Combined Hip and Knee Strengthening Compared With Knee Strengthening for Individuals With Lateral Patellar Dislocation: A Single-blind, Superiority, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To investigate whether a combined hip and knee muscle strengthening program is superior to a knee strengthening program for people after lateral patellar dislocation (LPD).

Design: Single-blind, superiority, randomized controlled trial with 48 weeks follow-up.

Setting: Physiotherapy out-patient clinic.

Photobiomodulation Associated With Conservative Treatment for Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Double-Blind, Superiority, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To investigate the effects of photobiomodulation on Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) treated conservatively.

Design: Prospective, patient- and assessor-blinded, parallel, randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Patients with acute ATR treated conservatively.

Photobiomodulation Therapy (Light-Emitting Diode 630 nm) Favored the Oxidative Stress and the Preservation of Articular Cartilage in an Induced Knee Osteoarthritis Model.

To evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on oxidative stress and histological aspects of knee osteoarthritis (OA) induced by sodium monoiodoacetate in Wistar rats. OA is a chronic degenerative disease. In addition to the inflammatory role, other factors, such as redox balance, appear to contribute to changes in the articular cartilage, the main articular structure affected.

Acute Photobiomodulation Effects Through a Cluster Device on Skeletal Muscle Fatigue of Biceps Brachii in Young and Healthy Males: A Randomized Double-Blind Session.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the acute effects of red and infrared photobiomodulation (PBM) using a cluster device on biceps brachii muscle fatigue in young and healthy males. Vigorous physical activity could lead to muscle fatigue, which compromises motor control and muscle strength and consequently impairs performance. The positive effects of PBM in reducing fatigue onset have been highlighted.

Photobiomodulation Before Eccentric Fatigue Protocol in the Control of Pain and Muscle Damage Markers: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study.

Several strategies are used in the management of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), but there is not always evidence to justify its use. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a noninvasive means, with promising previous results of its use in this outcome. This study aimed to identify the effects of PBM in the femoral quadriceps region to reduce DOMS in men undergoing a fatigue protocol.

Investigation of different application techniques for Kinesio Taping® with an accompanying exercise protocol for improvement of pain and functionality in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A pilot study.

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), characterized by retropatellar and peripatellar pain, is a common disorder affecting young women. Treatment has included exercise-based therapy and taping techniques for rapid reduction of symptoms and pain. Although Kinesio Taping® (KT) has been studied as adjunctive therapy, evidence on its effectiveness is limited and conflicting.

High-energy dose of therapeutic ultrasound in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy: protocol of a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background: Patellar tendinopathy is an extremely debilitating condition and its treatment usually requires a combination of clinical approaches. Therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) is one of the most available electrophysical agent in rehabilitation settings; however, there is also a lack of high-quality studies that test different dosimetric aspects of TUS. Thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the short-, medium-, and long-term effects of the combination of high-energy TUS with a rehabilitation program for patellar tendinopathy.

Hip and Knee Weakness and Ankle Dorsiflexion Restriction in Individuals Following Lateral Patellar Dislocation: A Case-Control Study.

Objective: To explore the relationship between ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and hip and knee muscle strength between patients with a history of patellar dislocation (PD) to healthy controls.

Design: Case-control study.

Setting: Orthopedical specialty outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital.

Photobiomodulation therapy and NMES improve muscle strength and jumping performance in young volleyball athletes: a randomized controlled trial study in Brazil.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of adding photobiomodulation therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to volleyball athletes' training, focusing on muscle strength and jumping skills. Thirty-six athletes were randomly placed into three groups: control, photobiomodulation therapy, and NMES. The athletes trained to improve their muscle strength and jumping skills.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Norwich Patellar Instability score for use in Brazilian Portuguese.

Background: The Norwich Patellar Instability (NPI) score is a tool for evaluating the impact of patellofemoral instability on joint function. It has not been translated or culturally adapted for the Brazilian population before.

Objective: This study had the aims of translating and culturally adapting the NPI score for use in Brazilian Portuguese and subsequently assessing its validity for this population.

Photobiomodulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Rat Calcaneal Tendons.

The main objective was to verify the modulatory effects of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 levels on the partially injured calcaneal tendons of rat exposure to photobiomodulation. Photobiomodulation has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects on tendon injuries. However, there is still uncertainty regarding the beneficial effects in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels, especially MMP-1, -3, and -13.

NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF MEDIUM AND LOW FREQUENCY ON THE QUADRICEPS FEMORIS.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in different frequencies on the quadriceps femoris. A randomized, controlled, blind cross-sectional study.

Methods: Thirty subjects (12 men and 18 women), with an average age of 24.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries and a proposal for neuromuscular training to prevent lower limb injuries in Brazilian Army soldiers: an observational study.

Background: The activities carried out by soldiers in the army involve great physical demands and require intense trainings to perform combat-specific tasks. Musculoskeletal injury is a potential threat to the health and physical integrity of the soldier. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of lower limb musculoskeletal injuries among soldiers and to propose a training protocol to prevent the most frequent injuries.

Laser photobiomodulation (830 and 660 nm) in mast cells, VEGF, FGF, and CD34 of the musculocutaneous flap in rats submitted to nicotine.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) on the viability of the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap in rats subjected to the action of nicotine. We evaluated 60 albino Wistar rats, divided into six groups of ten animals. Group 1 (saline) underwent the surgical technique to obtain a TRAM flap; group 2 (laser 830 nm) underwent the surgical technique and was irradiated with a laser 830 nm; group 3 (laser 660 nm) underwent the surgical technique and was irradiated with a laser 660 nm; group 4 was treated with nicotine subcutaneously (2 mg/kg/2×/day/4 weeks) and underwent surgery; group 5 (nicotine + laser 830 nm) was exposed to nicotine, underwent the surgical technique, and was irradiated with a laser 830 nm; group 6 (nicotine + laser 660 nm) was exposed to nicotine, underwent the surgical technique, and was irradiated with a laser 660 nm.

High voltage pulsed current in collagen realignment, synthesis, and angiogenesis after Achilles tendon partial rupture.

Objective: To verify the efficacy of high voltage pulsed current in collagen realignment and synthesis and in angiogenesis after the partial rupturing of the Achilles tendon in rats.

Method: Forty male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups of 10 animals each: sham, cathodic stimulation, anodic stimulation, and alternating stimulation. Their Achilles tendons were submitted to direct trauma by a free-falling metal bar.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (780 nm) on VEGF Modulation at Partially Injured Achilles Tendon.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the modulatory effects of near infrared (780 nm) low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the presence of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the partially injured Achilles tendons of rats.

Background: LLLT stimulates the healing process for Achilles tendon injuries, although the extent of the modulatory effect of LLLT on the VEGF levels found in the injured tendons remains unclear.

Methods: Sixty-five male Wistar rats were distributed in the following seven groups: LASER 1, 3, and 7 (10 partially injured Achilles tendons in each group, which were treated with LLLT for 1, 3, and 7 days, respectively); Sham 1, 3, and 7 (same injury, with simulated LLLT); Control group containing the five remaining animals and in which no procedures were performed.

Achilles Tendon Vascularization of Proximal, Medial, and Distal Portion Before and After Partial Lesion in Rats Treated with Phototherapy.

Background: The Achilles tendon is one of the tendons most commonly injured by microtraumas and overuse during sports practice. This tendon is especially fragile because of the low blood supply in its central part. Nevertheless, the literature does not offer enough scientific support to explain the composition and vascular dynamic of animal tendons, despite the relevance of being able to observe if the animal tendon undergoes the same processes of vascularization in different regions, as occurs in humans.

Low-level laser therapy in IL-1β, COX-2, and PGE2 modulation in partially injured Achilles tendon.

This study evaluated IL-1β, COX-2, and PGE2 modulation in partially injured Achilles tendons treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Sixty-five male Wistar rats were used. Sixty were submitted to a direct injury on Achilles tendon and then distributed into six groups: LASER 1 (a single LLLT application), LASER 3 (three LLLT applications), and LASER 7 (seven LLLT applications) and Sham 1, 3, and 7 (the same injury but LLLT applications were simulated).

Acute effects of low-level laser therapy on physiologic and electromyographic responses to the cardiopulmonary exercise testing in healthy untrained adults.

Despite the positive effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on muscle fatigue before exercises using a single muscle group, the acute effects of LLLT on performance in cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are poorly understood. We aimed to assess the acute effects of LLLT on physiologic and electromyographic responses to the CPET in healthy adults. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was performed with 18 untrained participants (nine males, 22 ± 2 years).

Low-level laser therapy on tissue repair of partially injured achilles tendon in rats.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the alignment and type of collagen (I and III) in partially injured Achilles tendons of rats treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT).

Background: Achilles tendons present high indices of injury and their regeneration process may take a long time. LLLT has been used to accelerate and enhance injured Achilles tendon repair.

What is better in TRAM flap survival: LLLT single or multi-irradiation?

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used with the aim of improving vascular perfusion of the skin and musculocutaneous flaps. This study evaluated the effect of LLLT on transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap (TRAM) viability, vascular angiogenesis, and VEGF release. Eighty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups with 12 rats in each group.

Different power settings of LLLT on the repair of the calcaneal tendon.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an 830-nm GaAlAs diode laser operating at output powers of 40, 60, 80, and 100 mW and energy density of 30 J/cm(2) on the repair of partial calcaneal tendon ruptures in rats.

Methods: A partial tendon rupture was induced in all animals, which were treated with laser irradiation for 5 consecutive days. Six days after injury, the injured tendons were removed and examined by polarized light microscopy.

Low-level laser therapy on the viability of skin flap in rats subjected to deleterious effect of nicotine.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 830-nm laser in blocking the action of nicotine on the viability of skin flap.

Background Data: The authors have analyzed the deleterious effect of cigarette smoke or nicotine on the skin flap alone with evidence of increased skin necrosis in the flap.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-four Wistar-albino rats were divided into three groups of eight animals each: Group 1 (control), subjected to a surgical technique to obtain a flap for cranial base, laser irradiation simulation, and a subcutaneous injection of saline; Group 2, similar to Group 1, with subcutaneous injection of nicotine (2  mg/kg/day) for a period of 1 week before and 1 week after surgery; and Group 3, similar to Group 2, with skin flaps subjected to a λ 830-nm laser irradiation.

In vitro effect of 470 nm LED (Light Emitting Diode) in keloid fibroblasts.

Purpose: To quantify keloid fibroblasts after irradiation with 470nm blue LED, in vitro.

Methods: Fibroblasts from keloid and adjacent skin have been obtained from 6 patients. Cells have been cultivated and maintained in DMEM culture medium.