Reliability of the intra and inter-test measures with universal goniometer and podalic arthrometer of the active range of ankle inversion and eversion

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a confiabilidade das medidas intra- e interavaliadores e interinstrumentos da amplitude de movimento ativa de eversão e inversão do tornozelo. Participaram deste estudo 100 indivíduos saudáveis (71 mulheres e 29 homens; idade: 21,32±2,83 anos; massa corporal: 60,40±4,95 kg; estatura: 1,66±0,04 m; e índice de massa corporal de 21,89±2,83 kg/m2), os quais foram submetidos à mensuração de inversão e eversão do tornozelo com goniômetro universal e artrômetro podálico. Foram utilizados o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) e o teste de Pearson, considerando-se um nível de significância de 5%. Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram um CCI intra-avaliador muito forte (0,91≥0,99; pEl objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la fiabilidad de las medidas intra e inter-evaluadores e inter-instrumentos de la amplitud del movimiento activa de eversión e inversión del tobillo. Participaron de este estudio 100 sujetos sanos (71 mujeres y 29 hombres; edad: 21,32±2,83 años; masa corporal: 60,40±4,95 kg; estatura: 1,66±0,04 m e índice de masa corporal: 21,89±2,83 kg/m2), que fueron sometidos a la medición de inversión y eversión del tobillo con goniómetro universal y artrómetro podálico. Se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) y la prueba de Pearson, teniendo en cuenta un nivel de significancia del 5%. Los resultados del estudio demostraron un CCI intra-evaluador muy fuerte (0,91≥0,99; pThe objective this study was to evaluate intra and inter-rater and inter-instruments reliability of ankle inversion and eversion active range of motion. The study included 100 healthy individuals (71 women and 29 men; ages: 21.32±2.83 years old; body mass: 60.40±4.95 kg; height: 1.66±0.04 m; and body mass index: 21.89±2.83 kg/m2), who were submitted to measurement of ankle inversion and eversion using the universal goniometer and podalic arthrometer. We used the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Pearson's test, considering a 5% significance level. The results of this study demonstrated one very strong intra-rater ICC (0.91≥0.99;

Effects of custom insoles for symptomatic hallux valgus: protocol for a sham-controlled randomised trial

Introduction Hallux valgus (HV) is one of the most prevalent forefoot deformities, and its frequency increases with age, reaching nearly 23% in adulthood (females are usually more affected). Studies on customised insoles and orthoses for HV showed inconclusive results. There is no consensus in literature regarding the ideal insole or length of use for pain relief or functional improvement in individuals with HV. This study will assess the effects of a customised insole with retrocapital bar associated with an infracapital bar of the first metatarsal on pain and function of individuals with symptomatic HV.Methods This is the protocol for a blinded, sham-controlled randomised clinical trial. Eighty participants with symptomatic HV will be randomised into two groups (40 per group): customised insole or sham insole. Assessments will be performed at baseline (T0), six (T6) and 12 weeks (T12) of intervention. A follow-up will occur after 4 weeks of intervention (T16). The primary and secondary outcomes will be pain (Numerical Pain Scale) and function (Foot Function Index), respectively.Statistical analysis Analysis of variance with a mixed design or Friedman’s test will be considered according to data distribution; post-hoc analyses will be performed using Bonferroni test. Time × group interaction and within-group and between-group differences will also be assessed. The intent-to-treat analysis will be used. A significance level of 5% and 95% s will be adopted for all statistical analyses.Ethics and dissemination This protocol was approved by the research ethics committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi/Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN/FACISA; opinion number 5411306). The study results will be disseminated to participants, submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and presented in scientific meetings.Trial registrations number NCT05408156

Does tension applied in kinesio taping affect pain or function in older women with knee osteoarthritis? A randomised controlled trial

Objective To analyse the short-term effects of kinesio taping (KT) with tension (KTT) or without tension (KTNT) in older women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and compare them to controls who did not receive KT.Design Randomised controlled trial.Setting University physiotherapy school clinic.Participants Forty-five older women (fifteen participants per group) with 66.8 (±5.6) years and clinical diagnosis of KOA were assessed pre, post and 3 days after intervention.Interventions Participants were randomly allocated to KTT, who received two simultaneous applications of KT with tension on the knee and rectus femoris; KTNT, who received the same application as the KTT group, but without tension and a control group that attended a class on KOA.Primary and secondary outcome measures Primary outcome was pain intensity and secondary outcomes were knee-related health status, functional capacity, muscle strength and global rating of change.Results No between-group differences were observed in pain after the first intervention (KTT vs KTNT: mean difference (MD), −1.8 points; 95% CI −4.2 to 0.5; KTT vs control: MD, −1.2 points; 95% CI −3.6 to 1.2; KTNT vs control: MD, 0.66 points; 95% CI −1.7 to 3.0) or 3 days later (KTT vs KTNT: MD, −1.3 points; 95% CI −3.7 to 1.0; KTT vs control: MD, 0.13 points; 95% CI −2.2 to 2.5; KTNT vs control: MD, 1.4 points; 95% CI −0.9 to 3.8). The lack of between-group differences was also found for secondary outcomes.Conclusion The short-term use of KT with or without tension in older woman with KOA had no beneficial effects on pain and function. These findings call into question the clinical use of KT as a non-pharmacological therapy for this population.Trial registration number NCT03624075

Static or dynamic stretching program does not change the acute responses of neuromuscular and functional performance in healthy subjects: a single-blind randomized controlled trial

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a single hamstring static or dynamic stretching session and a 10-session stretching program on the range of motion, neuromuscular performance and functional performance of healthy subjects. Forty-five, healthy, active men were divided into three groups: control; static stretching and dynamic stretching. There were no significant differences in ratings between the experimental and control groups for any of the variables (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that neither a single session of hamstring static or dynamic stretching nor a 10-session stretching program affected range of motion, neuromuscular or functional performance

Effects of dry cupping on pain, function and quality of life in women with knee osteoarthritis: a protocol for a sham-controlled randomised trial

Introduction Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common cause of pain and disability worldwide. Dry cupping has been used as non-pharmacological approach to control pain and improve physical function. However, there is a lack of high-quality scientific evidence regarding its effects on this condition. This protocol describes a sham-controlled, randomised and simple blind study that aims to evaluate the effect of dry cupping on pain, function and quality of life in women with KOA.Methods and analysis Sixty-two women diagnosed with KOA, based on American College of Rheumatology clinical criteria, and aged from 50 to 75 years, will be randomly distributed into two groups (31 per group): real and sham dry cupping. Both applications will occur with acrylic cups around the knee. The intervention will last 15 min, two times a week over six consecutive weeks, for a total of 12 sessions. Both groups will be assessed at four different times: before the intervention (T0), after 3 weeks intervention (T3), at the end of the protocol (T6) and 4 weeks after the interventions (follow-up: T10). The primary outcome will be pain intensity (Numerical Pain Rating Scale), and secondary outcomes will be knee-related health status (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), functional capacity (8-step stair climb test, 40-metre fast-paced walk test and 30-second chair stand test), quality of life (Short-Form 36) and global perceived effect.Ethics and dissemination This protocol was approved by the UFRN/FACISA Ethics Committee (number 3.737.688). The study results will be disseminated to the participants and submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and scientific meetings.Trial registration number NCT04331158

Exploring patient experiences of participating in a real and sham dry cupping intervention for nonspecific low back pain: A qualitative study.

BackgroundThe current quality of evidence supporting dry cupping for individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) is low and suggests that nonspecific factors impact experiences reported by patients. Therefore, this study assessed the impacts of social and professional support on the experience of individuals with CLBP treated with dry cupping or sham.MethodThis is an observational study with qualitative approach. Twenty-four individuals with CLBP who received dry cupping or sham in a previous clinical trial were invited. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview conducted by a trained researcher. Content analysis was used to analyze experiences, systematic procedures, and description of the content of messages. The dimensions of "pain", "general perceptions", and "perceived social and professional support" guided the analysis.ResultsAnswers of both groups converged on similar perceptions, especially regarding pain. Physical condition was the most fragile aspect. We also observed an influence of perceived social and professional support on painful symptoms. Thus, the experience of individuals with CLBP treated with dry cupping or sham indicated that factors related to social and professional support impacted results.ConclusionsWe observed that individuals with CLBP reported similar perceptions of the effects of dry cupping or sham treatment, indicating that contextual factors may influence the perception of these individuals regarding the treatment received

Intra-rater and Inter-instrument Reliability on Range of Movement of Active Knee Extension

Abstract The objective of the present study was to evaluate the reliability of intra-rater and inter-instrument measures during two flexibility programs. Fifty-three active and healthy males, aged between 18 and 28 years old, were randomly included in three groups: control (Cg, n = 18), static stretching (SSg, n = 17), and dynamic stretching (DSg, n = 18). All participants underwent measurements of their active range of knee extension using manual goniometry and computerized photogrammetry, measured in four separated assessments and analyzed using the SPSS, with ((5%. Both methodologies presented very strongintra-raterreliability (ICC: 0.91(0.99; P<0.001) at all four assessments in all the groups, and the instruments showed weak (r: 0.31-0.6) to strong(r: 0.61-0.9) correlation, in the Cg (P<0.05) and strong (r: 0.61-0.9) in the SSg and DSg (P<0.01), although without differences between groups, indicating that the measures are equally reliable, regardless of interventions

The influence of the external ankle support on the dynamic balance in volleyball athletes

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess the effect of ankle external supports on proprioception and dynamic balance in volleyball players. Seventeen female volleyball players (18.94±2.49 years; 65.45±9.49 kg; 1.71±0.05 m; BMI=22.0±2.67 kg/m²) took part in this study. The dynamic balance was assessed through the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Comparisons between stabilization (no stabilizer/NS, orthosis/ORT and functional bandaging/FB) modes and the SEBT grid lines and inter-limb were carried out. The SEBT assessment showed a significant difference between the groups NS x ORT and NS x FB (p < .01), and between the lines (p< .01). Significant line/limb interaction in DL and NDL (p< .01) was detected. The external supports tested herein showed similar effects on balance, restricting lower limb's reach in the SEBT execution in some of tested directions