Importance of heat therapy in the treatment of pain in the daily clinical practice.

Background: Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain includes a wide variety of causes and conditions. Despite the heterogeneity of MSK pain, it is possible to identify some common clinical features and treatments. Heat therapy (HT) is one of the most common and could be a suitable non-pharmacological approach.

Suitability of Slaughterhouse-Acquired Pig Eyes as Model Systems for Refractive Ultraviolet and Infrared Femtosecond Laser Research.

Purpose: To elucidate whether it is feasible to use porcine eyes from scalded, abattoir-acquired animals for refractive femtosecond laser research.

Methods: An infrared laser (FS 200) and an ultraviolet laser (prototype version) were tested for their applicability on scalded pig eyes. Fifty porcine eyes were divided into two equally-sized groups and assigned to either the infrared or the ultraviolet laser.

Effects of foam rolling on vastus intermedius and lateralis microvascular blood flow.

Introduction: Foam Rolling (FR) as a technique of self-massage has become a widely used intervention in clinical and sports practice. It is assumed that FR leads to an increased intramuscular microvascular blood flow (MBF), and therefore is commonly recommended as a warm-up or regeneration method. However, no data validate the effects of FR on MBF.

Early functional and morphological changes of calf muscles in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) assessed with 7T MRI.

Background: To assess morphological and functional alterations of the skeletal muscle in exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) using 7 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: DOMS was induced in 16 volunteers performing an eccentric exercise protocol of the calf muscles of one randomized leg. 7 T MRI including T1w- (0.

Moderate evidence exists for four microRNAs as potential biomarkers for tendinopathies and degenerative tendon ruptures at the upper extremity in elderly patients: conclusion of a systematic review with best-evidence synthesis.

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate tendon-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers for the detection of tendinopathies or degenerative tendon ruptures. Also, their regulatory mechanisms within the tendon pathophysiology were summarized.

Methods: A systematic literature research was performed using the PRISMA guidelines.

Effects of exercise and cold-water exposure on microvascular muscle perfusion.

Purpose: Microvascular blood flow (MBF) and its intramuscular regulation are of importance for physiological responsiveness and adaptation. The quantifiable in-vivo monitoring of MBF after cycling or systemic cold-water exposure may reveal new insights into capillary regulatory mechanisms. This study aimed to assess the role of exercise and cold therapy on MBF by using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

What makes an orthopaedic paper highly citable? A bibliometric analysis of top orthopeadic journals with 10-year follow up.

Purpose: To examine a series of papers from top ranked orthopaedic journals with respect to the number of citations over a 10-year observation period to identify factors that lead to high citation rates.

Methods: The Web of Science database was consulted to identify all published papers from the first-year term of 2010 (January-May) from four top orthopaedic journals: AJSM, Arthroscopy, JBJS Am and KSSTA. The database was used to analyze and compare the papers with respect to their characteristics and citations up to 2019.

Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathies.

The proximal hamstring complex is a highly vulnerable area that is especially prone to injury. Proximal hamstring tendinopathies (PHTs) remain challenging in diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention due to a large variety of different injuries, slow healing response, persistent symptoms, and functional impairments. PHTs are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and therapy failure.

[Groin pain in sports games: a systematic review].

Background: In sports games, epidemiological data show that groin pain is relatively common and can lead to repeated loss of time. Consequently, it is essential to be aware of the evidence-based prevention strategies. The aim of this systematic review was to examine risk factors and prevention strategies for groin pain and to rank them based on their evidence in sports games.

[Imaging of muscle injuries in sports medicine].

Background: Early diagnosis of muscle injuries is indispensable in order to initiate appropriate treatment and to facilitate optimal healing.

Purpose: The aim of this review is to provide an update on imaging of muscle injuries in sports medicine with a focus on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to present experimental approaches in addition to routine diagnostic procedures.

Materials And Methods: A PubMed literature search for the years 2012-2022 using the following keywords was performed: muscle, muscle injury, muscle imaging, muscle injury classification, delayed onset muscle soreness, ultrasound, MRI, sodium MRI, potassium MRI, ultra-high-field MRI, injuries of athletes.

Effects of Different Orthoses on Neuromuscular Activity of Superficial and Deep Shoulder Muscles during Activities of Daily Living and Physiotherapeutic Exercises in Healthy Participants.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different shoulder orthoses on the neuromuscular activity of superficial and deep shoulder muscles during activities of daily living (ADL) and physiotherapeutic exercises.

Methods: Ten participants with healthy shoulders (31 ± 3 years, 23.1 ± 3.

Sodium and quantitative hydrogen parameter changes in muscle tissue after eccentric exercise and in delayed-onset muscle soreness assessed with magnetic resonance imaging.

The objective of the current study was to assess sodium ( Na) and quantitative proton ( H) parameter changes in muscle tissue with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after eccentric exercise and in delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Fourteen participants (mean age: 25 ± 4 years) underwent Na/ H MRI of the calf muscle on a 3-T MRI system before exercise (t0), directly after eccentric exercise (t1), and 48 h postintervention (t2). In addition to tissue sodium concentration (TSC), intracellular-weighted sodium (ICwS) signal was acquired using a three-dimensional density-adapted radial projection readout with an additional inversion recovery preparation module.

Muscle perfusion and the effect of compression garments in delayed-onset muscle soreness assessed with arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: There is limited information about perfusion in exercise-induced muscle injuries such as delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and the effect of compression garments as a therapeutic strategy during the regeneration phase. The purpose of this prospective, explorative study was to evaluate muscle perfusion in DOMS and to assess the effect of compression garments at resting conditions and during DOMS by magnetic resonance (MR) arterial spin labeling (ASL).

Methods: DOMS was induced from 03/2021 to 04/2021 using an eccentric and plyometric exercises targeting the calf muscles in 14 volunteers.

Multi-Parametric Analysis of Below-Knee Compression Garments on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness.

To investigate below-knee compression garments during exercise and a post-exercise period of 6 h on clinical, functional, and morphological outcomes in delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Eighteen volunteers (age: 24.1 ± 3.

Effect of compression garments on muscle perfusion in delayed-onset muscle soreness: A quantitative analysis using intravoxel incoherent motion MR perfusion imaging.

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate the effect of compression garments under resting conditions and after the induction of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) by MR perfusion imaging using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM). Magnetic resonance imaging of both lower legs of 16 volunteers was performed before and after standardized eccentric exercises that induced DOMS. A compression garment (21-22 mmHg) was worn during and for 6 h after exercise on one randomly selected leg.

Quantifiable Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Explores the Role of Protection, Rest, Ice (Cryotherapy), Compression and Elevation (PRICE) Therapy on Microvascular Blood Flow.

The aim of this randomized controlled laboratory study was to evaluate the role of standardized protection, rest, ice (cryotherapy), compression and elevation (PRICE) therapy on microvascular blood flow in human skeletal muscle. Quantifiable contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to analyze intramuscular tissue perfusion (ITP) of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus intermedius (VI) muscles in 20 healthy athletes who were randomly assigned to PRICE or control groups. Baseline perfusion measurements (resting conditions, T) were compared with cycling exercise (T), intervention (PRICE or control, T) and follow-up at 60 min post-intervention (T).

Effects of passive, active, and mixed playing strategies on external and internal loads in female tennis players.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different playing strategies on external and internal loads in female tennis players during match play. Also, the underlying effects on the technical-tactical actions and activity profiles were examined. Twelve well-trained female players (age: 25±5 years; maximum oxygen uptake: 40.

Ankle flossing alters periarticular stiffness and arterial blood flow in asymptomatic athletes.

Background: Tissue flossing has been introduced to increase impaired range of motion (ROM) and flexibility, to enhance prevention and rehabilitation, as well as to improve athletic performance; however, limited evidence exists for its efficacy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ankle flossing on periarticular stiffness and perfusion via Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography and Power Doppler Sonography (PDS).

Methods: Twenty-one healthy students (age: 24±2 years, BMI: 22±3 kg/m) were recruited as participants.

A cross-sectional study on foot loading patterns in elite soccer players of different ages.

Background: Alterations in plantar loading patterns are risk factors for stress injuries of the lower limb, particularly of the foot and ankle. Epidemiological studies have revealed a higher incidence of soccer-related stress fractures of the fifth metatarsal (MT V) in younger athletes than in their adult counterparts.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the plantar pressure distributions of members of four high-level soccer teams of different age groups to identify age-related differences in loading patterns.

Mechanisms of Acute Knee Injuries in Bouldering and Rock Climbing Athletes.

Background: There is limited insight into the mechanisms of knee injuries in rock climbing and bouldering in noncompetitive and competitive athletes.

Purpose: To examine the traumatic mechanisms of injury, demographics, distribution, and severity of knee injuries in affected athletes.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Different Effects of Foam Rolling on Passive Tissue Stiffness in Experienced and Nonexperienced Athletes.

Context: Foam rolling (FR) has been developed into a popular intervention and has been established in various sports disciplines. However, its effects on target tissue, including changes in stiffness properties, are still poorly understood.

Objective: To investigate muscle-specific and connective tissue-specific responses after FR in recreational athletes with different FR experience.

Evaluation of Rock Climbing Related Injuries in Older Athletes.

Introduction: With the growing enthusiasm from people of all ages about rock climbing and bouldering, adaptions and medical conditions of the older athlete have become increasingly important. We aimed to analyze injury demographics, distribution, and severity for the older rock-climbing athlete.

Methods: During a 3-y period, we performed a single-center injury surveillance in athletes ≥35 y of age presenting with rock climbing-related injuries or complaints.

Trefoil Factor 3 (TFF3) Is Involved in Cell Migration for Skeletal Repair.

The aim of the study was to explore the possible role of Trefoil Factor Family peptide 3 (TFF3) for skeletal repair. The expression of TFF3 was analyzed in human joint tissues as well as in a murine bone fracture model. Serum levels of TFF3 following a defined skeletal trauma in humans were determined by ELISA.

Effects of Pre- and Post-Exercise Cold-Water Immersion Therapy on Passive Muscle Stiffness.

Background:  Cold-water immersion (CWI) has become a popular preventive, regenerative and performance-enhancing intervention in various sports. However, its effects on soft tissue, including changes of intramuscular stiffness, are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CWI on muscle stiffness.