222 research outputs found

    USAGE AND ACCEPTABIITY OF DATA NORMALIZATION IN BASEBALL PITCHING

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    To account for athletes of different sizes, kinetic values are commonly ‘normalized’ by dividing by mass and/or height. However, the creation of a ratio variable requires certain statistical assumptions to be met. The purpose of this study was to determine if elbow valgus torque predicted by pitching velocity is influenced by the normalization method using regression model comparison with normalized torque values. Both mass and mass*height normalization satisfied the correlation and zero intercept assumptions. Results did not agree between analysis methods that elbow valgus torque could be predicted with pitching velocity at the α = 0.05 level, indicating caution should be exercised before normalizing pitching kinetics data without confirming the assumptions for a ratio variable are met

    Lumbopelvic Stability During a Single Leg Step Down Predicts Elbow Varus Torque During Baseball Pitching

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    During a baseball pitch, energy is transferred from the lower extremities through the lumbopelvic junction to produce ball velocity. Reduced lumbopelvic stability has been associated with elbow injury in pitchers, and commonly ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears. The primary biomechanical mechanism of UCL tears is high elbow varus torque. Understanding how decreased lumbopelvic stability influences the development of elbow varus torque could identify risk factors of UCL elbow injury. PURPOSE: Characterize the predictive ability of lumbopelvic stability on elbow varus torque during a baseball pitch. METHODS: NCAA Division 1 baseball players (N=44; 19.6+1.3yrs) participated. Pitchers threw ten fastballs from a mound to a catcher over regulation distance. Elbow varus torque was recorded using an inertial measurement unit and ball velocity was recorded with a radar gun. Pitchers also completed a single leg step down (SLSD) task. Triplanar kinematics were recorded for both legs, pelvis and trunk using inertial measurement units. Statistical analysis consisted of a cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and a multivariate logistic regression model to determine the relationship between lumbopelvic stability and elbow varus torque. RESULTS: Cluster analysis revealed 2 subgroups of pitchers: Low Torque-High Velocity and High Torque-Low Velocity. PCA analysis indicated 4 patterns of SLSD motion variability (principal components): 1-sagittal plane, 2-transverse plane, 3-frontal plane trail limb, and 4-frontal plane lead limb. Increased transverse plane motion of the trunk and pelvis predicted higher odds of belonging to the High Torque-Low Velocity cluster; trunk [Odds Ratio=2.9 (95%CI:1.1,8.0), p=0.036] and pelvis [Odds Ratio=2.6 (95%CI:1.1,6.0), p=0.031]. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbopelvic motion assessed during the SLSD in pitchers can identify deficits that predict high elbow varus torque and low ball velocity during the baseball pitch. Specifically, higher pelvis and trunk transverse plane motion was associated with pitchers in the High Torque-Low Velocity cluster. The SLSD provides an easily accessible method for coaches and clinicians to identify a potential risk factor related to increased elbow varus torque and UCL injury in pitchers

    A Cadaveric Study Validating in vitro Monitoring Techniques to Measure the Failure Mechanism of Glenoid Implants against Clinical CT

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    Definite glenoid implant loosening is identifiable on radiographs, however, identifying early loosening still eludes clinicians. Methods to monitor glenoid loosening in vitro have not been validated to clinical imaging. This study investigates the correlation between in vitro measures and CT images. Ten cadaveric scapulae were implanted with a pegged glenoid implant and fatigue tested to failure. Each scapulae were cyclically loaded superiorly and CT scanned every 20,000 cycles until failure to monitor progressive radiolucent lines. The superior and inferior rim displacements were also measured. A finite element (FE) model of one scapula was used to analyse the interfacial stresses at the implant/cement and cement/bone. All ten implants failed inferiorly at the implant-cement interface, two also failed at the cement-bone interface inferiorly, and three showed superior failure. Failure occurred at of 80,966 ± 53,729 (mean ± SD) cycles. CT scans confirmed failure of the fixation, and in most cases, was observed either before or with visual failure, indicating its capacity to detect loosening earlier for earlier intervention if needed. Significant correlations were found between both increasing inferior rim displacement (ASTM standard F2028-14), increasing vertical head displacement and failure of the glenoid implant. The FE model showed peak tensile stresses inferiorly and high compressive stresses superiorly, corroborating experimental findings. Similar failure modes have been cited in clinical and in vitro studies. In vitro monitoring methods correlated to failure progression in clinical CT images. Clinical Significance: The study highlights failure at the implant-cement interface and early signs of failure are identifiable in CT images

    Validity and reliability of 3D marker based scapular motion analysis : a systematic review

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    Methods based on cutaneous markers are the most popular for the recording of three dimensional scapular motion analysis. Numerous methods have been evaluated, each showing different levels of accuracy and reliability. The aim of this review was to report the metrological properties of 3D scapular kinematic measurements using cutaneous markers and to make recommendations based on metrological evidence. A database search was conducted using relevant keywords and inclusion/exclusion criteria in 5 databases. 19 articles were included and assessed using a quality score. Concurrent validity and reliability were analyzed for each method. Six different methods are reported in the literature, each based on different marker locations and post collection computations. The acromion marker cluster (AMC) method coupled with a calibration of the scapula with the arm at rest is the most studied method. Below 90–100° of humeral elevation, this method is accurate to about 5° during arm flexion and 7° during arm abduction compared to palpation (average of the 3 scapular rotation errors). Good to excellent within-session reliability and moderate to excellent between-session reliability have been reported. The AMC method can be improved using different or multiple calibrations. Other methods using different marker locations or more markers on the scapula blade have been described but are less accurate than AMC methods. Based on current metrological evidence we would recommend (1) the use of an AMC located at the junction of the scapular spine and the acromion, (2) the use of a single calibration at rest if the task does not reach 90° of humeral elevation, (3) the use of a second calibration (at 90° or 120° of humeral elevation), or multiple calibrations above 90° of humeral elevation

    Motor control retraining exercises for shoulder impingement: effects on function, muscle activation, and biomechanics in young adults

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    Objective: Evidence for effective management of shoulder impingement is limited. The present study aimed to quantify the clinical, neurophysiological, and biomechanical effects of a scapular motor control retraining for young individuals with shoulder impingement signs.Method: Sixteen adults with shoulder impingement signs (mean age 22 ? 1.6 years) underwent the intervention and 16 healthy participants (24.8 ? 3.1years) provided reference data. Shoulder function and pain were assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and other questionnaires. Electromyography (EMG) and 3 dimensional motion analysis was used to record muscle activation and kinematic data during arm elevation to 90? and lowering in 3 planes. Patients were assessed pre and post a 10-week motor control based intervention, utilizing scapular orientation retraining.Results: Pre-intervention, patients reported pain and reduced function compared to the healthy participants (SPADI in patients 20 ? 9.2; healthy 0 ? 0). Post intervention, the SPADI scores reduced significantly (P < .001) by a mean of 10 points (?4). EMG showed delayed onset and early termination of serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscle activity pre-intervention, which improved significantly post-intervention (P < .05). Pre intervention, patients exhibited on average 4.6-7.4? less posterior tilt, which was significantly lower in 2 arm elevation planes (P < .05) than healthy participants. Postintervention, upward rotation and posterior tilt increased significantly (P <.05) during 2 arm movements, approaching the healthy values.Conclusion: A 10-week motor control intervention for shoulder impingement increased function and reduced pain. Recovery mechanisms were indicated by changes in muscle recruitment andscapular kinematics. The efficacy of the intervention requires further examined in a randomizedcontrol trial

    Propagation of soft tissue artifacts to the center of rotation: A model for the correction of functional calibration techniques

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    This paper presents a mathematical model for the propagation of errors in body segment kinematics to the location of the center of rotation. Three functional calibration techniques, usually employed for the gleno-humeral joint, are studied: the methods based on the pivot of the instantaneous helical axis (PIHA) or the finite helical axis (PFHA), and the ¿symmetrical center of rotation estimation¿ (SCoRE). A procedure for correcting the effect of soft tissue artifacts is also proposed, based on the equations of those techniques and a model of the artifact, like the one that can be obtained by double calibration. An experiment with a mechanical analog was performed to validate the procedure and compare the performance of each technique. The raw error (between 57 and 68 mm) was reduced by a proportion of between 1:6 and less than 1:15, depending on the artifact model and the mathematical method. The best corrections were obtained by the SCoRE method. Some recommendations about the experimental setup for functional calibration techniques and the choice of a mathematical method are derived from theoretical considerations about the formulas and the results of the experiment.This work has been funded by the Spanish Government (Grants DPI2009-13830-C02-01, DPI2009-13830-C02-02, DPI2010-20814-C02-01, and DPI2010-20814-C02-02).De Rosario Martínez, H.; Page Del Pozo, AF.; Besa Gonzálvez, AJ.; Valera Fernández, Á. (2013). Propagation of soft tissue artifacts to the center of rotation: A model for the correction of functional calibration techniques. Journal of Biomechanics. 46(15):2619-2625. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2013.08.006S26192625461

    Adhesive capsulitis and dynamic splinting: a controlled, cohort study

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Adhesive Capsulitis (AC) affects patient of all ages, and stretching protocols are commonly prescribed for this condition. Dynamic splinting has been shown effective in contracture reduction from pathologies including Trismus to plantar fasciitis. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of dynamic splinting on patients with AC.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This controlled, cohort study, was conducted at four physical therapy, sports medicine clinics in Texas and California. Sixty-two patients diagnosed with Stage II Adhesive Capsulitis were grouped by intervention. The intervention categories were as follows: Group I (Control); Group II (Physical Therapy exclusively with standardized protocols); Group III; (Shoulder Dynasplint system exclusively); Group IV (Combined treatment with Shoulder Dynasplint and standardized Physical Therapy). The duration of this study was 90 days for all groups, and the main outcome measures were change in active, external rotation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Significant difference was found for all treatment groups (p < 0.001) following a one-way ANOVA. The greatest change with the smallest standard deviation was for the combined treatment group IV, (mean change of 29°).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The difference for the combined treatment group was attributed to patients' receiving the best PT combined with structured "home therapy" that contributed an additional 90 hours of end-range stretching. This adjunct should be included in the standard of care for adhesive Capsulitis.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p><b>Trial Number</b>: NCT00873158</p

    Influence of pain location and hand dominance on scapular kinematics and EMG activities: an exploratory study

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Assessment of three-dimensional kinematics and electromyography (EMG) activities is common in patients with chronic neck pain. However, the effect of hand dominance and neck pain location on the measurement of movement and EMG characteristics is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of neck pain location and arm dominance on the scapular kinematics and muscle EMG activities in patients with chronic neck pain.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Thirty subjects (10 males, 20 females; mean age (sd): 38 (11.9) years) with chronic neck pain for more than 3 months were recruited. The scapular kinematics and EMG activity of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles were measured during the bilateral arm elevation task. The three-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine the effect of neck pain location and hand dominance on the measurement of kinematics and EMG muscle activities.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The movement of scapular posterior tilt was significantly influenced by arm dominance (P = 0.001) and by the interaction of arm dominance and elevation angle (P = 0.002). The movement of scapular upward/downward rotation was affected by the interaction of arm dominance and elevation angle (P = 0.02). The location of pain did not show any significant influence on the scapular movement and muscle activities.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Hand dominance could have an influence on the scapular kinematics, which should be taken into consideration when describing and comparing neuromuscular characteristics in individuals with chronic neck pain.</p
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