Kenneth E. Games

Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of stress fractures in the lower extremity in runners

Stress fractures account for between 1% and 20% of athletic injuries, with 80% of stress fractures in the lower extremity. Stress fractures of the lower extremity are common injuries among individuals who participate in endurance, high load-bearing activities such as running, military and aerobic exercise and therefore require practitioner expertise in diagnosis and management. Accurate diagnosis for stress fractures is dependent on the anatomical area. Anatomical regions such as the pelvis, sacrum, and metatarsals offer challenges due to difficulty differentiating pathologies with common symptoms. Special tests and treatment regimes, however, are similar among most stress fractures with resolution between 4 weeks to a year. The most difficult aspect of stress fracture treatment entails mitigating internal and external risk factors. Practitioners should address ongoing risk factors to minimize recurrence.

Whole-Body Vibration and Blood Flow and Muscle Oxygenation: A Meta-Analysis

CONTEXT The use and popularity of whole-body vibration (WBV) has increased in recent years, but there is a lack of consensus in the literature about the effectiveness of the treatment. OBJECTIVE To quantitatively examine the effects of WBV on muscle oxygenation and peripheral blood flow in healthy adults. DATA SOURCES We searched Web of Science and PubMed databases and reference lists from relevant articles using the key terms whole body vibration, whole-body vibration, WBV, blood flow, peripheral blood flow, oxygenation, muscle oxygenation, circulation, circulatory, near infrared spectroscopy, NIRS, and power Doppler. Key terms were searched using single word and combination searches. No date range was specified. STUDY SELECTION Criteria for inclusion were (1) use of a commercially available WBV device, (2) a human research model, (3) a pre-WBV condition and at least 1 WBV experimental condition, and (4) reporting of unstandardized means and standard deviations of muscle oxygenation or peripheral blood flow. DATA EXTRACTION Means, standard deviations, and sample sizes were extracted from the text, tables, and figures of included studies. A total of 35 and 90 data points were extracted for the muscle-oxygenation and blood-flow meta-analyses, respectively. Data for each meta-analysis were combined and analyzed using meta-analysis software. Weighted, random-effects meta-analyses using the Hedges g metric were completed for muscle oxygenation and blood flow. We then conducted follow-up analyses using the moderator variables of vibration type, vibration time, vibration frequency, measurement location, and sample type. DATA SYNTHESIS We found 18 potential articles. Further examination yielded 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Whole-body vibration was shown to positively influence peripheral blood flow. Additionally, the moderators of vibration type and frequency altered the influence of WBV on blood flow. Overall, WBV did not alter muscle oxygenation; however, when the measurement site was considered, muscle oxygenation increased or decreased depending on the location. CONCLUSIONS Acute bouts of WBV increase peripheral blood flow but do not alter skeletal muscle oxygenation. Vibration type appears to be the most important factor influencing both muscle oxygenation and peripheral blood flow.

Core Stability Exercise Versus General Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain

Reference: Wang XQ, Zheng JJ, Yu ZW, et al. A meta-analysis of core stability exercise versus general exercise for chronic low back pain. PLoS One. 2012;7(12):e52082. Clinical Questions: Is core stability exercise more effective than general exercise in the treatment of patients with nonspecific low back pain (LBP)? DATA SOURCES  The authors searched the following databases: China Biological Medicine disc, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed from 1970 through 2011. The key medical subject headings searched were chronic pain, exercise, LBP, lumbosacral region, and sciatica. STUDY SELECTION  Randomized controlled trials comparing core stability exercise with general exercise in the treatment of chronic LBP were investigated. Participants were male and female adults with LBP for at least 3 months that was not caused by a specific known condition. A control group receiving general exercise and an experimental group receiving core stability exercise were required for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Core stability was defined as the ability to ensure a stable neutral spine position, but the type of exercise was not specified. Outcome measures of pain intensity, back-specific functional status, quality of life, and work absenteeism were recorded at 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals. DATA EXTRACTION  The study design, participant information, description of interventions in the control and experimental groups, outcome measures, and follow-up period were extracted. The mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to evaluate statistical significance. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Recommendations, and all articles were rated as high risk for other bias with no further explanation given. MAIN RESULTS  Five studies involving 414 patients were included. Four studies assessed pain intensity using the visual analog scale or numeric rating scale. In the core stability exercise group, the reduction in pain was significant at 3 months (MD = -1.29, 95% CI = -2.47, -0.11; P = .003) but not at 6 months (MD = -0.50, 95% CI = -1.36, 0.35; P = .26). Functional status was improved at 3 months (MD = -7.14, 95% CI = -11.64, -2.65; P = .002) but not at 6 months (MD = -0.50, 95% CI = 0.36, 0.35; P = .26) or 12 months (MD = -0.32, 95% CI = -0.87, 0.23; P = .25). All of the included studies assessed back-specific functional status: 4 used the Oswestry Disability Index and 1 used the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Patients in the core stability exercise groups experienced improved functional status versus the general exercise group at 3 months (MD = -7.14, 95% CI = -11.64, -2.65; P = .002); no results were recorded at 6 or 12 months. CONCLUSIONS  In the short term, core stability exercise was more effective than general exercise for decreasing pain and increasing back-specific functional status in patients with LBP.

Effect of Body-Weight-Support Running on Lower-Limb Biomechanics

Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Background Body-weight-support (BWS) running is increasing in popularity, despite limited evidence of its effects on running mechanics. Objectives To determine the effect of increasing BWS on lower-limb biomechanics during lower-body positive-pressure (LBPP) treadmill running. Methods Fourteen male recreational runners completed 15 randomized trials on an LBPP treadmill at 5 levels of BWS and 3 velocities (1-minute trials with 3-minute recovery). Knee and ankle kinematic data were recorded continuously via electrogoniometry. Synchronous in-shoe plantar-pressure data identified stride onset and quantified foot-segment forces. Data were recorded during the final 30 seconds of each trial and averaged over 10 consecutive stride cycles. Results Higher levels of BWS resulted in significantly (P<.001) increased stride duration, reduced stride frequency, and reduced ground contact time (GCT). In addition, normalized GCT (GCT/stride duration) was significantly reduced (P<.001), indicating increased flight time. Increasing BWS resulted in significant reductions (P<.001) in peak knee flexion and dorsiflexion and reduced overall knee and ankle range of motion during the stance phase. Conclusion Running on an LBPP treadmill alters lower-limb kinematics, resulting in reduced ankle and knee joint range of motion. In addition, increased BWS alters stride characteristics, resulting in shorter GCT and longer flight time. Clinicians must be aware of lower-limb kinematic alterations to provide safe and effective parameters for rehabilitation involving LBPP treadmills. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(9):784-793. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6503.

A Meta-Analysis to Determine if Lower Extremity Muscle Strengthening Should Be Included in Military Knee Overuse Injury-Prevention Programs

CONTEXT  Knee overuse injuries are the most common musculoskeletal complaints in military trainees and are common in active-duty warfighters. Muscle strengthening is usually recommended; however, research is conflicting in this area, which makes it difficult to develop effective screening, prevention, and training interventions for warfighters. OBJECTIVE  To determine if lower extremity muscular weakness contributes to knee overuse injuries and identify specific muscular involvement. DATA SOURCES  We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Military & Government Collection and reference lists of relevant articles published between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2013. STUDY SELECTION  For inclusion, requirements were uninjured and injured groups; provision of the sample size, means, and standard deviations for all groups; identification of the specific muscles assessed; and clearly defined knee injury. DATA EXTRACTION  Sample size, sex, and muscle strength means and standard deviations. DATA SYNTHESIS  Twenty-five studies met these criteria. We used the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network algorithm to determine the appropriate tool for appraising article quality. Unweighted random-effects model meta-analyses were conducted. Separate meta-analyses were performed for the moderators of strength measurement scale (absolute or normalized muscle strength), muscle group, and sex. A weighted random-effects model with a Hedges g effect metric and 95% confidence intervals were used for comparison across studies. CONCLUSIONS  Our meta-analysis suggests that individuals with symptoms of a knee overuse injury have lower absolute and normalized hip muscle strength. Specifically, they had lower absolute hip external-rotator, knee-extensor, and knee-flexor strength, as well as lower normalized hip external-rotator, hip-extensor, and hip-abductor strength, compared with asymptomatic control participants. The findings suggest a possible link between lower hip and thigh strength and knee overuse injuries. Further research is needed to determine if weakness is a cause or a result of knee overuse injuries before screening and intervention can be developed for at-risk warfighters.

Effects of vehicle-ride exposure on cervical pathology—a meta-analysis

Research to date on the effect vehicle-ride exposure has on the development of cervical pathologies in mounted Warfighters is conflicting. The purpose of this study was to determine if the literature suggests a definite effect of vehicle-ride exposure on cervical pathology. Databases were searched using multiple combinations of select terms. Twelve studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that overall vehicle-ride exposure was likely to increase cervical pathology (p=0.01, odds ratio=1.59, 95% CI=1.16−2.17). Using vehicle type as a moderator it was found that vehicle-ride exposure in ground-based vehicles (p=0.01, odds ratio=2.33, 95% CI=1.41−3.85) and fixed-wing aircraft (p=0.01, odds ratio =1.59, 95% CI=1.13−2.23) were likely to increase cervical pathology. Using operator/other personnel moderator it was found that in the populations tested, fighter pilots or fighter jet weapons systems operators were more likely to develop a cervical pathology (p<0.001, odds ratio=1.78, 95% CI=1.26−2.50). The available studies indicate an increase in cervical pathology for personnel exposed to ground-based vehicles and fixed-wing aircraft.

Clinician-Friendly Physical Performance Tests for the Knee

Reference:  Hegedus EJ, McDonough S, Bleakley C, Cook CE, Baxter GD. Clinician-friendly lower extremity physical performance measures in athletes: a systematic review of measurement properties and correlation with injury. Part 1: the tests for knee function including the hop tests. Br J Sports Med. 2015;49(10):642-648. CLINICAL QUESTION   Do individual physical performance tests (PPTs) used as measures for lower extremity function have any relationship to injuries in athletes aged 12 years or older? DATA SOURCES   Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to locate articles. The authors searched PubMed, EMBASE, and SPORTDiscus, in addition to searching by hand. The search strategy combined the terms athlete, lower extremity, and synonyms of performance test with the names of performance tests. STUDY SELECTION   Studies were included if they involved a test that met the operational definition for a PPT. The included studies assessed components of sport function (eg, speed, agility, and power), determined readiness for return to sport, or predicted injury to the lower extremity. All PPT measures could be performed on the field, courtside, or in a gym with affordable, portable, and readily available equipment. Studies were excluded if they made use of 3-dimensional motion capture, force platforms, timing gates, treadmills, stationary bikes, metabolic charts, or another nonportable, costly testing device. Athletes were categorized on the Tegner Scale at a minimum of level 5, which is the lowest level that still encompasses competitive athletes. Studies were included if 50% or more of the participants were rated above 5 on the Tegner Scale. Studies were excluded if the sole purpose was to judge movement quality or range of motion. Studies were selected if they identified the knee or a knee injury as a focal point of the paper. DATA EXTRACTION   The Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) was used to critique the methodologic quality of each paper with a 4-point Likert scale. The title and methods of each paper were extracted. Extracted data were summarized using ratings of unknown, conflicting, limited, moderate, and strong. MAIN RESULTS   An initial search revealed 3379 original articles for consideration. After initial review, 169 full-text articles were evaluated and 29 articles were included in the systematic review. Six tests were examined for the best evidence of methodologic quality: (1) 1-legged single hop for distance, (2) 1-legged triple hop for distance, (3) 6-m timed hop, (4) crossover hop for distance, (5) triple jump, and (6) 1-legged vertical jump. A summary of the methodologic properties of the 6 tests showed fair/poor reliability, fair/poor hypothesis testing, good criterion validity, and good/poor responsiveness. No tests predicted knee injury in athletes. CONCLUSIONS   Although numerous authors have evaluated PPTs at the knee, evidence for the measurement quality of these functional tests is limited and conflicting. Ample opportunity exists for researchers to further examine PPTs for the knee. Until more knowledge is gained about these PPTs, clinicians should exercise caution when making clinical decisions based on the results of these tests.

Risk Factors for Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Active Individuals: An Evidence-Based Review.

Reference/Citation: Hamstra-Wright KL, Bliven KC, Bay C. Risk factors for medial tibial stress syndrome in physically active individuals such as runners and military personnel: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2015;49(6):362-369. CLINICAL QUESTION What factors put physically active individuals at risk to develop medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS)? DATA SOURCES The authors performed a literature search of CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and MEDLINE from each databases inception to July 2013. The following key words were used together or in combination: armed forces, athlete, conditioning, disorder predictor, exercise, medial tibial stress syndrome, militaries, MTSS, military, military personnel, physically active, predictor, recruit, risk, risk characteristic, risk factor, run, shin pain, shin splints, and vulnerability factor. STUDY SELECTION Studies were included in this systematic review based on the following criteria: original research that (1) investigated risk factors associated with MTSS, (2) compared physically active individuals with and without MTSS, (3) was printed in English, and (4) was accessible in full text in peer-reviewed journals. DATA EXTRACTION Two authors independently screened titles or abstracts (or both) of studies to identify inclusion criteria and quality. If the article met the inclusion criteria, the authors extracted demographic information, study design and duration, participant selection, MTSS diagnosis, investigated risk factors, mean difference, clinical importance, effect size, odds ratio, and any other data deemed relevant. After the data extraction was complete, the authors compared findings for accuracy and completeness. When the mean and standard deviation of a particular risk factor were reported 3 or more times, that risk factor was included in the meta-analysis. In addition, the methodologic quality was assessed with an adapted checklist developed by previous researchers. The checklist contained 5 categories: study objective, study population, outcome measurements, assessment of the outcome, and analysis and data presentation. Any disagreement between the authors was discussed and resolved by consensus. MAIN RESULTS A total of 165 papers were initially identified, and 21 original research studies were included in this systematic review. More than 100 risk factors were identified in the 21 studies. Continuous data were reported 3 or more times for risk factors of body mass index (BMI), navicular drop, ankle plantar-flexion range of motion (ROM), ankle-dorsiflexion ROM, ankle-eversion ROM, ankle-inversion ROM, quadriceps angle, hip internal-rotation ROM, and hip external-rotation ROM. As compared with the control group, significant risk factors for developing MTSS identified in the literature were (1) greater BMI (mean difference [MD] = 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.38, 1.20; P < .001), (2) greater navicular drop (MD = 1.9 mm, 95% CI = 0.54, 1.84 mm; P < .001), (3) greater ankle plantar-flexion ROM (MD = 5.94°, 95% CI = 3.65°, 8.24°; P < .001), and (4) greater hip external-rotation ROM (MD = 3.95°, 95% CI = 1.78°, 6.13°; P < .001). Ankle-dorsiflexion ROM (MD = -0.01°, 95% CI = -0.96, 0.93; P = .98), ankle-eversion ROM (MD = 1.17°, 95% CI = -0.02, 2.36; P = .06), ankle-inversion ROM (MD = 0.98°, 95% CI = -3.11°, 5.07°; P = .64), quadriceps angle (MD = -0.22°, 95% CI = -0.95°, 0.50°; P = .54), and hip internal-rotation ROM (MD = 0.18°, 95% CI = -5.37°, 5.73°; P = .95), were not different between individuals with MTSS and controls. CONCLUSIONS The primary factors that appeared to put a physically active individual at risk for MTSS were increased BMI, increased navicular drop, greater ankle plantar-flexion ROM, and greater hip external-rotation ROM. These primary risk factors can guide health care professionals in the prevention and treatment of MTSS.

The Use of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures: Secondary School Athletic Trainers' Perceptions, Practices, and Barriers

CONTEXT Incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into daily routine is essential for patient-centered clinical practice. Secondary school athletic trainers (ATs) may encounter unique barriers that limit their willingness to use PROs. OBJECTIVE To explore how secondary school ATs who were using PROs perceived their application, benefits, and problems compared with those who did not. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Web-based survey. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 2984 secondary school ATs received an e-mail invitation, and 322 completed the survey (response rate = 10.8%). Respondents were 43 ± 10 years old, with most indicating at least 11 years as a Board of Certification-certified AT (n = 276, 85.7%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The ATs were invited to complete a Web-based survey regarding the uses and benefits of and problems with PROs. Those using PROs in clinical practice were asked their criteria for selecting the measures, whereas those not using PROs were asked their reasons for not using them. Dependent variables were endorsements of uses and benefits of and problems with PROs. RESULTS The most commonly cited uses of PROs were determining treatment effectiveness (193/264, 73%) and demonstrating effectiveness to administration (174/264, 66%). Improving communication with the patient (267/296, 90%) and helping to direct the plan of care (256/297, 86%) were the most frequently endorsed benefits of PROs. Time to score and analyze (152/284, 53%) and time for patients to complete (134/284, 47%) PROs were the problems encountered most often. For ATs not using PROs (223/262, 85%), the most frequent reason was the lack of a support structure (102/219, 46%). For ATs using PROs (39/262, 15%), quick completion times (32/39, 82%) was the most common criterion used to select individual measures. CONCLUSIONS A majority of secondary school ATs recognized the benefits of PROs and yet did not use them in clinical practice due to setting-specific barriers.

Ankle Proprioception Training Program for Preventing Lateral Ankle Sprains in Adolescent Basketball Players: A Case Validation Study

The purpose of this case validation study was to examine the effects of a previously established proprioception training program on the number of lateral ankle sprains in secondary school basketball players. The patient population consisted of 22 patients (5 females, 17 males, age = 16±1 years old, height = 181.8±8.9 cm, weight = 74.8±12.8 kg) from a small rural high school in Illinois. The team completed the proprioceptive training program as part of a warm-up supervised by the athletic trainer and took approximately five minutes to complete. The program was completed every day for five weeks with one additional week of maintenance exercises. The main outcomes assessed were the number of lateral ankle sprains, anterior reach distance from the Y-Balance Test, and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Sport Scale scores. Data collection occurred at baseline (prior to starting the program), week 6, week 12, and follow-up. There were a total of 9 lateral ankle sprains and 3 re-injury throughout the course of the previous season without using the proprioceptive training program. There were 6 lateral ankle sprains and only 1 re-injury during this competition season. Anterior reach distances on the Y- Balance test improved from follow-up to week 6; but decreased from week 6 to week 12 and follow-up. FAAM Sport scale scores remained consistent throughout the duration of the season. The proprioceptive training program was effective in reducing the number of lateral ankle sprains in the adolescent population and helped improve anterior reach distance while patients were completing the exercise program. Athletic trainers should incorporate more proprioceptive training programs with their patient population as primary prevention measures