Frame running to confidence: the athlete-perceived impact of an adapted physical activity on aspects of physical fitness, functional mobility and psychosocial outcomes

Objective: Frame Running (RaceRunning) allows people with moderate-to-severe mobility impairments to participate in physical activity using a 3-wheeled frame with a saddle and handlebars. The aim of this study was to investigate athlete-perceived impact of Frame Running on aspects of physical fitness, functional mobility and psychosocial outcomes. Design: Survey. Participants: Frame Running athletes aged 5 years and over. Methods: A survey was distributed to athletes through their club or sports organization. Results: The survey was completed by 115 athletes (53 females). Median age was 17 years (range 5–62 years) and 64 (57%) used a wheelchair or walker for distances over 50 m. Many felt that Frame Running stretched their muscles (n=93, 87%) and increased their self-confidence (n=63, 93%). Four (4%) reported extreme fatigue or sore muscles after training (n=17, 15%). Of the 110 athletes who had been participating in Frame Running for over 3 months, 46 (47%) reported being less out of breath during mobility tasks and 66 (66%) felt they had improved their functional mobility. However, 7 (7%) reported increased muscle tightness and 4 (4%) reported a Frame Running-related injury lasting more than 4 weeks. Conclusion: Frame Running is a safe physical activity with athlete-perceived benefits on physical fitness, functional mobility and psychosocial outcomes.

Effectiveness of an Assistive Instrument for Physical Therapists with Visual Impairment to Conduct the Muscle Tightness Test

Disability sports have been globally promoted to achieve an inclusive society. However, the current opportunities for people with disabilities are few in terms of participating in supporting positions, such as athletic trainers. In Japan, many people with visual impairment (VI) work as physical therapists; thus, they can become active as medical staff in the sports field. An example of a medical assessment is the muscle tightness test (MTT); however, conducting it is expected to be difficult for people with VI. To improve this difficulty, the current study developed an assistive instrument (AsI) and examined its effectiveness. We recruited 22 physical therapists with VI. The measurement for MTT targeted the hamstrings, iliopsoas, gastrocnemius, and quadriceps. The participants performed the MTT using a universal goniometer (UG) and the AsI and filled up a questionnaire. AsI was compared against UG based on three aspects, namely, ease, accuracy, and measurement time. In terms of ease, significant differences were observed in 9 out of 12 questionnaire items. The mean (SD) score for “Comprehensive ease of the MTT” improved from 2.8 (1.0) to 3.9 (0.8). For accuracy, the AsI yielded a decrease in the total error of the measurement. Lastly, the measurement time for AsI was longer than that for the UG. Therefore, the AsI was effective in terms of ease and accuracy, whereas measurement time remained as an issue.

PHYSIOTHERAPY REHABILITATION IN YOUNG PATIENT WITH IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

The cause of scoliosis is unknown. Males and females have almost the same rate of scoliosis; however, females have a 10-fold higher chance of curve progression. While many with scoliosis may not experience serious complications, it can lead to rib deformity and respiratory compromise, as well as cosmetic issues and emotional discomfort in some patients. However, it is the most common spinal deformity in adolescents. Physiotherapy Rehabilitation helps in correcting the deformity if functional deformity. A 20 year old female presented with dorso-lumbar scoliosis, L 4 – L5 disc bulge, Sacralization of L5 S1 diagnosed as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. She had decreased muscular strength of back muscles, abdominals and pelvic floor muscles. She also complaint of radiating pain with tingling numbness in both lower limbs with restricted range of motion. Multiple tender points were present throughout her spinal musculature with muscle tightness. The Adam's forward bent test and a scoliometer calculation will help direct the use of radiologic tests for Cobb angle measurement and orthopaedic referrals. Proper conservative management with Prompt physical therapy which leads to achieve functional goals .The case report suggests that prompt structured physical rehabilitation led to improving functional goals progressively and significantly which is a major aspect leading to a successful recovery and better living.

Efficacy of Percussive massage Versus Calf Stretching on Pain, Range of Motion, Muscle Strength and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis – A Randomized Control Trial.

Background: In the outpatient setting, plantar fasciitis has been the most frequent cause of heel pain. A sharp insidious pain under the heel and along the medial border of the plantar fascia up to its insertion at the calcaneus are signs of plantar fasciitis. The most common cause of biomechanical changes in PF is calf muscle tightness. Percussive Therapy is a relatively new technique that uses a mechanical system, such as the Theragun, to provide percussive massage.(17) Therefore, this Research will explore the current literature regarding the effect of massage gun device on Pain, Range of Motion, Muscle Strength and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis.Methodology:In the study, 48 patients diagnosed with Plantar fasciitis will be enrolled for a week. One group will receive conventional therapy and the other group will receive a percussive therapy treatment via Theragun for a week. Pain, flexibility, ROM and Muscle strength will be evaluated using to standard technique.Discussion:The goal of this Interventional study is to examine the impact of Percussive Massage Therapy in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis. The study findings would help prospective patients with Plantar Fasciitis, which may include a newly designed method of rehabilitation.The clinical trial registry-India(CTRI) registration number for this trial is CTRI/2021/05/033460.

Effect of iliopsoas muscle tightness on electromyographic activity of hip extensor synergists during gait

Background: Hip flexor muscles' tightness has been considered as one of the main risk factors for neuromuscular impairment of lower extremities not only lead to change the movement patterns but also probably result in changing the neuromuscular features of other muscles. The purpose of this research is study was to evaluate the iliopsoas tightness’ effect on electromyographic activity of hip extensor synergists during gait. Methods: In this case-control study fifteen 11-14 years old adolescents with iliopsoas tightness as experimental group, and 15 healthy adolescents which matched based on age, height, weight, body mass index, dominant leg and sport experience participated voluntarily as control group. Surface electromyographic activity of the gluteus maximus, adductor magnus and biceps femoris, were measured between groups during stance phase of gait. Results: Individuals with restricted hip flexor muscle length demonstrated more gluteus maximus activation during terminal stance (p=.001), more biceps femoris activation during mid stance (p=.002) and late stance (p=.001) and more adductor magnus activation during mid stance (p=.04) and late stance (p=.001). Conclusion: Adolescent soccer athletes with hip flexor muscle tightness exhibit more biceps femoris and adductor magnus and gluteus maximus activation during stance phase of gait. Thus, individuals with hip flexor muscle tightness appear to utilize different neuromuscular strategies to control lower extremity motion.

Effectiveness of Self-Administered Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation with Self-Neural Mobilization Technique in TrapeziusMyalgia: Single Subject Research

Background:Trapezitis or the inflammation of the trapezius muscle is the most common condition leading to a pain and spasm in the cervical region. This is often referred to as trapeziusmyalgia. Individuals having long working hours on desktop are the most subjected to develop this condition. It could result in slight discomfort to sever pain which may lead to suboccipital muscle tightness as well. Investigations: On the day of examination patient presented with severe pain and spasm in the muscles of upper back and neck. The range of motion was found to be reduced for cervical region on examination with goniometer. No radiological findings were available with the patient. Case Presentation: A 23 years old female patient presented with a complaint of pain in right upper back and at times in the left upper back with intermittent radiation in the arm. Presenting with a history of pain on prolonged sitting, studying. Discussion: Self proprioception neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching technique along with self neural mobilization was the main physiotherapeutic intervention. The outcome measures for pain and tightness showed significant improvement. Conclusion: Self PNF stretching was found to be effective in patients with severe pain referring to arms along with the tightness, when traditional mode of treatment cannot be performed due to presence of extremely painful condition.

Effect of Cryotherapy on Lower Limb Flexibility and Power in Recreational Players: An Experimental Study

Introduction: Cryotherapy has been a widely used thermotherapy modality in sports injuries. The main focus of research on cryotherapy was to find out its effects on functional performance measures of the players. Cryotherapy is known to dampen the stretch reflex and reduce muscle temperature which might indirectly influence the flexibility and power which are the important components of any performance. Hence, it becomes necessary to study the changes, if any, on the flexibility and power post cryotherapy application. Aim: To determine the effects of cryotherapy on lower limb flexibility and power in adult recreational players. Materials and Methods: The present study was an experimental study conducted on 40 recreational players of either gender, between the age range of 18-25 years, who played various forms of recreational sports and had hamstrings and calf muscle tightness were included in the study. Hamstring tightness was assessed by Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) and calf muscle tightness by Weight Bearing Lunge test (WBLT), while power was assessed by vertical jump test. Both the limbs were given cold pack on bilateral calf and hamstrings for 20 minutes for three days. Outcomes were measured on 3rd day and paired t-test was used to analyse the pre and post-treatment difference, p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: A total of 40 recreational players were included in the study with the mean age of 22.15±1.36 years, of which 20 were males and 20 were females with mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 23.07±3.36 kg/m2. The right calf muscle flex (pretreatment=13.7 cm to post-treatment=14.71 cm, p<0.05) along with left side flexibility (pretreatment=14.2 cm to post-treatment=15.07 cm, p<0.05). The hamstring flexibility improved significantly from mean, pretreatment=45.6 degrees to post-treatment=50.6 degrees (p<0.05) on the right side while on the left side, a non significant improvement from pretreatment=52.38 degrees to post- treatment=55.22 degrees (p=0.011) was seen. The power showed a non significant reduction from pretreatment=17.61 to post- treatment=16.76 (p=0.016). Conclusion: Cryotherapy increases the flexibility of calf and hamstring muscles and reduces lower limb power after three days of cryotherapy application.

Validation of the Muscle Tightness Measurement Tool

Background and PurposeFor nurses, muscle tightness is an important aspect of patient care, but no bedside tool is available that allows them to measure it. Therefore, a standardized tool that measures muscle tightness is needed. The purpose of this study was to validate a tool to measure muscle tightness.MethodsUsing Delphi technique and quantitative design, the tool was validated in two phases. The phase 1 included 20 expert clinicians who established content validity with Lawshe's rating. In phase 2, divergent validity was established by administering the tool to one group that had muscle tightness (n = 26) and one group that did not (n = 20).ResultsFindings indicate that the muscle tightness measurement tool has content and divergent validity.ConclusionsFurther tool refinement with validity and reliability studies are recommended for clinical practice.

Effect of Muscle Energy Technique on Piriformis Tightness in Chronic Low Back Pain with Radiation

BACKGROUND Low back pain is a common condition in India. 90 % of Indian population experience low back pain at least once in their lifetime. Studies show that 98 % low back pain is because of mechanical disorder of spine. Piriformis tightness is one of the most misdiagnosed causes for low back pain or sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Various manual therapy approaches have been studied for reducing muscle tightness. We wanted to assess the effectiveness of muscle energy technique that is post-isometric relaxation technique on piriformis muscle tightness, its effectiveness in relieving low back pain with radiation, and increasing range of motion. METHODS 60 patients were included in the study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria from Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Sawangi Meghe, and were randomly assigned in to two groups. The duration of study was 12 days (6 sessions / week) and follow up was taken on 27th day. Subjects in muscle energy technique experimental group were treated with post isometric relaxation technique (PIR), subjects in control group were given simple passive stretching of piriformis. All subjects were educated about proper ergonomics. RESULTS Both interventions post isometric relaxation and simple stretching techniques were effective in terms of pain reduction, ROM (Range of Motion) improvement, piriformis tightness, disability with p < 0.05 with post isometric relaxation technique superseding simple stretching. Moreover, post isometric relaxation technique in muscle energy technique had sustained effects on follow-up in terms of relieving pain, disability and tightness for longer period of time. CONCLUSIONS Muscle energy technique gives immediate relief of pain improving ROM and decreasing tightness of piriformis and disability and has longer lasting effects. KEY WORDS Piriformis Tightness, Muscle Energy Technique, Stretching.