http://www.jospt.org/johnadam Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:05:25 EST 0 http://www.jospt.org/issues/articleID.348/article_detail.asp John Adam, Jill A. Bush, Craig R. Denegar, Noel D. Duncan, Ana L. Gómez, Lincoln A. Gotshalk, Margot Putukian, Wayne J. Sebastianelli, Jeff S. Volek, Robbin B. Wickham
Study Design: A between groups design was used to compare recovery following eccentric muscle damage under 2 experimental conditions. Objective: To determine if a compression sleeve donned immediately after maximal eccentric exercise would enhance recovery of physical function and decrease symptoms of soreness. Background: Prior investigations using ice, intermittent compression, or exercise have not shown efficacy in relieving symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). To date, no study has shown the effect of continuous compression on DOMS, yet this would offer a low cost intervention for patients suffering with the symptoms of DOMS. Methods and Measures: Twenty nonimpaired non-strength-trained women participated in the study. Subjects were matched for age, anthropometric data, and one repetition maximum concentric arm curl strength and then randomly placed into a control group (n = 10) or an experimental compression sleeve group (n = 10). Subjects were instructed to avoid pain-relieving modalities (eg, analgesic medications, ice) throughout the study. The experimental group wore a compressive sleeve garment for 5 days following eccentric exercise. Subjects performed 2 sets of 50 passive arm curls with the dominant arm on an isokinetic dynamometer with a maximal eccentric muscle action superimposed every fourth passive repetition. One repetition maximum elbow flexion, upper arm circumference, relaxed elbow angle, blood serum cortisol, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and perception of soreness questionnaires were collected prior to the exercise bout and daily thereafter for 5 days. Results: Creatine kinase was significantly elevated from the baseline value in both groups, although the experimental compression test group showed decreased magnitude of creatine kinase elevation following the eccentric exercise. Compression sleeve use prevented loss of elbow motion, decreased perceived soreness, reduced swelling, and promoted recovery of force production. Conclusions: Results from this study underline the importance of compression in soft tissue injury management. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2001;31(6):282-290. Key Words: compressive garment, DOMS, muscle soreness]]> http://www.jospt.org/issues/articleID.348/article_detail.asp http://www.jospt.org/issues/articleID.460/article_detail.asp John Adam, Robert A. Donatelli, Sheila R. Ekedahl, Keith Kocher, Joseph S. Wilkes, Todd S. Ellenbecker
Study Design: A bilateral comparison of strength and range of motion testing in professional baseball pitchers. Objective: We studied 39 professional male baseball pitchers to determine if the shoulder used for throwing was weaker or had less passive range of motion, compared to the nondominant arm. Background: Shoulder muscle weakness has been proposed as a possible risk factor for developing injury. Therefore, objective quantification of the strength of glenohumeral and scapular rotator muscle groups should be studied in a population of professional baseball pitchers. Methods and Measures: Passive internal and external range of motion was bilaterally measured at 90° of abduction. Muscle strength of the following muscles was measured bilaterally with a hand-held dynamometer: external and internal glenohumeral rotators, supraspinatus, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior. Results: Passive external rotation of the glenohumeral joint at 90° of abduction on the pitching side was significantly greater than on the nonpitching side. Passive internal rotation range of motion on the nonpitching side was significantly greater than on the pitching side. The pitching arm's internal rotators, when tested in abduction, were significantly stronger than the nonpitching arm. The nonpitching arm's external rotators in the plane of the scapula, and in abduction, were significantly greater than those of the pitching arm. The pitching arm's middle and lower trapezius muscles were significantly stronger than those of the nonpitching arm. Conclusion: The range of motion and strength characteristics measured in this study can assist clinicians in evaluating athletes who use overhead throwing motions. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2000;30(9):544-551. Key Words: professional baseball pitchers, rotator cuff strength, scapular muscle strength]]> http://www.jospt.org/issues/articleID.460/article_detail.asp