External focus instruction using a soft paper balloon on muscle activation patterns in isometric hip abduction exercises: A comparative analysis with external resistance tools.

Background: This study investigates a novel isometric method utilizing an external focus instruction technique with a soft paper balloon. By emphasizing control to avoid crushing the balloon, this method promotes co-contraction of muscles without exerting pressure on the object. We aim to evaluate differences in muscle activation patterns during isometric hip abduction exercises between the paper balloon task and tasks using external resistance (hard plastic, non-elastic, and elastic bands), and further determine their influence on the contralateral side.

Light weights are as effective as heavy weights for muscle activation in the Hammerobics exercise.

Purpose: We previously reported that a Hammerobics exercise using weights can enhance trunk and lower extremity muscles, some studies suggested that training effects could also be expected without heavy weights. If the muscle activity induced by Hammerobics swinging with a 'light plastic ball' equals or surpasses that of the isometric static squat and synchronized squat with a heavy ball, this training approach could alleviate joint strain, fostering an exercise regimen universally accessible across generations, benefit for workouts sports and rehabilitation.

Methods: Fifteen healthy men participated in this study.

Exploring age-related changes in motor function: insights from the peak decline found in Koji Awareness screening test.

The KOJI AWARENESS (KA) screening test assesses motor function in humans. We aimed to analyze the correlation between age and KA screening scores and to identify the specific age at which a significant decline occurs. A total of 793 healthy participants (234 females) were interviewed for basic information on age and sex and completed the KA screening test.

Effects of differences in femoral anteversion and hip flexion angle on hip abductor muscles activity during clam exercise in females.

This study aimed to determine differences in the hip abductor muscle activity during clam exercise at different hip flexion and femoral anteversion angles. Thirty healthy females were divided into two groups based on the femoral anteversion angle: the excessive femoral anteversion group and the normal group. Clam exercise was performed at three different hip flexion angles (60°, 45°, and 30°).

Comparative Analysis of Thoracic Rotation Exercises: Range of Motion Improvement in Standing and Quadruped Variants.

There have been few investigations into the effectiveness of thoracic spine exercises for improving thoracic range of motion (ROM) in any plane. This study assessed the effectiveness of two thoracic spine exercises: one in the quadruped position and one in the thoracic standing position. We determined how these exercises affect thoracic spine mobility ROM over a 2-week intervention period.

External focus instruction using a paper balloon: impact on trunk and lower extremity muscle activity in isometric single-leg stance for healthy males.

Introduction: Core stability is crucial for preventing and rehabilitating lumbar spine injuries. An external focus instruction using a paper balloon is an effective way to activate the trunk muscles. However, the degree of trunk and lower extremity muscle activation during single leg stance with external focus instruction using a paper balloon is unknown.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) subcategories are affected by subjective running ability and medial single-leg hop distance in postreconstruction patients at 6 months.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the intricate relationship between physical function factors and each subcategory score of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale among patients following ACL reconstruction.

Methods: Participants comprised 59 patients who had undergone primary ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon. The ACL-RSI was completed 6 months after reconstruction and five physical functions were measured in patients on the same day.

The effectiveness of corrective exercises on the KOJI AWARENESS score and activity-related pain intensity.

Background: The KOJI AWARENESS� screening test is a self-administered screening tool for assessment of mobility, stability, and strength. It provides corrective exercises corresponding to the individual's answers to the KOJI AWARENESS� test questions. However, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of corrective exercises in improving KOJI AWARENESS� screening test scores and activity-related pain.

Kinesiophobia Is Negatively Associated With Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport in Patients Awaiting Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Purpose: To identify the factors associated with anterior cruciate ligament return to sport after injury (ACL-RSI) scores in patients awaiting ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional observational study conducted at a single clinical center. We recruited patients scheduled for primary ACLR, aged 16-45 years, and with modified Tegner activity scale scores ≥5 before ACL injury.

Biomechanical characteristics of the lower extremities during running in male long-distance runners with a history of medial tibial stress syndrome: a case control study.

Background: Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a running-related injury of the lower extremities. After returning to competition, there are often recurring episodes of MTSS. Therefore, it is important to prevent the onset and recurrence of MTSS among long-distance runners.

Validity of the KOJI AWARENESS self-screening test for body movement and comparison with functional movement screening.

Objective: This study aimed to validate the KOJI AWARENESS™, a self-screening movement test, and compare it with the Functional Movement Screen (FMS).

Methods: Fifty-seven healthy participants completed the KOJI AWARENESS™ and functional movement screening. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to assess the validity of the test.

Changes in subjective knee function and psychological status from preoperation to 6 months post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Purpose: To determine characteristic changes in subjective knee function, kinesiophobia, and psychological readiness to return to sports between scores taken before anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and those taken 6 months post-ACLR.

Methods: Thirty-two participants (median age, 20.0 years) were included.

The relationship between movement self-screening scores and pain intensity during daily training.

Background : Various musculoskeletal screening and functional performance tests are used to evaluate physical condition. However, validated analysis tools that can identify gaps in pain knowledge during athletes' daily training are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pain intensity in athletes during their daily training and the KOJI AWARENESS™ test in order to determine whether body dysfunction is related to pain among athletes.

Differences in trunk and lower extremity muscle activity during squatting exercise with and without hammer swing.

Perturbation exercises enhance lower limb and trunk muscles, and adding swing perturbation while loading during exercise might improve muscle activation or strength. This study aimed to check variations in trunk and lower limb muscle activity during conventional isometric squats, and whether it will change with or without swing using the Hammerobics-synchronized squat method. Twelve healthy men participated in this study.

Association Between Knee Extension Strength at 3 and 6 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Context: Deficits in knee extension strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction have been a major problem. The inadequate recovery of the knee extension strength of surgical limb reportedly delays return to sports and increases reinjury risk. Accordingly, the early detection of knee extension strength deficits after reconstruction may help plan early interventions to manage impairment.

Reactive strength index during single-limb vertical continuous jumps after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: cross-sectional study.

Background: The association of the reactive strength index (RSI) during single-limb vertical continuous jumps (SVCJs) with single-limb hop tests in athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is unclear. Thus, this study aimed to confirm the measurement properties of the RSI during SVCJs in athletes with ACLR at the phase of determining the timing of their return to sport.

Methods: RSI during SVCJs and single-limb hop (single, triple, and crossover) tests were measured for post-ACLR and healthy athletes.

Cross-sectional study on relationships between physical function and psychological readiness to return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Background: Information about specific factors of physical function that contribute to psychological readiness is needed to plan rehabilitation for a return to sports. The purpose of this study was to identify specific physical functions related to the psychological readiness of patients aiming to return to sports 6 months after reconstruction. We hypothesized that the knee strength is a factor related to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury scale (ACL-RSI) cutoff score for a return to sports.

Association between landing biomechanics, knee pain, and kinesiophobia in athletes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Kinesiophobia is a fear of physical movement and activity and is known to affect return to sports and second injury after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Objective: To determine the association among landing biomechanics, knee pain, and kinesiophobia in athletes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Characteristics of landing impact in athletes who have not returned to sports at the pre-injury competition level after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Background: Most patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury undergo ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with the expectation of being able to return to sport (RTS) at the same level of the competition as before the injury. The magnitude and asymmetry of landing impact are important post-ACLR functional variables related to increased ACL strain and poor athletic performance. However, the association between the RTS status and landing impact in post-ACLR patients is unknown.

The psychological readiness to return to sports of patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.

Objective: To determine the association of psychological readiness to return to sports preoperative and 6 months post-reconstruction in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Clinical center of sports medicine.

Injury-related fear in athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction - A quantitative content analysis of an open-ended questionnaire.

Background/objective: Injury-related fear during sport activities are major psychological factors inhibiting a person's return to sports (RTS) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Currently, there are no studies that quantitatively analyse the open-ended questionnaire for knee injury-related fear in post-ACLR athletes.The purpose of this study was to identify knee injury-related fear in athletes who return to ball-centric sports via the use of an open-ended questionnaire.

Correlations between isokinetic knee torques and single-leg hop distances in three directions in patients after ACL reconstruction.

Background: When planning rehabilitation and conditioning for performance enhancement and a return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, identifying the elements of physical function associated with single-leg hop is important. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between single-leg hop distances in three directions and knee extensor and flexor strengths at 6 months after reconstruction.

Methods: Participants were 47 patients taking part in training sessions for sports involving cutting, pivoting, and jump-landing 6 months after reconstruction using a hamstring tendon.

Athletic identity and sport commitment in athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction who have returned to sports at their pre-injury level of competition.

Background: This study aimed to determine the relationships between athletic identity and sport commitment and return to sports (RTS) status in athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods: Thirty-nine participants post-ACLR (8-24 months) were included in this cross-sectional study. Measures included the athletic identity measurement scale and sport commitment scale.

Single-leg hop distance normalized to body height is associated with the return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between single-leg hop distance (SLHD), normalized body height, and return-to-sports (RTS) status after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and to identify the cut-off value for SLHD on the operated side.

Methods: Seventy-three patients after primary ACLR (median 13.5 months) participated in this cross-sectional study.