Active internal and external tibial rotation were measured as independent motions from a neutral starting position. This study determined the reliability of a new instrument and measurement procedure designed to measure tibial rotation. Reliability coefficients for internal and external tibial rotation were 0.93 and 0.8 1, respectively. It was concluded that 1) a neutral rotary position can be established from which to measure internal and external rotation, and 2) internal and external tibial rotation can be measured reliably.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1983;4(3):154-157.

Tremendous interest has developed regarding the use of electrical stimulation in both treatment and strengthening regimens. The Electro Stim 180 (Numed, Joliet, IL) is manufactured in Canada and imported into the United States. This unit functions at 2500 cycles per second with output similar to that developed by a Russian electrical stimulation device. A paucity of treatment parameters exists regarding this apparatus. Fifteen normal subjects participated in this study to establish treatment parameters in an exercise regimen. All subjects (mean age, 24) were pretreated isometricly and isokineticly in knee extension bilaterally using a Cybex II (Cybex, Ronkonkama, NY). The subjects were divided into three groups with group one receiving stimulation each day during a 10-day period and group two receiving stimulation on alternate days of a 10-day period, while group three served as a control. All treatment sessions consisted of 10 isometric contractions of 15 seconds duration, interspaced with 50 seconds of rest. Current was applied as tolerated to the left knee extensor mechanism during each trial. Current accommodation, strength of generated contraction, other associated treatment effects and strength differences were recorded. It was concluded that the Electro- Stim 180 is capable of generating greater than 60% of the maximal isometric voluntary knee extension, that stimulation is somewhat unpleasant, and that a tremendous degree of current accommodation is possible. Although strength gains were not significant in this particular study, they approached significance and, hence, indicate the need for further study in this area.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1983;4(3):162-168.

The runner is predisposed to anatomical or biomechanical abnormalities when the feet strike the ground during the stance phase of running. A force of three to eight times the body weight (depending on the running surfaces and the runner's weight) is absorbed or transmitted directly to the musculoskeletal system. Recent advances in space age technology may have produced a remedy to injuries caused by nondissipating forces.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1983;4(3):174-175.

With the growing use of the Cybex II (Lumex Inc., Bay Shore, NY), clinicians have developed many ways to ensure maximum results from a patient evaluation. We have found that by making a small modification in the placement of the Cybex recorder, we can improve the patient's response. By angling the recorder 20°(Fig. 1) the following changes and potential improvements of the test procedure have been seen (Fig. 2): 1 ) the therapist may sit during the test which improves patient-clinician eye contact, 2) Hands-on contact is improved, 3) the clinician can easily view the recorder, and 4 ) the patient can view the recorder for a biofeedback effect.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1983;4(3):179-180.