A brief anatomical review of the ulnar nerve and areas of ulnar nerve entrapment is discussed. The importance of the dorsal cutaneous nerve is presented with regard to localizing a lesion to the ulnar nerve in the forearm. A classification system is described for ulnar entrapment that occurs distal to the wrist. The case of a nine-year-old girl with a fibrous entrapment of the ulnar nerve in the distal ulnar tunnel is presented. The clinical and diagnostic procedures required for localizing the level of the ulnar nerve entrapment are described, along with the operative findings of this case report.

 J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1991;13(1):6-10.

This project was funded, in part, by the Research Foundation, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-2101.

The purpose of this study was to document and compare, using surface landmarks, the magnitude of forefoot and hindfoot motion accompanying passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADROM). Twenty-two healthy subjects had their right ankle passively dorsiflexed two times from a resting position to a maximum dorsiflexion while they were supine and their subtalar joints were positioned in neutral. Initial resting position and maximum ADROM were measured from surface markings over the fibula, fifth metatarsal, and heel in pictures taken with a 35 mm camera. The difference between the maximum ADROM and the initial measurements obtained from the markings over the fifth metatarsal and heel were used to represent motion of the forefoot and hindfoot, respectively. The grand mean forefoot motion (39.8°) and hindfoot motion (37.1°) were significantly different (F = 13.62, p ≤ 0.001). The motions, however, were significantly correlated for the two trials (r = 0.905 and 0.704). The small magnitude of the difference (= 2.7°) in forefoot and hindfoot motion and significant correlations between the motions challenge the need for foot stabilization other than maintaining the subtalar joint in neutral.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1991;13(1):20-22.

This paper was part of a doctoral dissertation for the degree of Doctorate of Education at Teachers College, Columbia University and was presented at the Sports Physical Therapy Section Team Concept Meeting, December 1990, Orlando, FL.

The purpose of this study was to measure cardiovascular responses to velocity-specific isokinetic exercise. Ten experienced recreational weight trainers, aged 20 to 40 years, took part in a repeated measures design consisting of three separate treatments (30°/sec, 120°/sec, and 300°/sec performed maximally for one minute by the right knee flexors and extensors on an isokinetic dynamometer). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and rate pressure product (RPP) were measured at rest and during peak response. There were no significant differences between the three treatments in increasing SBP and DBP, although peak SBP for all three treatments was above 188 mm Hg, clinically significant. The 300°/sec treatment was significantly different (P < 0.05) than the 30°/sec treatment on increasing HR and RPP. The data suggest that the magnitude of HR and RPP responses are strongly dependent on the velocity of movement utilized during maximal isokinetic exercise.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1991;13(1):28-32.

The purposes of this study were to compare internal and external rotation torque measurements of the dominant arm during concentric and eccentric muscle actions, to determine the relationship between peak and average torques, and to compare shoulder rotator capabilities of tennis and nontennis playing women. Twenty healthy nontennis players and 20 healthy intercollegiate tennis players performed concentric-eccentric cycles at 60°/sec angular velocity while seated with the glenohumeral joint at 45° abduction and in the scapular plane (30° horizontal flexion). No significant differences were observed between the two groups on peak or average torques within 115°range of motion, on average torques within ± 30° of neutral, or on peak/average torque ratios (p > 0.05). Regardless of muscle action, the internal rotators produced significantly greater peak and average torques during eccentric actions than the external rotators (p < 0.01). Eccentric muscle actions produced significantly greater torques than concentric actions (p < 0.01). Peak torques were highly related to average torques within 115° range of motion (r = 0.85-0.93) and less related within ± 30° of neutral (r = 0.76-0.91). This study provides comparative data for a test position and protocol that may be applicable early in rehabilitation.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1991;13(1):40-46.