Musculoskeletal System Commons^™

Achilles Tendon Morphology Adaptations In Chronic Post-Stroke Hemiparesis: A Comparative Analysis With Neurologically Intact Controls, Jing Nong Liang, Greg Bashford, Kornelia Kulig, Kai-Yu Ho

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Introduction: In individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis, slow walking speed is a significant concern related to inadequate propulsion of the paretic limb. However, an overlooked factor is this population's altered morphology of the Achilles tendon, which may compromise the propulsive forces by the paretic limb. This study aimed to explore changes in Achilles tendon morphology, including gross thickness and intra-tendinous collagen fiber bundle organization, following stroke-induced brain lesions.

Methods: Fifteen individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis (at least 6 months post-stroke) and 19 neurologically intact controls participated. Ultrasound imaging was used to evaluate Achilles tendon thickness and collagen organization in the …

The Responsiveness Of Muscle Strength Tests In Adults With Intellectual Disabilities, S. Weterings, A. Oppewal, S. M.A. Bierma-Zeinstra, T. I.M. Hilgenkamp

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Background Muscle strength is both a strong predictor for future negative health outcomes and a prerequisite for physical fitness and daily functioning of adults with ID. Therefore, it is important to be able to monitor the muscle strength of adults with ID over time. The aim of this study is to assess the responsiveness of five field tests that measure muscle strength and endurance (grip strength, hand-held dynamometry of leg extension and arm flexion, 10RM-test of the seated squat and the biceps curl, 30-s chair stand and the 5-times Chair stand) in adults with ID after a 24-week resistance-exercise training …

Gender And Posture Are Significant Risk Factors To Musculoskeletal Symptoms During Touchscreen Tablet Computer Use, Szu-Ping Lee, Ya-Ting Hsu, Betina Bair, Marissa Toberman, Lung-Chang Chien

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

[Purpose] To investigate the prevalence of neck and shoulder symptoms during the use of tablet computer, and to identify the risk factors associated with these symptoms. [Subjects and Methods] A cross-sectional survey was conducted to study tablet computer usage, posture during use, and neck and shoulder symptoms in 412 participants in a school setting. Significant risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms during tablet computer use were identified. [Results] Overall prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms during tablet computer use was 67.9% with greater prevalence of neck symptoms (neck: 84.6%; shoulder/upper extremity: 65.4%). Significant risk factors associated with symptoms during use were: current musculoskeletal …

The Fit-Hansa Demonstrates Reliability And Convergent Validity Of Functional Performance In Patients With Shoulder Disorders, Prajyot Kumta, Joy C. Macdermid, Saurabh Mehta, Paul W. Stratford

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Study

DesignPsychometric study design.

Objectives

To assess the test-retest reliability and convergent validity of the Functional Impairment Test-Hand and Neck/Shoulder/Arm (FIT-HaNSA) in patients with shoulder disorders.

Background

Performance tests that assess functional ability of patients with shoulder disorders can provide useful information for making clinical or return-to-activity decisions. No performance-based shoulder test has yet demonstrated sufficient relevance or clinical measurement properties. The FIT-HaNSA examines upper extremity performance during repetitive tasks that emphasize shoulder reaching and static postures and, therefore, has greater relevance for assessing performance.

Methods

Thirty-six patients with shoulder disorders and 65 healthy controls were recruited for the study. …

Central Somatosensory Changes And Altered Muscle Synergies In Subjects With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency, Carol Courtney, Rose Marie Rine, Penny G. Kroll

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

To clarify the mechanisms of compensation in subjects with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency (ACL-D), we examined proprioception, quadriceps strength, somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and muscle responses during gait in varied combinations of speed and incline. Seventeen subjects with ACL-D were grouped by functional level and report of giving way. Seven subjects without ACL-D served as a control sample for muscle response measures. ACL-D subjects with quadriceps weakness experienced giving way and could not resume sport activities. Those without weakness fell into one of two groups: (1) copers, who had full return to previous activity and no giving way despite proprioceptive …