The JOSPT offers invited reviews of current titles. The April 2010 column includes 7 reviews of the following books: Biological Joint Reconstruction: Alternatives to Arthroplasty; Tension-type and Cervicogenic Headache: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management; AO Handbook: Musculoskeletal Outcomes Measures and Instruments (Volumes 1 and 2); Arthroscopic Techniques of the Knee: A Visual Guide; Arthroscopic Techniques of the Shoulder: A Visual Guide; Manipulative Thrust Techniques: An Evidence Based Approach; and Functional Testing in Human Performance.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(4):239-244.

Study Design: A repeated-measure crossover design was used. The independent variable was the type of ultrasound (pulsed or continuous) and the dependent variable was intramuscular temperature. Objective: To compare changes in intramuscular temperature resulting from the use of pulsed ultrasound versus continuous ultrasound with an equivalent spatial average temporal average (SATA) intensity. Background: There is a lack of research on the heat-generating capabilities of pulsed ultrasound within human muscle. Methods and Measures: The subjects were 16 healthy volunteers (mean age ± SD, 21.3 ± 2.5 years). Each subject was treated with pulsed ultrasound (3 MHz, 1.0 W/cm ₂, 50% duty cycle, for 10 minutes) and continuous ultrasound (3 MHz, 0.5 W/cm ₂, for 10 minutes) during a single testing session. Tissue temperature returned to baseline and stabilized between treatments and treatment order was randomized. Tissue temperature was measured every 30 seconds using a 26-gauge needle microprobe inserted at a depth of 2 cm in the left medial gastrocnemius muscle. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Results: Treatment with continuous ultrasound produced a mean (±SD) temperature increase of 2.8°C ± 0.8°C above baseline. Treatment with pulsed ultrasound produced a mean (±SD) temperature increase of 2.8°C ± 0.7°C above baseline. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in either the extent or rate of temperature increases between the 2 modes of ultrasound application. Conclusion: Pulsed ultrasound (3 MHz, 1.0 W/cm ₂, 50% duty cycle, for 10 minutes) produces similar intramuscular temperature increases as continuous ultrasound (3 MHz, 0.5 W/cm₂, for 10 minutes) at a 2-cm depth in the human gastrocnemius. Spatial average temporal average intensity is an important consideration when selecting pulsed ultrasound parameters intended to deliver nonthermal effects.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2004;34(7):395-401. doi:10.2519/jospt.2004.1363 

Key Words: heat, physical agents, spatial average temporal average intensity

Elite athletes are competing for longer seasons, training more hours, and taking less time off. This schedule may predispose the elite athlete to overuse injuries. When an injury occurs, aquatic-based rehabilitation may expedite the recovery process, as effective cardiovascular and musculoskeletal training may be accomplished by aquatic exercise. The pool may be used both during rehabilitation and postrecovery as an adjunctive tool. Knowledge of the unique physical properties of water, as well as the physiological responses to immersion both at rest and during exercise, will aid the physical therapist when designing a rehabilitation or training program for the athlete. Understanding the principles of movement in water will provide a foundation for creative use of water's unique properties.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1998;27(1):32-41.

Key Words: aquatic, training, rehabilitation

Patellofemoral pain, often called patellofemoral stress syndrome or patellofemoral joint dysfunction, is a commonly seen knee pain syndrome in patients of all ages. It is often a frustrating problem for both the patient and the clinician, as the source of pain can be elusive, making treatment choices difficult. Strategies have been proposed based upon potential sources of pain, including both operative techniques as well as conservative management. Current nonoperative treatment strategies and techniques in the treatment of patellofemoral pain are reviewed. Recommendations and criteria for progression of rehabilitation and suggestions for future research regarding patellofemoral pain are suggested.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1998;28(5):336-344.

Key Words: patellofemoral, knee, athlete, nonoperative treatment