Altered muscle recruitment patterns during isometric shoulder abduction in individuals with chronic upper trapezius pain: a cross sectional study.

Background: Upper trapezius (UT) pain with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) can affect movement at the glenohumeral joint as well as at the scapulothoracic joint. The investigation of muscle recruitment patterns can discern motor control strategies. The purpose of this study was to compare shoulder muscle recruitment patterns and muscle activity according to various loads between individuals with and without chronic UT pain.

Effectiveness of hamstring stretching using a pressure biofeedback unit for 4 weeks: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Stretching and length test of hamstring muscles have been performed commonly to manage lower back pain (LBP) in sports rehabilitation. Previous literatures addressed that stretching techniques and length test of hamstring muscles should be performed with the pelvic maintained in an anterior tilt position. However, there is no study to determine the effectiveness of pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) to maintain in anterior pelvic tilting (APT) on length test and stretching of hamstring muscles.

Effect of the scapula-setting exercise on acromio-humeral distance and scapula muscle activity in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

Objectives: The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of the scapula setting exercise on acromio-humeral distance (AHD) and the activity of scapula muscles in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS).

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Setting: Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital in South Korea.

Effect of weight-bearing wrist movement with carpal-stabilizing taping on pain and range of motion in subjects with dorsal wrist pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Study Design: Randomized control trial.

Introduction: During weight-bearing wrist movement, potential stabilizing forces caused by carpal stabilizing taping (CST) may restrict movement of the carpal bones, allowing greater wrist joint extension.

Purpose Of The Study: The purpose of study was to investigate the effect of CST during weight-bearing wrist movement on pain intensity and range of motion (ROM) of wrist extension in subjects with dorsal wrist pain.

The influence of high heeled shoes on balance ability and walking in healthy women.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of high heeled shoes on balance ability and walking on healthy women. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty healthy female subjects, without orthopedic history of the lower extremity were selected for the present study. The 3 cm, 6 cm, and 9 cm shoes were worn according to the prescribed order to perform a balance and walking test.

Predictors of dysfunction and health-related quality of life in the flexion pattern subgroup of patients with chronic lower back pain: The STROBE study.

Findings about predictors of chronic lower-back pain (CLBP) were inconsistent and inconclusive in previous studies because patients with CLBP are heterogeneous. Subgrouping patients with CLBP, according to a CLBP classification system, might thus clarify the research findings. CLBP in the direction of lumbar flexion movement, that is, the flexion pattern, is common in clinical situations.

Reliability and criterion validity of measurements using a smart phone-based measurement tool for the transverse rotation angle of the pelvis during single-leg lifting.

Objective: The purposes of this study were to determine the intra-rater test-retest reliability of a smart phone-based measurement tool (SBMT) and a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system for measuring the transverse rotation angle of the pelvis during single-leg lifting (SLL) and the criterion validity of the transverse rotation angle of the pelvis measurement using SBMT compared with a 3D motion analysis system (3DMAS).

Method: Seventeen healthy volunteers performed SLL with their dominant leg without bending the knee until they reached a target placed 20 cm above the table. This study used a 3DMAS, considered the gold standard, to measure the transverse rotation angle of the pelvis to assess the criterion validity of the SBMT measurement.

Predictors of upper trapezius pain with myofascial trigger points in food service workers: The STROBE study.

Shoulder pain occurs commonly in food service workers (FSWs) who repetitively perform motions of the upper limbs. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) on the upper trapezius (UT) are among the most common musculoskeletal shoulder pain syndromes. This study determined the psychological, posture, mobility, and strength factors associated with pain severity in FSWs with UT pain due to MTrPs.

Comparison of Hip- and Back-Muscle Activity and Pelvic Compensation in Healthy Subjects During 3 Different Prone Table Hip-Extension Exercises.

Context: Prone hip extension has been recommended for strengthening the back and hip muscles. Previous studies have investigated prone hip extension conducted with subjects on the floor in the prone position. However, no study has compared 3 different table hip-extension (THE) positions in terms of the activities of the back- and hip-joint muscles with lumbopelvic motion.

Effect of Humeral-Elevation Angle on Electromyographic Activity in the Serratus Anterior During the Push-Up-Plus Exercise.

Context: The push-up-plus (PP) exercise has been recommended for strengthening of the serratus anterior (SA). Previous studies have investigated the effect of different stability properties of the base of support to adjust the difficulty level of SA muscle-strengthening exercises in the PP position. However, the optimal humeral-elevation angle (HEA) for selective activation and maximum contraction of the SA during PP has not been investigated.

Correlation between toe flexor strength and ankle dorsiflexion ROM during the countermovement jump.

[Purpose] This study assessed the relationships between peak toe flexor muscle strength, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and countermovement jump height. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen healthy volunteers participated in the study. Each participant completed tests for peak toe flexor muscle strength, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and countermovement jump height.

Effects of Motor Control Exercise Vs Muscle Stretching Exercise on Reducing Compensatory Lumbopelvic Motions and Low Back Pain: A Randomized Trial.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 6-week motor control exercise (MCE) vs stretching exercise (SE) on reducing compensatory pelvic motion during active prone knee flexion (APKF) and intensity of low back pain.

Methods: Thirty-six people in the lumbar-rotation-extension subgroup were randomly assigned equally into 2 exercise groups (18 people in each an MCE or SE group). A 3-dimensional motion-analysis system was used to measure the range and onset time of pelvic motion and knee flexion during APKF.

Effects of scapular upward rotation exercises on alignment of scapula and clavicle and strength of scapular upward rotators in subjects with scapular downward rotation syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-week scapular upward rotation exercise (SURE) on scapular and clavicular alignment and scapular upward rotators strength in subjects with scapular downward rotation syndrome (SDRS). Seventeen volunteer subjects with SDRS were recruited from university populations. The alignment of the scapula and clavicle was measured using radiographic analysis and compared in subjects before and after a 6-week self-SURE program.

Comparison of psoas major muscle thickness measured by sonography during active straight leg raising in subjects with and without uncontrolled lumbopelvic rotation.

Background: The psoas major (PM) is important for stabilizing lumbopelvic region during active straight leg raising (ASLR). Uncontrolled lumbopelvic rotation (ULPR) frequently occurs during ASLR in subjects with poor lumbo-pelvic stability and may contribute to asymmetric symptoms including pain in lumbopelvic region.

Objects: This study compared the thickness of contralateral PM (cPM) using ultrasound imaging during ASLR in subjects with and without ULPR.

Effect of toe-spread-out exercise on hallux valgus angle and cross-sectional area of abductor hallucis muscle in subjects with hallux valgus.

[Purpose] This study investigated whether the toe-spread-out exercise affects the hallux valgus angle, the cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis muscle, and the hallux valgus angle during active abduction. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four subjects with hallux valgus were randomly assigned to orthosis and orthosis plus toe-spread-out exercise groups. The orthosis group wore the orthosis for 8 weeks, while the orthosis plus toe-spread-out group also performed the toe-spread-out exercise.

Lower extremity strength and the range of motion in relation to squat depth.

The purpose of this study was to determine which variables of the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the hip, and ankle are associated with squat depth. In total, 101 healthy subjects (64 males, 37 females) participated in the study. Outcome measures consisted of the ROM of hip flexion, hip internal rotation, external rotation, ankle dorsiflexion with an extended and flexed knee joint, and strength of the hip flexor and ankle dorsiflexor.

Comparison of the effects of local cryotherapy and passive cross-body stretch on extensibility in subjects with posterior shoulder tightness.

The objective was to compare the immediate effects of local cryotherapy (LC) and passive cross-body stretch on the extensibility of the posterior shoulder muscle in individuals with posterior shoulder tightness. Eighty-seven healthy subjects with a between-shoulder difference in internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM) greater than 10° were randomly divided into three groups: LC group, stretching group, and control group (n = 29 in each group). Subjects in the LC group received LC on infraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscles and subjects in the stretching group performed passive cross-body stretch.

Serratus anterior muscle activation during knee push-up plus exercise performed on static stable, static unstable, and oscillating unstable surfaces in healthy subjects.

Objectives: To compare electromyographic (EMG) activity of the serratus anterior (SA) during knee push-up plus exercises according to various surfaces (static stable, static unstable, and oscillating unstable surfaces).

Study Design: Comparative study by repeated measures.

Setting: Yonsei University laboratory.

Reliability and validity of goniometric and photographic measurements of clavicular tilt angle.

The aims of the present study were to assess the reliability of clavicular tilt angle measurement using goniometric and photographic measurements and to test the validity of the measurement by comparing the results with radiographic findings (gold standard). Clavicular tilt angles were measured in 18 healthy subjects (36 clavicles) using goniometric, photographic, and radiographic measurement. Repeated measurements using goniometric and photographic measurements were made in two test sessions conducted on different days by two examiners to assess inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the two methods.

Comparison of electromyographic activity and range of neck motion in violin students with and without neck pain during playing.

Neck pain is common in violin students during a musical performance. The purpose of this study was to compare electromyographic (EMG) activity in superficial neck muscles with neck motion when playing the violin as well as neck range of motion (ROM) at rest, between violin students with and without neck pain. Nine violin students with neck pain and nine age- and gender-matched subjects without neck pain were recruited.

Comparison of abdominal muscle activity during a single-legged hold in the hook-lying position on the floor and on a round foam roll.

Context: To improve trunk stability or trunk muscle strength, many athletic trainers and physiotherapists use various types of unstable equipment for training. The round foam roll is one of those unstable pieces of equipment and may be useful for improving trunk stability.

Objective: To assess the effect of the supporting surface (floor versus round foam roll) on the activity of abdominal muscles during a single-legged hold exercise performed in the hook-lying position on the floor and on a round foam roll.

Effects of the abdominal drawing-in maneuver on muscle activity, pelvic motions, and knee flexion during active prone knee flexion in patients with lumbar extension rotation syndrome.

Objective: To investigate the effects of performing an abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) during active prone knee flexion on the hamstrings and erector spinae muscle activity, the amounts of pelvic motion and knee flexion, and onset of pelvic movements.

Design: Comparative, repeated-measures study.

Setting: University research laboratory.

Real-time visual feedback can be used to activate scapular upward rotators in people with scapular winging: an experimental study.

Question: Can real-time visual feedback facilitate the activity of serratus anterior in individuals with scapular winging during shoulder flexion?

Design: Comparative, repeated-measures experimental study.

Participants: Nineteen subjects with scapular winging.

Intervention: Participants performed isometric shoulder flexion at 60° and 90° with and without real-time visual feedback using a video camera to monitor scapular winging.

Influence of forward head posture on scapular upward rotators during isometric shoulder flexion.

We assessed the effects of forward head posture in the sitting position on the activity of the scapular upward rotators during loaded isometric shoulder flexion in the sagittal plane. Healthy volunteers (n = 21; 11 men, 10 women) with no history of pathology participated in the study. Subjects were instructed to perform isometric shoulder flexion with the right upper extremity in both the forward head posture (FHP) and neutral head posture (NHP) while sitting.