Last Fall, JOSPT conducted an extensive environmental survey that attracted 560 respondents. The survey represented the Journal’s many stakeholder groups, including authors, reviewers, editors, Orthopaedic and Sports Sections members, individual and institutional subscribers, and international partners. The Journal also held a strategic planning meeting and adopted a plan for the next 2 years. Among other findings, the survey showed that journals remain the most important means by which professionals stay current in the field of musculoskeletal rehabilitation. The survey also highlighted the technological sea change in publishing today. The expansion of JOSPT’s online features in recent years, the need to select the “right” technologies, the plethora of content delivery options already available, and the growing demand to read and access the Journal anytime, anywhere, dominated the survey’s results. Based on this survey, existing initiatives, and discussion at the planning meeting, JOSPT’s plan for the future has at its heart technology as means of developing and disseminating clinically relevant information to improve patient care. KEY WORDS: media, technology

In Memoriam: Former JOSPT Editor, Dr Richard Paul Di Fabio

Richard Paul Di Fabio, PT, PhD, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy from 1999 to 2001, died Friday, December 9, 2011, following a prolonged and private battle with a progressive illness.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012:42(1):3-4. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0102

Editor-in-Chief Dr. Guy Simoneau recognizes the authors, associate editors, International Editorial Review Board members, and manuscript and musculoskeletal imaging reviewers who contributed to the various aspects of the Journal over the past 12 months.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(12):911-913. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0112

KEY WORDS: authors, editorial board, reviewers

During APTA's Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana in February 2011, the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy recognized for the seventh time the most outstanding research article and clinical practice article published in JOSPT within a calendar year. The JOSPT Excellence in Research Award is presented to the best article published within the category of research reports. The George G. Davies - James A. Gould Excellence in Clinical Inquiry Award is given to the best article among the categories of case reports, resident's case problems, clinical commentaries, and literature reviews. An award committee consisting of the JOSPT editor-in-chief, 2 JOSPT associate editors, and the research chairs of the Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy Sections selected the recipients for the past year.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(3):128-129. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0103

KEY WORDS: JOSPT Awards 2010

STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study, using a repeated-measures, counterbalanced design. OBJECTIVES: To provide estimates on the average knee angle maintained, absolute knee angle error, and total repetitions performed during 2 versions of the heel raise test. BACKGROUND: The heel raise test is performed in knee extension (EHRT) to assess gastrocnemius and knee flexion (FHRT) for soleus. However, it has not yet been determined whether select knee angles are maintained or whether total repetitions differ between the clinical versions of the heel raise test. METHODS: Seventeen healthy males and females performed maximal heel raise repetitions in 0° (EHRT) and 30° (FHRT) of desired knee flexion. The average angle maintained and absolute error at the knee during the 2 versions, and total heel raise repetitions, were measured using motion analysis. Participants’ kinematic measures were fitted into a generalized estimation equation model to provide estimates on EHRT and FHRT performance applicable to the general population. RESULTS: The model estimates that average angles of 2.2° and 30.7° will be maintained at the knee by the general population during the EHRT and the FHRT, with an absolute angle error of 3.4° and 2.5°, respectively. In both versions, 40 repetitions should be completed. However, the average angles maintained by participants ranged from –6.3° to 21.6° during the EHRT and from 22.0° to 43.0° during the FHRT, with the highest absolute errors in knee position being 25.9° and 33.5°, respectively. CONCLUSION: On average, select knee angles will be maintained by the general population during the select heel raise test versions, but individualized performance is variable and total repetitions do not distinguish between versions. Clinicians should, therefore, interpret select heel raise test outcomes with caution when used to respectively assess and rehabilitate soleus and gastrocnemius function.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(7):505-513, Epub 18 February 2011. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3489

KEY WORDS: Achilles tendon, ankle, triceps surae

Professional journals have always had as a core mission to inform clinicians about the latest advances in evidence and practice. But we can take that mission one step further and help clinicians to effectively communicate these developments to their patients. Accordingly, in this month’s issue we launch a new feature: Perspectives for Patients. This single-page feature will offer clinicians and patients a credible source of new information derived from a published article and explain how it affects patient care.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(2):42. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0102

KEY WORDS: patient education

For subscribers new to JOSPT since last January and readers who have yet to take full advantage of the website, this Editor’s Note provides a guide to what JOSPT offers online. As we continue to enhance our means of disseminating information electronically, it is our goal to make the information more readily available using a variety of techniques reflecting the fast-moving pace of electronic media development.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(1):1-3. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0101

Editor-in-Chief Dr. Guy Simoneau recognizes the authors, associate editors, International Editorial Review Board members, and manuscript and musculoskeletal imaging reviewers who contributed to the various aspects of the Journal over the past 12 months.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(12):771-773. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.0110

KEY WORDS: authors, editorial board, reviewers

Prior to the era of evidence-based practice, a common approach taught in entry-level physical therapy programs was relatively simplistic: (1) learn how to administer a clinical diagnostic test; (2) learn the result considered "positive" and the result considered "negative"; (3) conclude that a patient with a positive test result would likely have the target condition and a patient with a negative test result would not. Much has changed in the last 15 years. We have seen a significant shift in the way evidence is used to make clinical decisions about physical therapy interventions. However, despite these gains, more attention is needed to improve our understanding of the accuracy of commonly used diagnostic tests. Only in this way can we properly integrate evidence for diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests into our practice and truly consider ourselves as evidence-based practitioners.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(10):603-605. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.0108

KEY WORDS: diagnostic tests, evidence-based practice

The editorial announces JOSPT's new mobile edition and describes the features of the mobile website.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(6):334-335. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.0106

KEY WORDS: JOSPT, website

During APTA's Combined Sections Meeting in San Diego, California in February 2010, the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy recognized for the sixth time the most outstanding research article and clinical practice article published in the JOSPT within a calendar year. The JOSPT Excellence in Research Award is presented to the best article published within the category of research reports. The George G. Davies - James A. Gould Excellence in Clinical Inquiry Award is given to the best article among the categories of case reports, resident's case problems, clinical commentaries, and literature reviews. An award committee consisting of the JOSPT editor-in-chief, 2 JOSPT associate editors, and the research chairs of the Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy Sections selected the recipients for the past year.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(4):195-196. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.0104

KEY WORDS: JOSPT Awards 2009

One of the biggest challenges clinicians face is keeping abreast of new information that affects the evaluation and treatment of their patients. The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT) was created in 1979 with this mandate in mind, using the established technology of the day: print on paper. A recent survey of JOSPT's readers confirms that the print version of the Journal remains valuable as a means of delivering this critical information. Yet the same survey demonstrates that the electronic distribution of searchable Journal articles, along with supplemental information such as videos and downloadable slides, is gaining increased attention and use. The website has become a cost- and time-effective and efficient means of acquiring this knowledge, regardless of the reader's location. This editorial provides an overview of some of the features JOSPT offers online.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(1):1-3. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.0101

KEY WORDS: JOSPT, website

Publication of a monthly scientific journal requires authors and reviewers to work together and contribute time, effort, and knowledge to ensure that new scientific discoveries and clinical observations are shared with the utmost accuracy. With this in mind, it is Editor-in-Chief Dr. Guy Simoneau's privilege to, once again, use the end-of-year editorial to recognize the many talented individuals who contributed to the knowledge shared through JOSPT this past year.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;39(12):843-844. doi:10.2519/jospt.2009.0114

KEY WORDS: authors, reviewers, team effort

During APTA's Combined Sections Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada in February 2009, the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy recognized for the fifth time the most outstanding research article and clinical practice article published in the JOSPT within a calendar year. The JOSPT Excellence in Research Award is presented to the best article published within the category of research reports. The George G. Davies - James A. Gould Excellence in Clinical Inquiry Award is given to the best article among the categories of case reports, resident's case problems, clinical commentaries, and literature reviews. An award committee consisting of the JOSPT editor-in-chief, 2 JOSPT associate editors, and the research chairs of the Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy Sections selected the recipients for the past year.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2009;39(3):162-163. doi:10.2519/jospt.2009.0111

KEY WORDS: JOSPT Awards 2008

The shoulder, by combining the actions across the glenohumeral, scapulothoracic, acromioclavicular, and sternoclavicular joints, provides an extraordinarily wide range of functional versatility to the upper extremity. In this special issue of the Journal, we have assembled some of the leading clinical and research authorities on the rehabilitation of the shoulder to share their expertise, insights, and clinical pearls.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2009;39(2):37. doi:10.2519/jospt.2009.0109

KEY WORDS: shoulder special issue

In 2009, JOSPT observes its 30th year of publication. During the Journal's tenure, the physical therapy profession has embraced, among other advances, an evidence-based approach to practice, relying increasingly on research to inform decisions related to the diagnostic process and treatment. Concurrently, JOSPT has evolved from a quarterly print publication for readers based entirely in the United States to a monthly print journal with a Web-based edition that takes advantage of technology to provide a growing international audience with online access to articles as well as supplemental educational and presentation materials.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2009;39(1):1-3. doi:10.2519/jospt.2009.0101

KEY WORDS: 30 years, international partners, profession, website

Publication of a monthly scientific journal requires authors and reviewers to work together and contribute time, effort, and knowledge to ensure that new scientific discoveries and clinical observations are shared with the utmost accuracy. With this in mind, it is Editor-in-Chief Dr. Guy Simoneau's privilege to, once again, use the end-of-year editorial to recognize the many talented individuals who contributed to the knowledge shared through JOSPT this past year.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(12):733-735. doi:10.2519/jospt.2008.0111

KEY WORDS: authors, reviewers, team effort

Just as literature reviews consistently show the importance of replication of findings of even the best studies, recently published clinical prediction rules--still only at the derivation stage--must be first confirmed and subsequently validated by various researchers, working in a variety of clinical settings, before they can be considered ready for wide clinical application.

The call for widely accepted and shared guidelines for the conduct and reporting of studies aimed at the derivation of clinical prediction rules should stand alongside a call for the pursuit of the confirmation and validation of the many recently published clinical prediction rules that are still only at the derivation stage. While acknowledging the limitations of clinical prediction rules, there is certainly reason to be optimistic about the potentially useful information that the ability to characterize baseline attributes of patients who may respond to specific interventions may provide clinicians.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008; 38(11):658-660. doi:10.2519/jospt.2008.0110

KEY WORDS: clinical prediction rule

All physical therapists (academicians, researchers, and especially clinicians) are encouraged to take greater advantages of national and international conferences. While much can be learned by attending weekend courses with a specific clinical focus, national and international scientific meetings provide truly unique opportunities to learn about physical therapy practice from a perspective that no single weekend course can match.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(9):527-528. doi:10.2519/jospt.2008.0111

KEY WORDS: AAOMPT, APTA, IFOMT, WCPT 

In February 2005, the Annals of Internal Medicine, a highly respected journal, published a systematic review of 59 manuscripts covering a total of 62 samples that reported on the relationship between medical knowledge/healthcare quality and years in practice/physician age. The implication of the data presented is that throughout their careers, physicians fail to upgrade their knowledge to keep pace with new information. I strongly believe that an important—if not the most important—component of continuing education relevant to clinical practice is accessing and reading the literature of this profession and related disciplines.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(8):447. doi:10.2519/jospt.2008.0110 

KEY WORDS: continuing education, physical therapy

Effective April 7, 2008, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) began to enforce a new law requiring all investigators funded by NIH to submit or have submitted for them to the National Library of Medicine's PubMed Central an electronic version of their final, peer-reviewed manuscripts upon acceptance for publication. Further, these manuscripts must be made publicly available no later than 12 months after their official publication dates. JOSPT looks forward to working with authors to provide immediate open access to accepted manuscripts that result from publicly funded research.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(6):296. doi:10.2519/jospt.2008.0109

KEY WORDS: NIH, open access, PubMed Central

During APTA's Combined Sections Meeting in Nashville last month, the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy recognized for the fourth time the most outstanding research manuscript and clinical practice paper published in the JOSPT within a calendar year. The JOSPT Excellence in Research Award is given to the best article published within the category of research reports. The George J. Davies-James A. Gould Excellence in Clinical Inquiry Award is presented to the best article among the categories of case reports, resident's case problems, clinical commentaries, and literature reviews. An award committee consisting of the JOSPT editor-in-chief, 2 JOSPT associate editors, and the research chairs of the Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy Sections selected the recipients.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(3):99-100. doi:10.2519/jospt.2008.0104

KEY WORDS: JOSPT awards

Continued advances in communication technologies have made publishing an increasingly dynamic venture, offering authors and editors the ability to reach and interact with readers around the world in exciting and enlightening ways. Today's publications share information more quickly through diverse and sophisticated means. The new international partnerships and recent print and online enhancements described in this editorial reflect JOSPT's response to the technological possibilities now within our grasp. We believe that, ultimately, our expanding global audience and additional features will provide the profession as a whole with a better Journal.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(1):1-3. doi:10.2519/jospt.2008.0100

KEY WORDS: international partners, musculoskeletal imaging, Read for Credit, website

"None of us is as smart as all of us." This simple quote from Ken Blanchard speaks very clearly to the role a scientific journal such as JOSPT plays in its profession.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2007;37(12):714-716. doi:10.2519/jospt.2007.0111

KEY WORDS: authors, reviewers, team effort

In March, the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy moved to a new web platform with the goal of taking greater advantage of current technology to better meet the needs of individual and institutional subscribers and visitors to www.jospt.org. This editorial offers a guide to the Journal's new website, with frequently asked questions and answers.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2007;37(5):220-222. doi:10.2519/jospt.2007.0105

The Editor-in-Chief thanks the many dedicated and thoughtful individuals who contributed to the success of the Journal in 2006: the authors of manuscripts, guest editorials, and book reviews; manuscript reviewers, editorial review board members, and associate editors. Journal review time has steadily improved over the past 2 years. The review time for new manuscript submissions averaged 52 days (median 50 days) in 2006, and for revised manuscripts, 30 days (median 27 days). This demonstrates excellent performance by the reviewers and the editorial board members. 

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 36(12):899-902. doi:10.2519/jospt.2006.0113

During APTA's Combined Sections Meeting in Boston last month, the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy recognized for the third time the most outstanding research manuscript and clinical practice paper published in the JOSPT within a calendar year. The 2006 JOSPT Excellence in Research Award was presented to Rochenda A. Rydeard, Andrew B. Leger, and Drew Smith for their research report, "Pilates-Based Therapeutic Exercise: Effect on Subjects With Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain and Functional Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial" (J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2006;36(7):472-484). The 2006 George J. Davies - James A. Gould Excellence in Clinical Inquiry Award was presented by George Davies to Cameron W. MacDonald, Julie M. Whitman, Joshua A. Cleland, Marcia Smith, and Hugo L. Hoeksma for their case report, "Clinical Outcomes Following Manual Physical Therapy and Exercise for Hip Osteoarthritis: A Case Series" (J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2006;36(8):588-599).

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2007;37(3):86-87. doi:10.2519/jospt.2007.0103

This new year brings significant enhancements to the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy that are intended to increase JOSPT's usefulness to you as readers and authors, clinicians and researchers. With this print issue and beginning in February on the Journal's website, we offer you improved design and functionality that build on the JOSPT's 28-year tradition of publishing the best available research and clinical literature in the field.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2007:37(1):1-2. doi:10.2519/jospt.2007.0100

Understanding of anterior cruciate ligaments, ACL injuries, surgical procedures, and rehabilitation has come a long way over the past 20 years, from open surgery followed by prolonged immobilization to arthroscopic procedures combined with accelerated rehabilitation. But when examining the consensus statement and research abstracts from April 2006 Proceedings of the ACL Research Retreat III: The Gender Bias in this issue of the JOSPT, the reader concludes that there is much yet to be understood about the injury mechanism and the prevention of ACL injuries.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2007;37(2):32. doi:10.2519/jospt.2007.0101

Last month, we inaugurated an improved, robust website for the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. This online resource offers you far more functionality than it provided in the past and is intended as a new tool to facilitate access to the content and other activities of the Journal.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2003; 33(7):F4.

Key Words: JOSPT website

This special issue provides clinical commentaries, case reports, and research data that should be of interest to all individuals treating patients with patellofemoral joint dysfunction. While it is in no way the final perspective on this issue, it is a collection of work that offers one more important contribution to the evolution of the rehabilitation techniques intended to address patellofemoral pain. As pointed out by several contributors in this special issue, it is unlikely that one intervention approach will be the answer for all patients with ‘‘anterior knee pain.'' We are still in need of a systematic and valid examination/evaluation approach that will guide decision making toward the most effective method of intervention for each patient with patellofemoral joint pain. Hopefully, contributions such as the ones found in this special issue will continue to bring us closer to a time when individuals with patellofemoral joint pain can expect their therapists to provide them with evidenced-based rehabilitation programs specific to their conditions.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2003; 33(11):637-638.

Key Words: patellofemoral joint dysfunction, treatment

Traditionally, the end of a year is the perfect time to reflect on the achievements of the previous 12 months. In that tradition, I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the significant accomplishments in Journal operations in 2003 and to thank the many valued individuals who contributed to the Journal's success this past year. Included here are changes to the print JOSPT and website and the creation of a 30-plus member Editorial Review Board.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2003; 33(12):709-712.

Key Words: JOSPT reviewers, website

It is my great pleasure to announce the creation of 2 publication awards by the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. These awards, slated to be presented annually at the American Physical Therapy Association's Combined Sections Meeting, are intended to recognize authors who are making outstanding contributions in the 2 important aspects of the orthopaedic and sports physical therapy literature published in the Journal: clinical practice publications (case reports, resident's case problems, clinical commentaries, and literature reviews) and research reports (on either clinical or basic research topics).

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2004; 34(5):226-227. doi:10.2519/jospt.2004.0105 

Key Words: JOSPT awards

Resistive materials in the form of elastic bands and tubing are inexpensive and highly versatile tools that are often used in therapeutic exercise programs. Companies that manufacture elastic bands and tubing provide a line of products that cover a wide range of resistance levels, which are typically distinguished by color. Theoretically, the spectrum of resistance levels makes it possible for rehabilitation personnel to give a patient the band or tubing that best corresponds to the suitable degree of exercise resistance for that patient. Unlike a set of clearly labeled hand-held weights, however, elastic bands and tubing provide no quantitative information on their actual or relative resistance. Therefore, the selection and progression of resistance levels when elastic bands or tubing are used is relatively subjective and often is dependent upon the perceived effort of the patient. To our knowledge, only 2 of the several manufacturers of elastic bands and tubing used in rehabilitation (The Hygenic Corporation, Akron, OH, and Lifeline International, Inc, Madison, WI), provide users with information (limited) on the physical characteristics of their elastic material. The goals of our report were to establish the stress-strain relationship of representative samples of elastic bands and tubing used in the clinical setting, establish the fatigue characteristics of representative samples of elastic bands and tubing, and increase the awareness of rehabilitation professionals of the kinesiological concepts of resistive exercises, especially as they relate to the use of elastic-type resistive material.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2001;31(1):16-24.

Key Words: elastic band, elastic tubing, resistance