Research Report
This study investigated intrarater reliability of an alternative method of estimating tibiofibular torsion. When compared to a currently used clinical method of measurement, a new method (tibiofibular torsion index or TTI) had less variable measurements with higher intraclass correlation coefficients and a lower standard error of measurement. Therefore, the TTI may be clinically appropriate. TTI would provide useful information if combined with a clinical measurement of knee rotation when measuring lower leg alignment. While TTI may be a more reliable method of estimating tibiofibular torsion in vivo, further in vivo research is essential to compare the TTI measurements with tibiofibular torsion measured with computed tomography to estimate the validity of the method.
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Research Report
Study Design: Descriptive study.
Objectives: To determine whether bilateral differences exist in concentric elbow flexion and extension strength in elite junior tennis players.
Background: The repetitive nature of tennis frequently produces upper extremity overuse injuries. Prior research has identified tennis-specific strength adaptation in the dominant shoulder and distal upper extremity musculature of elite players. No previous study has addressed elbow flexion and extension strength.
Methods and Materials: Thirty-eight elite junior tennis players were bilaterally tested for concentric elbow flexion and extension muscle performance on a Cybex 6000 isokinetic dynamometer at 90°/s, 210°/s, and 300°/s. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to test for differences between extremities, muscle groups, and speed.
Results: Significantly greater (P<0.002) dominant-arm elbow extension peak torque values were measured at 90°/s, 210°/s, and 300°/s for males. Significantly greater (P<0.002) dominant-arm single-repetition work values were also measured at 90°/s, 210°/s, and 300°/s for males. No significant difference was measured between extremities in elbow flexion muscular performance in males and for elbow flexion or extension peak torque and single-repetition work values in females. No significant difference between extremities was measured in elbow flexion/extension strength ratios in females and significant differences between extremities in this ratio were only present at 210°/s in males (P<0.002).
Conclusion: These data indicate muscular adaptations around the dominant elbow in male elite junior tennis players but not females. These data have ramifications for clinicians rehabilitating upper extremity injuries in patients from this population.
J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 2003;33(2):79-84.
Key Words: muscular strength, sports, upper extremity
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Study Design: Repeated-measures experimental design.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare lumbar spine position sense in 3 test positions (standing, sitting, and 4-point kneeling [FPK]) to determine if position sense is affected by test position.
Background: Several recent studies have tested position sense in the spine. There has, however, been no consistency in the testing methods or test positions used in these studies.
Methods and Measures: Seventy asymptomatic males (range, 20-51 years) volunteered for testing. Active lumbar spine repositioning accuracy and precision were tested 3-dimensionally in 3 test positions (standing, sitting, and FPK) and under 2 conditions (eyes open and blindfolded), using the neutral spine posture as the initial reference position.
Results: Both the accuracy and precision of lumbar spine repositioning was found to be significantly affected by test position. Repositioning errors (reflective of accuracy) were significantly larger in FPK than in both sitting and standing, and significantly larger in sitting than in standing, under both eyes-open and blindfolded conditions. Precision of repositioning was significantly less in the FPK position as compared to the standing position.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that test position has a significant effect on the acuity of lumbar spine position sense and should be considered when examining the current literature on spine proprioception.
J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 2003;33(2):73-78.
Key Words: afferent feedback, proprioception, testing
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CSM Information
Orthopaedic Section and Sports Physical Therapy Section Abstracts
Each year, the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy publishes abstracts of the research platform and poster presentations sponsored by the Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy Sections of the American Physical Therapy Association at APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting (CSM). This year, CSM is scheduled for February 12-16 in Tampa, Florida.
Included in this special section of the February 2003 JOSPT are:
§ Editor-in-Chief Dr. Guy G. Simoneau’s introduction to the CSM abstracts
§ CSM Programming 2003
§ Orthopaedic Section Research Abstracts – Platform Presentations (Abstracts 1-66)
§ Orthopaedic Section Research Abstracts – Poster Presentations (Abstracts 182-233)
§ Sports Physical Therapy Section Research Abstracts – Platform Presentations (Abstracts 1-25)
§ Sports Physical Therapy Section Research Abstracts – Poster Presentations (Abstracts 303-328)
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