Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Health: A Review of the Literature and Clinical Application.

Context: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSKD) are currently the leading contributor to disability worldwide. Unlike other prevalent and disabling healthcare conditions such as CVD, risk factors associated with MSKD are not commonly discussed or integrated into current medical practice, rehabilitation practice or wellness programs. The primary purpose of this review is to describe the known risk factors most closely associated with MSKD.

Reliability and Validity of Visual Estimation in Determining Thorax Rotation Mobility using the Quadruped Lumbar-Locked Position.

Background: Thoracic rotation mobility is crucial for athletes in rotational sports such as baseball, golf, and swimming to maintain the proper biomechanics associated with the sport. Accurate differentiation between normal mobility and active and passive physiological deficits in the thoracic region is critical for identifying the need for intervention to the thorax.

Purpose: To establish the reliability and discriminant validity of visual estimation of thorax rotation range of motion across clinicians of differing experience levels in determining normal mobility and active or passive physiological deficits when utilizing the quadruped lumbar-locked position.

Comparison of Intervention Programs to Improve Trunk Stability for Active Females.

Background: Current literature illustrates a disparity in trunk stability push up performance (TSPU), as measured by the Functional Movement Screen (FMSTM), in females throughout the lifespan when compared to their male counterparts.

Hypothesis/purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel exercise approach to a trunk stability (NEATS) program compared to a standard Pilates program on TSPU performance in active females aged 18-45 years. It was hypothesized that subjects in the NEATS program would have greater improvements on outcomes related to trunk stability than subjects in the Pilates program.

Advancements for the Future: A National Survey of Fastpitch Softball Coaches' Perspectives on Injury Prevention Programming.

Background: Approximately 50 percent of softball injuries are the result of overuse or chronic conditions. However, research exploring preventative measures for softball players is limited and usage of injury prevention strategies among softball coaches is unknown.

Hypothesis/purpose: This survey aimed to investigate if softball coaches are implementing injury prevention programs to reduce injury and improve the performance of their players.

Self-Movement Screening using the Symmio Application is Reliable and Valid for Identifying Musculoskeletal Risk Factors.

Background: Musculoskeletal health problems are one of the greatest healthcare expenses in the United States but patient-driven screening procedures to detect risk factors do not exist.

Hypothesis/purpose: The purpose was to establish the inter-rater reliability of the Symmio Self-Screen application in untrained individuals and to investigate its accuracy to detect MSK risk factors such as pain with movement, movement dysfunction, and decreased dynamic balance.

Study Design: Cross-Sectional.

A Field-expedient Arm Care Screening Tool Can Identify Musculoskeletal Risk Factors in Baseball Players.

Background: Preseason movement screening can identify modifiable risk factors, deterioration of function, and potential for injury in baseball players. Limited resources and time prevent high school baseball coaches from performing movement screens on their players.

Hypothesis: The arm care screen (ACS) will be highly sensitive to detecting musculoskeletal risk factors.

The Intra- and Inter-rater Reliability of an Arm Care Screening Tool in High School Baseball Coaches.

Background: Preseason movement screening can identify modifiable risk factors, deterioration of function, and potential for injury in baseball players. Limited resources and time intensive testing procedures prevent high school coaches from accurately performing frequent movement screens on their players.

Purpose: To establish the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of a novel arm care screening tool based on the concepts of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA™) in high school coaches.

The Effect of a Novel Training Program to Improve Trunk Stability Push Up Performance in Active Females: A Pilot Study.

Background: Trunk stability is a risk factor commonly associated with lower extremity injuries, particularly in females. Performance on trunk stability tasks, such as the Trunk Stability Push Up (TSPU), is less than optimal in females. Current corrective programs include few females, and clinically, improvements for females have been minimal.

Current Concepts in Arm Care Exercise Programs and Injury Risk Reduction in Adolescent Baseball Players: A Clinical Review.

Context: Awareness of important injury risk factors associated with excessive pitching volume has been highlighted in the literature, but injury rates remain high. Shoulder pain in baseball players is associated with various changes in musculoskeletal movements, which presents as measurable impairments throughout the kinetic chain. Baseball coaches and rehabilitation professionals have utilized exercise programs targeting strength and flexibility of the throwing arm to prevent injuries.

The Long-Term Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling and Exercise for Individuals With Shoulder Pain: A Critically Appraised Topic.

Clinical Scenario: Shoulder pain is a very common symptom encountered in outpatient physical therapy practice. In addition to therapeutic exercise and manual therapy interventions, trigger point dry needling (TDN) has emerged as a possible treatment option for reducing shoulder pain and improving function. Dry needling consists of inserting a thin stainless-steel filament into a myofascial trigger point with the intention of eliciting a local twitch response of the muscle.