treatment protocols opted for hydrocortisone phonophoresis as opposed to ultrasound. Phonophoresis is compared to iontophoresis as another means of driving a topically applied medication into the tissues, and the benefits of each are discussed.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1982;4(2):99-102.

Fifty patients with various musculoskeletal inflammatory conditions were treated with iontophoresis (direct current 5 milliamperes, 20 minutes). The treatment drugs were 1 cubic centimeter, 4 milligrams per milliliter of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (Decadron) combined with 2 cubic centimeters of 4% Xylocaine. Thirty-eight of the 50 patients had an excellent relief of pain and symptoms, seven reported moderate relief, and five patients had little or no change. There were no significant side effects. It was concluded that iontophoresis is an effective mode of delivering ionized antiinflammatory drugs to inflamed tissues. It is effective, painless, and safe, and provides a viable treatment.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1982;4(2):109-112.

Preparation for return to full competition by an injured athlete can be enhanced by the use of a protective pad. This article presents the fabrication of a protective pad for a compression fracture of TI, with resulting prominence of the spinous process. The mechanism of injury of a compression fracture for the thoracic vertebrae is discussed and general guidelines for the proper construction of a pad are presented.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1982;4(2):115-117.