Magnetic resonance imaging of the anterior compartment of the lower leg is a biomarker for weakness, disability, and impaired gait in childhood Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Introduction: Biomarkers of disease severity in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) are required to evaluate early responses to treatment. In this study we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the relationship between muscle volume and intramuscular fat accumulation with weakness, disability, and impaired gait in affected children and adolescents.

Methods: Fifty-five participants underwent MRI of the anterior compartment of the lower leg.

Safety and efficacy of progressive resistance exercise for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in children: a randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled trial.

Background: Exercise is potentially therapeutic for neuromuscular disorders, but a risk of harm exists due to overwork weakness. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of progressive resistance exercise for foot dorsiflexion weakness in children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Methods: We did this randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled trial across the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (NSW, Australia).

Clinimetric properties of hip abduction strength measurements obtained using a handheld dynamometer in individuals with a lower extremity amputation.

Introduction: Suitable handheld dynamometer (HHD)-techniques to test hip abduction strength in individuals with a lower extremity amputation, irrespective of their amputation level are absent. The aim of this study was to optimise a HHD-technique and to test its reproducibility and validity.

Methods: This study involved three phases, in which two techniques were evaluated.

Gait patterns of children and adolescents with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Gait abnormalities reported in childhood Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) include foot-drop, reduced ankle power at push-off and increased knee and hip flexion for swing clearance ('steppage-gait'). The purpose of this study was to describe the gait patterns of 60 children aged 6-17 years with CMT (CMT) and distinguish differences based on functional weakness using the CMT Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS). Data were captured using Vicon Nexus system and compared to 50 healthy norms.

Effectiveness of a single platelet-rich plasma injection to promote recovery in rugby players with ankle syndesmosis injury.

Aims: To determine whether a single ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection into the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) reduces the time for rugby athletes to return to function and match play following MRI confirmed ankle syndesmosis injury.

Methods: Cohort controlled pilot study. 10 Rugby Union players were recruited during the 2014 season, and consented to receive a single autologous PRP injection into the AITFL within 14 days of MRI confirmed ankle syndesmosis injury.

Systematic review of exercise for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a slowly progressive hereditary degenerative disease and one of the most common neuromuscular disorders. Exercise may be beneficial to maintain strength and function for people with CMT, however, no comprehensive evaluation of the benefits and risks of exercise have been conducted. A systematic review was completed searching numerous electronic databases from earliest records to February 2015.

1000 Norms Project: protocol of a cross-sectional study cataloging human variation.

Background: Clinical decision-making regarding diagnosis and management largely depends on comparison with healthy or 'normal' values. Physiotherapists and researchers therefore need access to robust patient-centred outcome measures and appropriate reference values. However there is a lack of high-quality reference data for many clinical measures.

Design and reliability of a novel heel rise test measuring device for plantarflexion endurance.

Background: Plantarflexion results from the combined action of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in the calf. The heel rise test is commonly used to test calf muscle endurance, function, and performance by a wide variety of professionals; however, no uniform description of the test is available. This paper aims to document the construction and reliability of a novel heel rise test device and measurement protocol that is suitable for the needs of most individuals.

Randomised controlled trial protocol of foot and ankle exercise for children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Introduction: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is one of the most commonly inherited neuromuscular diseases--there is no effective treatment. Foot and ankle weakness is a major problem for children with CMT, thus interventions that focus on maintaining and increasing strength may provide a solution.

Research Question: Is progressive resistance strength training an effective and safe intervention to improve strength, disability, gait and quality of life of children with CMT?

Participants And Setting: Sixty children (6 to 17 years) with confirmed CMT who reside in Sydney, Australia will be recruited via referral from a paediatric neurologist, advertisements or the Australasian Paediatric CMT Registry.

Systematic review of chronic ankle instability in children.

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a disabling condition often encountered after ankle injury. Three main components of CAI exist; perceived instability; mechanical instability (increased ankle ligament laxity); and recurrent sprain. Literature evaluating CAI has been heavily focused on adults, with little attention to CAI in children.

Predictive factors for ankle syndesmosis injury in football players: a prospective study.

Objectives: Up to 25% of all ankle injuries involve the ankle syndesmosis and factors that increase risk have yet to be investigated prospectively. This study aimed to identify predictors of ankle syndesmosis injury in football players.

Design: A prospective study.

Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for ankle syndesmosis injury.

Objective: Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the clinical presentation of ankle syndesmosis injury and four common clinical diagnostic tests.

Design: Cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study.

Setting: 9 clinics in two Australian cities.

Prognosis of ankle syndesmosis injury.

Purpose: Ankle syndesmosis injury has been associated with persistent pain and prolonged recovery; however, no predictors of prolonged recovery have been identified. The aims of this study were to establish prognosis for ankle syndesmosis injury compared with a lateral ankle sprain and to explore factors associated with prolonged recovery.

Methods: Participants (n = 63) age 21 ± 3.

Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for diagnosis of ankle syndesmosis injury: a systematic review.

Objectives: To determine the value of clinical tests for accurate diagnosis of ankle syndesmosis injury.

Design: Systematic review.

Data Sources: An electronic database search was conducted (to 6 August 2012) of databases such as: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Databases.