The Validity, Reliability, Measurement Error, and Minimum Detectable Change of the 30‐Second Fast‐Paced Walk Test in Persons with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Novel Test of Short‐Distance Walking Ability

Objective To develop and establish the reliability, validity, measurement error, and minimum detectable change of a novel 30‐second fast‐paced walk test (30SFW) in persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA) that is easy to administer and can quantify walking performance in persons of all abilities. Methods Twenty females with symptomatic knee OA (mean age [SD] 58.30 [8.05] years) and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched asymptomatic controls (57.25 [8.71] years) participated in the study. Participants completed questionnaires of demographic and clinical data, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) followed by 30SFW performance. Participants returned 2‐7 days later and performed the 30SFW again. Results The knee OA group reported function that was worse than controls (all KOOS subscales; P \u3c 0.0001). The 30SFW intrarater and interrater reliability were excellent [ICC(2,1) = 0.95‐0.99]. Knee OA participants walked a shorter distance in the 30SFW than controls (mean [SD]: OA 44.4 m [9.5 m]; control 58.1 m [7.8 m]; P \u3c 0.0001). Positive strong correlations were found between the 30SFW and the KOOS–Activity of Daily Living, SF‐36‐Physical Functioning, and SF‐36‐Physical Health Composite scores (P \u3c 0.0001). A nonsignificant, weak correlation between 30SFW and SF‐36‐Mental Health scores was present (r = 0.32, P = 0.05). Conclusion The 30SFW has excellent intrarater and interrater reliability. The 30SFW demonstrated excellent known groups, convergent, and discriminant validity as a measure of short‐distance walking ability in persons with knee OA. Clinicians and researchers should consider using the 30SFW to quantify walking ability in persons with knee OA and assess walking ability change

Males With Patellofemoral Pain Have Altered Movements During Step-Down and Single-Leg Squatting Tasks Compared to Asymptomatic Males: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Aims Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is common in males, causing reduced physical activity and chronic pain. One proposed cause of PFP is aberrant biomechanics during tasks loading the patellofemoral joint. Consistent evidence exists for females with PFP, but it is uncertain if males with PFP have altered biomechanics. This study investigated the kinematics of males with PFP compared to pain-free males during forward step-down (StDn) and single-leg squat (SLSq). Methods A cross-sectional study including 40 males aged 20–39 years (28.28 ± 5.46) was conducted (20 PFP, 20 pain-free). Participants performed StDn and SLSq while motion was captured with a video-based motion capture system (Motion Analysis Corporation). Triplanar peak angles and angular ranges of motion (ROM) of the trunk, pelvis, and weight-bearing hip, knee, and ankle were dependent variables. Mixed-model ANOVA tests were used to determine the presence of significant interactions and main effects of group and task. Results Males with PFP had significantly lower peak knee adduction angles compared to pain-free males (p = 0.01). Significant group x task interactions were found for hip and pelvis ROM (p \u3c 0.05). PFP participants had increased hip and pelvis ROM during StDn in the frontal and transverse planes but reduced or nearly equal ROM for these variables during SLSq. Peak hip adduction, hip internal rotation, contralateral pelvic drop and anterior tilt, trunk flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion were greater during StDn compared to SLSq (p \u3c 0.05). ROM of the hip, pelvis, trunk, and ankle were greater during StDn compared to SLSq (p \u3c 0.05). Conclusion Males with PFP had reduced peak knee adduction angles in StDn and SLSq. Males with PFP demonstrated increased hip and pelvis ROM during StDn versus SLSq, particularly in the frontal and transverse planes. Clinicians should consider StDn as a clinical test since aberrant movement may be easier to detect than in SLSq

Utilization of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy with a Former Triathlete After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that limits function and reduces quality of life. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgical procedure that replaces the joint surfaces to address anatomical changes due to knee OA. While TKA improves symptoms and function, postoperative impairments are common, including reduced quadriceps strength. Blood flow restriction (BFR) may be a viable option for patients following TKA, as it can improve strength with a minimal amount of joint loading compared to traditional strength training. The purpose of this case report is to describe the impact of BFR use in an individual after TKA, employing pain measurements, quantitative sensory testing, patient-reported outcome measures, physical performance tests, and muscle strength and power testing to explore potential treatment effects and identify potential predictors of response for future studies. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 49-year-old former female triathlete with a history of knee injury and arthroscopic surgery underwent a right TKA and sought physical therapy (PT) due to pain, limited range of motion (ROM), and knee instability during weight bearing activity. PT interventions included manual therapy, gait training, and a home program. Despite participating in supervised PT, she had persistent pain, ROM deficits, and muscle weakness 16 weeks following TKA. BFR was incorporated into her home program, 16-weeks postoperatively. The Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) were used to measure pain. Quantitative sensory testing included pressure pain threshold (PPT) and two-point discrimination (TPD) to measure change in sensory perception. Patient-reported outcome measures to assess perceived physical function were the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the KOOS- Joint Replacement (KOOS-JR). Physical performance was measured through the 30-second fast walk test (30SFW), timed stair climb test (SCT), 30-second chair standing test (CST), and the timed up and go (TUG). Knee ROM was assessed through standard goniometry. Knee extensor and flexor muscle strength and power were measured with an instrumented dynamometer for isokinetic and isometric testing, generating a limb symmetry index (LSI). OUTCOMES: Pain and quantitative sensory testing achieved clinically meaningful improvement suggesting reduced sensitivity during and after BFR utilization. Perceived physical function and symptoms significantly improved, particularly in sports and recreation activities, and were best captured in the KOOS, not the KOOS-JR. Physical performance reached clinically meaningful improvement in walking speed, chair stand repetitions, and timed stair climb tests after BFR. Isokinetic and isometric strength and power in knee extensors and flexors increased significantly after BFR compared to the uninvolved leg as determined by LSI. DISCUSSION: In this case, BFR appeared to be a safe and well-tolerated intervention. The results suggest potential benefits in terms of increased function, strength, power, and reduced pain in this specific person after TKA. Comprehensive pain and sensory assessments alongside clinical measures may help identify suitable patients for BFR after TKA. The KOOS-Sport & Recreation subscale may be more responsive to monitor functional recovery compared to the KOOS-JR, possibly due to the subject\u27s athletic background. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Greater Number of Weekly Stairs Climbed is Associated With Lower Low Back Pain Prevalence Among Female but not Male Physical Therapists

INTRODUCTION: Certain cardiovascular health benefits of stair climbing are now widely accepted, but no prior studies have as yet been found linking the quantity of stairs climbed to low back pain (LBP) morbidity. Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal impairment, and research has begun to show an association between LBP and gluteus maximus (GM) weakness. With stair climbing being the activity which most activates GM, the aim of the present research was to assess the relationship between stair ambulation and LBP prevalence. The hypothesis of this cross-sectional study was that individuals with LBP would report a significantly lower numbers of stair flights climbed compared with individuals without LBP. METHODS: A survey tool was developed and distributed via email to a convenience sample of orthopedic physical therapists. Survey items included information regarding medical history, physical activity, workplace, and LBP factors, using a one-year prevalence period. RESULTS: A total of 363 respondents took the survey and, after application of exclusion criteria, 248 records remained in our final sample. When analyzing all genders together, non LBP (NLBP) respondents reported a mean of 51.62 flights climbed per week; and LBP respondents reported 37.82 flights climbed per week, with P = 0.077. When males and females were analyzed separately, a statistically significant difference in mean number of flights of stairs climbed was found among female respondents (61.51 flights climbed for NLBP and 35.61 flights climbed for LBP females; P = 0.031). When analyzed based on chronicity of LBP, an even stronger association between stairs climbed and LBP prevalence was found for female respondents with acute LBP (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: More weekly stairs climbed was associated with a lower LBP prevalence among females, especially with respect to acute LBP. Randomized, longitudinal research is, however, required to confirm a relationship between stair climbing and LBP

Greater Number of Weekly Stairs Climbed Is Associated With Lower Low Back Pain Prevalence Among Female but Not Male Physical Therapists

INTRODUCTION: Certain cardiovascular health benefits of stair climbing are now widely accepted, but no prior studies have as yet been found linking the quantity of stairs climbed to low back pain (LBP) morbidity. Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal impairment, and research has begun to show an association between LBP and gluteus maximus (GM) weakness. With stair climbing being the activity which most activates GM, the aim of the present research was to assess the relationship between stair ambulation and LBP prevalence. The hypothesis of this cross-sectional study was that individuals with LBP would report a significantly lower numbers of stair flights climbed compared with individuals without LBP. METHODS: A survey tool was developed and distributed via email to a convenience sample of orthopedic physical therapists. Survey items included information regarding medical history, physical activity, workplace, and LBP factors, using a one-year prevalence period. RESULTS: A total of 363 respondents took the survey and, after application of exclusion criteria, 248 records remained in our final sample. When analyzing all genders together, non LBP (NLBP) respondents reported a mean of 51.62 flights climbed per week; and LBP respondents reported 37.82 flights climbed per week, with P = 0.077. When males and females were analyzed separately, a statistically significant difference in mean number of flights of stairs climbed was found among female respondents (61.51 flights climbed for NLBP and 35.61 flights climbed for LBP females; P = 0.031). When analyzed based on chronicity of LBP, an even stronger association between stairs climbed and LBP prevalence was found for female respondents with acute LBP (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: More weekly stairs climbed was associated with a lower LBP prevalence among females, especially with respect to acute LBP. Randomized, longitudinal research is, however, required to confirm a relationship between stair climbing and LBP

A Case of Thoracic Spondylosis Deformans and Multilevel Instrumented Spinal Fusion in an 84-Year-Old Male.

Spondylosis deformans is a type of spinal claw osteophytosis which can be found on the anterolateral vertebral bodies of any region, and which consists of protrusions of intervertebral disc tissue covered by a bony shell. We report here a case of thoracic spondylosis deformans and multilevel instrumented fusion found during routine dissection of a cadaver. Theories of the etiology of this condition are reviewed in general, and with respect to this specific case and the potential interaction of the presenting comorbidities. The clinical implications of these osteophytes, including musculoskeletal and visceral sequelae, are also discussed

Developing Clinical and Research Priorities for Pain and Psychological Features in People With Patellofemoral Pain:An International Consensus Process With Health Care Professionals

OBJECTIVE: To decide clinical and research priorities on pain features and psychological factors in persons with patellofemoral pain. DESIGN: Consensus development process. METHODS: We undertook a 3-stage process consisting of (1) updating 2 systematic reviews on quantitative sensory testing of pain features and psychological factors in patellofemoral pain, (2) an online survey of health care professionals and persons with patellofemoral pain, and (3) a consensus meeting with expert health care professionals. Participants responded that they agreed, disagreed, or were unsure that a pain feature or psychological factor was important in clinical practice or as a research priority. Greater than 70% participant agreement was required for an item to be considered important in clinical practice or a research priority. RESULTS: Thirty-five health care professionals completed the survey, 20 of whom attended the consensus meeting. Thirty persons with patellofemoral pain also completed the survey. The review identified 5 pain features and 9 psychological factors—none reached 70% agreement in the patient survey, so all were considered at the meeting. Afte the meeting, pain catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, and pain self-efficacy were the only factors considered clinically important. All but the therma pain tests and 3 psychological factors were consid ered research priorities. CONCLUSION: Pain catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy, and fear-avoidance beliefs were factors considered important in treatment planning, clinical examination, and prognostication. Quantitative sensory tests for pain were not regarded as clinically important but were deemed to be research priorities, as were most psychological factors.</p

A 6-week hip muscle strengthening and lumbopelvic-hip core stabilization program to improve pain, function, and quality of life in persons with patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a feasibility pilot study

Abstract Background Patellofemoral joint (PFJ) osteoarthritis (OA) is prevalent in middle-aged and older adults. Despite this, there are minimal studies which have examined conservative interventions for PFJ OA. Weakness of proximal lower extremity muscles is associated with PFJ OA. It is unknown if a hip muscle strengthening and lumbopelvic-hip core stabilization program will improve symptoms and function in persons with PFJ OA. This study examined the feasibility and impact of a 6-week hip muscle strengthening and core stabilization program on pain, symptoms, physical performance, peak muscle torques, and quality of life in persons with PFJ OA. Methods Ten females with PFJ OA and ten age- and sex-matched controls participated in baseline tests. PFJ OA participants attended ten twice-a-week hip strengthening and core stabilization exercise sessions. Outcome measures included questionnaires, the Timed-Up-and-Go, and peak isometric torque of hip and quadriceps muscles. Data were tested for normality; parametric and non-parametric tests were used as appropriate. Results At baseline, the PFJ OA group had significantly worse symptoms, slower Timed-Up-and-Go performance, and lower muscle torques than control participants. PFJ OA group adherence to supervised exercise sessions was adequate. All PFJ OA participants attended at least nine exercise sessions. Five PFJ OA participants returned 6-month follow-up questionnaires, which was considered fair retention. The PFJ OA participants’ self-reported pain, symptoms, function in daily living, function in sport, and quality of life all improved at 6 weeks (P < 0.05). Timed-Up-and-Go time score improved at 6 weeks (P = 0.005). Peak hip external rotator torque increased (P = 0.01). Improvements in pain and self-reported function were no longer significant 6 months following completion of the intervention. Conclusions PFJ OA participants were adherent to the supervised sessions of the intervention. Improvement in symptoms, physical performance, and muscle torque were found after 6 weeks. Participant retention at 6 months was fair, and significant changes were no longer present. Our findings suggest that a hip strengthening and core stabilization program may be beneficial to improve symptoms, function, and physical performance in persons with PFJ OA. Future studies are needed, and additional measures should be taken to improve long-term adherence to exercise. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02825238. Registered 6 July 2016 (retrospectively registered)

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Adults and Adolescents with Patellofemoral Pain: A Systematic Review of Content Validity and Feasibility Using the COSMIN Methodology

OBJECTIVE: To assess the content validity and feasibility of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess pain and function in adults and adolescents with patellofemoral pain (PFP). DESIGN: Systematic review. LITERATURE SEARCH: We searched the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and the Cochrane Library from inception to January 6, 2022. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: We included studies that described the development or evaluation of the content validity of English-language PROMs for PFP as well as their translations and cultural adaptations to different languages. DATA SYNTHESIS: Using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology, we determined overall ratings and quality of evidence for the relevance, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility of PROMs. We extracted data related to feasibility for clinical use (eg, administration time and scoring ease). RESULTS: Forty-three studies for 33 PROMs were included. The overall quality of most studies was inadequate due to failure to engage stakeholders and/or ensure adherence to rigorous qualitative research procedures. Of all PROMs evaluated, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score - Patellofemoral subscale (KOOS-PF), was the only PROM with sufficient content validity components. Quality of evidence for content validity of the KOOS-PF was low. Most PROMs were rated feasible for clinical and research purposes. CONCLUSION: Most PROMs used to measure pain and function in patients with PFP have inadequate content validity. The KOOS-PF had the highest overall content validity. We recommend the KOOS-PF for evaluating pain and function (in research and clinical practice) in adults and adolescents with PFP

Survey of Confidence and Knowledge to Manage Patellofemoral Pain in Readers Versus NonReaders of the Physical Therapy Clinical Practice Guideline

Objectives: To compare beliefs of physical therapists (PTs) who read the clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the management of individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP) to those who have not read the CPG. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey. Participants: 494 currently licensed/registered PTs or physiotherapists. Main Outcome Measures: Respondents answered Likert-based or open-ended questions regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, risk factors, and management of individuals with PFP, as well as confidence for managing individuals with PFP, especially the ability to identify beneficial and non-beneficial interventions. We dichotomized responses into participants who read (READERS) and did not read (NonREADERS) the CPG. Results: Most respondents held inaccurate beliefs about risk factors and prognosis; however, READERS\u27 beliefs better aligned with the CPG than NonREADERS (P \u3c 0.01). Most respondents correctly agreed that hip and knee exercise was the recommended treatment strategy; yet NonREADERS believed in implementing unsupported passive treatments (P \u3c 0.01). READERS reported greater confidence in managing individuals with PFP, delivering evidence-based interventions, identifying less beneficial treatments, and locating evidence-based resources than NonREADERS (P \u3c 0.01). Conclusions: While READERS and NonREADERS held accurate beliefs for exercise-based treatment for PFP, greater knowledge translation is needed to counter inaccurate beliefs regarding risk factors, prognostic factors, and passive treatments