This study was designed to evaluate the reliability of measuring neck motions with tape measure (TM) and the Myrin^® gravity-reference goniometer (MG). Three physical therapists measured six neck motions of 21 healthy subjects across several (19.8 ± 24.3) days. The neck motions measured were extension, flexion, right and left side bending, and right and left rotation. With the exception of the flexion motion, the intratherapist reliability coefficients (r) for both the TM and MG methods were moderately high. The r-value for the TM method ranged from 0.26 (p > 0.05) to 0.88 (p < 0.001) while the MG method ranged from 0.31 (p > 0.05) to 0.86 (p < 0.001). The intertherapist reliability coefficients across both testing sessions for the TM method ranged from 0.30 (p > 0.05) to 0.92 (p < 0.001) while the MG method ranged from 0.26 (p > 0.05) to 0.84 (p < 0.001). The present results were compared to those in the other studies, and the findings were discussed.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1989;10(7):248-253.

This descriptive study determined the nutrition knowledge of sports physical therapists. A Nutrition Knowledge Test was designed and mailed to 1000 members of the Sports Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. The 498 therapists who returned completed questionnaires achieved an overall mean knowledge score of 71.63%. Women scored significantly better than men; therapists in the 16+ years of experience and the 50+ years age groups scored less well. While there was a positive attitude toward nutrition, no correlation was found between attitude and nutrition knowledge. Thirty percent of the therapists reported receiving nutrition education in their physical therapy program. Thirty-two percent received nutrition information through continuing education. Those therapists with continuing education achieved significantly higher knowledge scores, particularly on the sports-related questions. The results of this study indicate that the nutrition knowledge of sports physical therapists can be increased with nutrition education provided through continuing education.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1989;10(7):257-263.

This case study presents results of the treatment of patellofemoral dysfunction in a dancer. The patient, a 29-year-old female, came to the authors' clinic with patellofemoral pain. Isokinetic objective data was used to determine strength deficits. From the objective data, isokinetic protocols were adjusted specifically to reach the goal of 80% peak torque to body weight at 60°/sec and 70% or lower for total work flexion/extension ratio at 180°/sec. Once these goals were met, the patient was asymptomatic and able to return to normal dance activities.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1989;10(7):270-273.