DO ANKLE STABILIZERS INFLUENCE DYNAMIC STABILITY IN PERSONS WITH FUNCTIONAL ANKLE INSTABILITY?

Ankle sprains are the most common injury in the physically active, and reoccurrence rate is high. Repetitive ankle sprains can cause functional ankle instability (FAI), leading to deficits in balance, strength, and stability. Sports medicine professionals prescribe and administer bracing and taping as extrinsic methods of enhancing ankle stability. What is not clear is how these methods affect neuromuscular control during dynamic movements in persons with FAI. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of taping and bracing on time to stabilization (TTS), as a measure of dynamic stability, in persons with FAI during two landing tasks

Relationship between gait kinematics and walking energy expenditure during pregnancy in South African women

Background Various musculoskeletal changes occurring during pregnancy may lead to the change in gait and contribute to the increase in walking energy expenditure. Previous research indicates that changes in gait mechanics may lead to the increase in mechanical work required during walking. However, there is little information to indicate if changes in gait mechanics during pregnancy have impact on active or total energy expenditure. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between changes in gait kinematics and walking energy expenditure in pregnant women. Methods Thirty-five women (mean age = 27.5 ± 6.1 years) volunteered for the study during various stages of pregnancy (1st trimester average = 12.1 ± 2.2 weeks; 2nd trimester = 22.3 ± 2.6 weeks; 3rd trimester = 31.4 ± 2.6 weeks). 3D motion analysis was used to assess changes in kinematic parameters during walking at self-selected pace. Resting metabolic rate, and walking energy expenditure expressed in terms of rate and cost of O2 were analysed with portable metabolic analyser. Results Only medio-lateral deviation of centre of gravity (COGML) increased 13.6% between the 1st and 2nd, and 39.3% between 2nd and 3rd trimester (p ≤ 0.001). However, self-selected walking speed depicted strong significant positive linear relationship with net O2 rate (r = 0.70; p ≤ 0.001), and was strongly associated with the vertical excursion of the COG (r = 0.75, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions Changes in gait mechanics during pregnancy may lead to an increase in walking energy expenditure. However, the consequent increase in walking energy cost may not be sufficient to offset the natural energy sparing mechanis

Relationship between functional movement screening and performance tests in elite university female netball players

The use of Functional Movement Screening (FMSTM) for elite university female netball players was investigated by evaluating the relationship between FMSTM total score and various performance tests. Out of 20 netball players, 19 completed the FMSTM screen consisting of deep overhead squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, active straight leg raise, shoulder stability, trunk stability and rotary stability; and the performance tests consisting of maximum vertical and lateral jumps, 5m- and 10m-sprints, 5-0-5 agility tests and repeated sprints. Spearmanꞌs correlations (p≤0.05) examined the relationships between the FMSTM and performance tests. Players with higher FMSTM total scores were faster on the 5-0-5 agility test (r=-0.52, p=0.02) and covered more distance in the repeated sprints test (r=0.51, p=0.03). Agility 5-0-5 test was also significantly associated with repeated sprints (r=-0.87, p=0.02), while no significant relationships were found with 5m- or 10m-sprints. Due to specific demands of netball, female players develop physical performance characteristics that do not depict strong association with the FMSTM assessment. Coaches and trainers should use both tools for comprehensive performance evaluation of their players.Keywords: Functional movement screening; Netball; Agility; Spee

Perceptions of sport science relevance and application among South African coaches and athletes

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of South African coaches and athletes of the relevance and usefulness of sport science on coaching methods and athletes’ performances. Twenty-two coaches (6 rugby; 3 cricket; 5 football; 3 hockey; 5 netball) and twenty-six athletes (5 rugby; 6 cricket; 6 football; 6 hockey; 3 netball) completed a questionnaire evaluating their knowledge, understanding, and the perceived usefulness of sport science. Almost 82% of coaches and 88% of athletes found sport science either “useful” or “very useful” in athletic training and performance. Coaches and athletes demonstrated similar views in areas of sport performance. Athletes considered scientific results/process less useful than coaches to their mental preparation or improving skills and processes. The common barriers to integration of sport science with practice were cost, language used in scientific literature and communication between sport scientists and coaches, as well as relevance of research topics. While the usefulness of sport science was acknowledged by both coaches and athletes, future coach development programmes should emphasise access to and correct use of sport science information. Sport science research should address the needs of the local sport and coaching community to ensure successful knowledge transfer.Keywords: Perceptions; Sport science; Coaches; Athletes; South Afric

Functional movement screen proficiency of adolescent female volleyball players

Assessments and testing of young athletes often exclude the fundamental and functional movement capacity, which are critical for healthy motor development of adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate functional capacity of young female volleyball players and determine if participation in volleyball leads to development of movement dysfunctions. Two-hundred fifty-eight (258) adolescent female volleyball players (14.3 ± 1.7 yrs) underwent the functional movement screen. Person correlation showed no significant relationship between functional tests and playing experience, while age showed significant, but weak relationship with total functional score (r = 0.189; p < 0.005). Overall, 44% of participants scored less than 14. Paired sample t-tests show significant bilateral asymmetries in hurdle step, in-line lunge, and shoulder mobility tests. Functional movement screen was useful in identifying functional limitations and asymmetries in young female athletes. However, as neither age nor playing experience were strongly associated with functional score, more attention should be given to the qualitative movement assessment of individual tests, rather than the composite score

EFFICACY OF HOME-BASED KINESTHESIA, BALANCE & AGILITY EXERCISE TRAINING AMONG PERSONS WITH SYMPTOMATIC KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a home-based kinesthesia, balance and agility (KBA) exercise program to improve symptoms among persons age > 50 years with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Forty-four persons were randomly assigned to 8-weeks, 3 times per week KBA, resistance training (RT), KBA + RT, or Control. KBA utilized walking agility exercises and single-leg static and dynamic balancing. RT used elastic resistance bands for open chain lower extremity exercises. KBA + RT performed selected exercises from each technique. Control applied inert lotion daily. Outcomes included the OA specific WOMAC Index of Pain, Stiffness, and Physical Function (PF), community activity level, exercise self-efficacy, self-report knee stability, and 15m get up & go walk (GUG). Thirty-three participants [70.7 (SD 8.5) years] completed the trial. Analysis of variance comparing baseline, mid-point, and follow-up measures revealed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in WOMAC scores among KBA, RT, KBA + RT, and Control, with no differences between groups. However, Control WOMAC improvements peaked at mid- point, whereas improvement in the exercise conditions continued at 8-weeks. There were no significant changes in community activity level. Only Control improved exercise self-efficacy. Knee stability was improved in RT and Control. GUG improved in RT and KBA+RT. These results indicate that KBA, RT, or a combination of the two administered as home exercise programs are effective in improving symptoms and quality of life among persons with knee OA. Control results indicate a strong placebo effect in the short term. A combination of KBA and RT should be considered as part of the rehabilitation program, but KBA or RT alone may be appropriate for some patients. Studies with more statistical power are needed to confirm or refute these results. Patient presentation, preferences, costs, and convenience should be considered when choosing an exercise rehabilitation approach for persons with knee O