Physical Therapy Commons^™

Stroke Increases Motor Output Variability During Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contractions Of Knee Extensor Muscles In Adults, Zhilun Zhou, Stephanie Christine Wolfe, Brian Schmit, Matthew J. Durand, Sandra Hunter, Allison Hyngstrom

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Greater motor output variability (MOV, inconsistency and unsteadiness) during submaximal tasks post stroke is associated with poorer motor performance. However, little is known about MOV during maximal tasks and relationships with clinical measures of motor performance among stroke survivors. This study determined inconsistency (across discrete attempts) and unsteadiness (within a single attempt) during knee extension maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) in stroke survivors and neurotypical controls. Forty-three stroke survivors (28 female) and 31 age-matched neurotypical controls (15 female) performed a minimum of five knee extension MVICs with paretic and non-paretic legs (stroke) or dominant leg (controls). Inconsistency was calculated as …

Intermittent Phrenic Afferent Activation Induces Phrenic Motor Plasticity, Nicole M. Popp, Taylor C. Holmes, Elizabeth A. Rozycki, Kristi A. Streeter

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Approaches such as electrical stimulation of the phrenic neuromuscular system are currently used in humans to manage breathing impairments. We recently showed that electrical stimulation of the diaphragm muscle induces phrenic afferent-dependent plasticity. These findings highlight the need to better understand the mechanisms of afferent-mediated plasticity to guide and improve the development of novel therapies using electrical stimulation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that intermittent activation of large-diameter phrenic afferents induces phrenic motor plasticity, which, like other forms of plasticity, is pattern sensitive. We delivered inspiratory-triggered electrical stimulation using a narrow pulse width (0.1 ms) to preferentially activate large-diameter afferents, …

Transitioning To Life After Sport: Empowering Former College Varsity Athletes To Live More Healthfully, Linda Piacentine, Taylor L. Wolf, Jacob J. Capin

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: 

The transition out of competitive sport comes with a range of psychosocial challenges for athletes, particularly when retirement is involuntary (e.g., due to injury). Little is known about the health of former athletes who often manage prior injuries and changing biopsychosocial factors.

Purpose: 

Identify the unique experiences of varsity athletes during college and as they transition to life after college sports and determine the facilitators, barriers, and needs of college varsity athletes to engage in a physically active and healthy lifestyle after competitive sport retirement.

Methods: 

Thirty former college varsity athletes (15F, 15M; mean age 23 ± 1 yrs; …

Sport Training Day Affects Adolescent Athletes’ Sleep Schedules, Abigail Larson, Jena Heck Street, Roman De Guia, Jacob J. Capin

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: Sufficient sleep is integral to overall health whereas suboptimal sleep puts athletes at greater risk for injury, lengthens their recovery time, and decreases their performance. Our purpose was to compare sleep across training days (i.e., competition, practice, and rest) in adolescent athletes, specifically identifying differences between nights before and after training.

Methods: Participants [n = 33 (14 male, 19 female), aged 15.6 ± 1.0 years] wore an activPAL accelerometer continuously for 14 consecutive days and completed a sleep log noting training day status (i.e., competition, practice, rest).

Results: Athletes slept less on the day after competition compared to …

Covid-19 And The Impact Of Physical Activity On Persistent Symptoms, Lauren E. Opielinski, Toni D. Uhrich, Michael H. Haischer, Rachel N. Beilfuss, Lindsey M. Mirkes Clark, Kamryn M. Kroner, Rachel E. Bollaert, Michael J. Danduran, Linda B. Piacentine, Marie K. Hoeger Bement, Paula E. Papanek, Sandra K. Hunter, Sarah J. Hamilton

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: Physical activity is protective against chronic disease but whether activity is associated with persistent symptoms in non-hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors is unknown. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity levels and the influence of physical activity on acute COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms in non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors.

Methods: In total, 64 non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors (45 female participants, 40 ± 18 years) were assessed for activity levels, body composition, and symptoms of COVID-19 8.5 ± 4.7 months post-infection and categorized into two groups: (1) persistent symptoms and (2) …

Treatment Of Osteoporosis And Osteoarthritis In The Oldest Old, Daniel Pinto

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are key diseases of musculoskeletal ageing and are increasing in prevalence and burden with the progressively ageing population worldwide. These conditions are thus particularly common in ‘the oldest old’, and there are complexities of managing them within the context of extensive multimorbidity, physical and mental disability, and polypharmacy, the rates for all of which are high in this population. In this narrative review, we explore the epidemiology of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis in the oldest old before examining trials and real-world data relating to the pharmacological treatment of these diseases in older adults, including anti-resorptives and bone-forming agents …

Beliefs Regarding The Use Of Imaging Among Patients With Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study In The Context Of A Middle-Income Country, Leandro M. Diniz, Ítalo R. Lemes, Ana P. C. F. Freire, Ana F. Guimarães, Lucas A. C. Ferreira, Marcia R. Franco, Arianne P. Verhagen, Guy Simoneau, Rafael Z. Pinto

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: Patients with low back pain may play an active role in the pre-scription of excessive spine imaging.

Objective: To determine the proportion of patients with low back pain who have beliefs not aligned with current evidence regarding the use of imaging and to identify factors associated with these beliefs.

Design: Secondary analysis of baseline data of a previously published randomized clinical trial.

Setting: Outpatient physical therapy clinic in a middle-income country.

Patients: Individuals with non-specific low back pain.

Methods: Outcome variables were two statements assessing the extent of patient agreement on the need for imaging in the management of …

Effects Of Ischemic Conditioning On Microvascular Reactivity To Single Passive Limb Movement In Young Adults: A Pilot Study, Alicen A. Whitaker-Hilbig, Jennifer N. Nguyen, Amanda E. Wietrzny, Gabriel R. Merkow, Sergey Tarima, Emilie A. Klevenow, Luke Nelson, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Matthew J. Durand

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose

Single passive limb movement (sPLM) of the lower extremity is a simple and clinically relevant measure of the microvascular vasodilatory response to movement. A promising stimulus to improve microvascular health is ischemic conditioning (IC). We examined whether a single session of IC could improve microvascular reactivity to sPLM in young adults.

Methods

This was a blinded, crossover, randomized clinical trial. Participants were seated in an isokinetic dynamometer that passively moved the knee 90° at a frequency of 1 Hz while superficial femoral artery leg blood flow (LBF) was measured. The absolute and the relative peak changes in LBF were …

Pain Is Modulated Differently Between Females With And Without Patellofemoral Pain: Factors Related To Sensitization, Kemery J. Sigmund, Marie K. Hoeger Bement, Wendy E. Huddleston, Kyle T. Ebersole, Jennifer E. Earl-Boehm

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Context

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) has poor long-term recovery outcomes. Central sensitization describes central nervous system changes altering pain modulation, which can complicate recovery (poorer prognosis and worse function). Signs of central sensitization include amplified pain facilitation, pain hypersensitivity, and impaired pain inhibition, which can be measured with temporal summation of pain (TSP), pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), and conditioned pain modulation (CPM), respectively. Sex differences exist for these test responses, but female-only PFP investigations of sensitization are uncommon. Understanding pain modulation in females with PFP could improve treatment protocols.

Objective

To determine whether females with PFP exhibit signs of central sensitization …

A Simple, Low-Cost Implant For Reliable Diaphragm Emg Recordings In Awake, Behaving Rats, Taylor C. Holmes, Jesus D. Penaloza-Aponte, Alyssa R. Mickle, Rachel L. Nosacka, Erica A. Dale, Kristi A. Streeter

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Breathing is a complex neuromuscular process vital to sustain life. In preclinical animal models, the study of respiratory motor control is primarily accomplished through neurophysiologic recordings and functional measurements of respiratory output. Neurophysiologic recordings that target neural or muscular output via direct nerve recordings or respiratory muscle electromyography (EMG) are commonly collected during anesthetized conditions. While offering tight control of experimental preparations, the use of anesthesia results in respiratory depression, may impact cardiovascular control, eliminates the potential to record volitional nonventilatory behaviors, and can limit translation. Since the diaphragm is a unique muscle which is rhythmically active and difficult to …

Rebuttal: Reduced Oxidative Capacity Of Skeletal Muscle Is Not An Inevitable Consequence Of Adult Ageing, Ian R. Lanza, Christopher W. Sundberg, Jane A. Kent

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

We thank Drs Marcinek and Ferrucci for their perspective on the inevitability of age-related declines in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity (Marcinek & Ferrucci, 2025). We agree that mitochondria have numerous roles in the cell beyond provision of chemical energy, many of which may be altered by ageing, but our focus in this debate is entirely on its role in energy production.

Perspectives Of Midwives And Nurse Practitioners In Kentucky On Exercise Counseling During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study, Madhawa Perera, Taniya S. Nagpal, Maire M. Blankenship, Dano Tolusso, Jordyn Cox, Dilini Prashadika, Mark Schafer, Rachel A. Tinius

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

Healthcare professionals are in an optimal position to deliver exercise information to pregnant women, yet previous research suggests this seldom happens. Midwives and nurse practitioners, who may have more time with pregnant women, are particularly well suited for this role.

Objectives

This qualitative study examined the exercise advice and counseling provided by midwives and nurse practitioners in Kentucky, focusing on the barriers they face.

Methods

Twenty-one midwives and nurse practitioners were recruited until the sample size reached saturation. A survey with open-ended questions was distributed to potential participants in regional hospitals, universities, and professional associations. The framework method was …

Age-Related Differences In Eye Movements And The Association With Archimedes Spiral Tracing Performance In Young And Older Adults, Brittany Heintz Walters, Wendy E. Huddleston, Kristian M. O'Connor, Jinsung Wang, Marie K. Hoeger Bement, Kevin G. Keenan

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Age-related hand motor impairments may critically depend on visual information though few studies have examined eye movements during tasks of hand function in older adults. The purpose of this study was to assess eye movements and their association with performance while tracing on a touchscreen in young and older adults. Eye movements of 21 young (age 20–38 years; 12 females, 9 males) and 20 older (65–85 years; 10 females, 10 males) adults were recorded while performing an Archimedes spiral tracing task, a common clinical assessment sensitive to age-associated impairments in hand function. Participants traced an Archimedes spiral template on a …

Whole Body Angular Momentum Characterizes Reactive Balance Adaptations And Perturbation Intensity, Mitchell D. Adam, Delaney Mcelvain, T. George Hornby, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Brian D. Schmit

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Identifying measures which accurately quantify reactive balance adaptation during walking is essential to understand how emerging perturbation-based gait paradigms impact stability over the course of an intervention. These perturbation paradigms have shown promise in reducing falls for numerous clinical populations, however tracking progress in objective terms throughout an intervention remains challenging. Whole body angular momentum (H) may be particularly suited to detect subtle adaptations in the reactive balance response and is applicable within numerous perturbation environments. We assessed the ability of young healthy adults to adapt to varying intensities of discrete, unexpected, treadmill-based perturbations directed mediolaterally, anteriorly, and posteriorly during …

Oh, My Quad: A Clinical Commentary And Evidence-Based Framework For The Rehabilitation Of Quadriceps Size And Strength After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Braidy Solie, Mitchell Carlson, Christopher Doney, Michael Kiely, Robert Laprade

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Quadriceps weakness after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a well-known phenomenon, with more persistent quadriceps weakness observed after ACLR with a bone-patellar tendon-bone or quadriceps tendon autograft than with a hamstring tendon autograft. Longstanding quadriceps weakness after ACLR has been associated with suboptimal postoperative outcomes and the progression of radiographic knee osteoarthritis, making the recovery of quadriceps size and strength a key component of ACLR rehabilitation. However, few articles have been written for the specific purpose of optimizing quadriceps size and strength after ACLR. Therefore, the purpose of this review article is to integrate the existing quadriceps muscle basic …

Immediate Effect Of Local Vibration On Motor Unit Firing Behavior And Muscle Strength In Healthy Young Adult Males, Yuichi Nishikawa, Aleš Holobar, Kohei Watanabe, Toshihiko Komatsuzaki, Takanori Chihara, Jiro Sakamoto, Takashi Kawagoe, Hidetaka Nagayasu, Kyoko Mori, Kenji Kawano, Noriaki Maeda, Shinobu Tanaka, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of vibration on motor unit (MU) firing behavior and physical performance of antagonist muscles in healthy young adult males.

Methods

Fourteen males (age = 24.3 ± 3.6 years) were included in this study. There were two conditions, one in which participants received 80 Hz vibration in the distal tendon of the hamstring for 30 s and the control condition (no vibration). High-density surface electromyography (HD-SEMG) signals and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of knee extensor muscles were evaluated before and after the respective conditions and recorded from the vastus lateralis …

Neural And Muscular Contributions To The Age-Related Differences In Peak Power Of The Knee Extensors In Men And Women, David J. Wrucke, Andrew Kuplic, Mitchell D. Adam, Sandra K. Hunter, Christopher W. Sundberg

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

The mechanisms for the loss in limb muscle power output in old (60–79 yr) and very old (≥80 yr) adults and whether the mechanisms differ between men and women are not well understood. We compared maximal peak power of the knee extensor muscles between young, old, and very old men and women and identified the neural and muscular factors contributing to the age-related differences in power. Thirty-one young (22.9 ± 3.0 yr, 15 women), 82 old (70.3 ± 4.9 yr, 38 women), and 16 very old adults (85.8 ± 4.2 yr, 9 women) performed maximal isokinetic contractions at 14 different …

Influence Of Stimulation Frequency On Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor And Cathepsin-B Production In Healthy Young Adults, Yuichi Nishikawa, Hiroyuki Sakaguchi, Tatsuya Takada, Noriaki Maeda, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) has been shown to stimulate the production of myokines (i.e., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)), but the most effective EMS parameters for myokine production have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to quantify the optimal EMS frequency for stimulating myokine production. This study included sixteen young adults (male, n = 13, age = 27.3 ± 5.5 years). Participants underwent four EMS interventions (20 min each) with the following conditions: (1) 4 Hz, (2) 20 Hz, (3) 80 Hz, and (4) control (no intervention). Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after EMS. For …

Sex Differences In Spontaneous Respiratory Recovery In Chronic Hemisection, Taylor C. Holmes, Nicole M. Popp, Carley F. Hintz, Isabell Dobrzycki, Carolyn J. Schmitz, Kaylyn A. Schwichtenberg, Elisa J. Gonzalez-Rothi, Christopher W. Sundberg, Kristi A. Streeter

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Respiratory deficits after C2 hemisection (C2Hx) have been well documented through single-sex investigations. Although ovarian sex hormones enable enhanced respiratory recovery observed in females 2 wk post-C2Hx, it remains unknown if sex impacts spontaneous respiratory recovery at chronic time points. We conducted a longitudinal study to provide a comprehensive sex-based characterization of respiratory neuromuscular recovery for 8 wk after C2Hx. We recorded ventilation and chronic diaphragm electromyography (EMG) output in awake, behaving animals, phrenic motor output in anesthetized animals, and performed diaphragm muscle histology in chronically injured male and female rodents. Our results show that females expressed a greater recovery …

Prolonged Quadriceps Latency During Gait Early After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Predicts Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis 6-Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Naoaki Ito, Jacob J. Capin, Elanna Arhos, Elizabeth Wellsandt, Ryan T. Pohlig, Thomas S. Buchanan, Lynn Snyder-Mackler

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose was to explore quadriceps electromechanical function (quadriceps latency) during gait after anterior cruciate ligament injury as a predictor for radiographic knee osteoarthritis 6-years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Change in latency after preoperative physical therapy was also examined.

Methods

Quadriceps latency (time between peak knee moment and quadriceps electromyography) was calculated before preoperative physical therapy (2.4 [0.5–7.5] months after anterior cruciate ligament injury) and after preoperative physical therapy in 24 athletes. Participants were dichotomized into osteoarthritis (Kellgren and Lawrence grade ≥ 2) and non-osteoarthritis groups at 6-years. Forward selection logistic repression was performed using z-score normalized quadriceps latency …

Reduced Oxygen Desaturation In The Vastus Lateralis Of Chronic Stroke Survivors During Graded Muscle Contractions, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Jennifer N. Nguyen, Spencer A. Murphy, Stephanie C. Raab, Brian D. Schmit, David D. Gutterman, Matthew J. Durand

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Few studies have examined changes in skeletal muscle physiology post-stroke. This study examined changes in tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂) of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle of stroke survivors and age-matched control participants during maximal and submaximal isometric contractions of the knee extensor muscles.

Objectives

We hypothesized that tissue oxygen desaturation (ΔStO₂) during knee extensor muscle contractions would be less in the VL in the paretic vs. the non-paretic and control legs.

Methods

Ten chronic stroke survivors (>6 months post-stroke) with lower extremity muscle weakness and 10 age-matched controls completed this prospective cohort study. Maximum …

Noninvasive Estimation Of Skeletal Muscle Oxygen Consumption Rate And Microvascular Reactivity In Chronic Stroke Survivors Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Jennifer N. Nguyen, David D. Gutterman, Brian D. Schmit, Emilie A. Klevenow, Matthew J. Durand

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Understanding post-stroke changes in skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism and microvascular reactivity could help create therapeutic targets that optimize rehabilitative interventions. Due to disuse atrophy, we hypothesized that basal muscle oxygen consumption rate and microvascular endothelial function would be impaired in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of the affected leg of chronic stroke survivors compared with the nonaffected leg and versus matched controls. Fifteen chronic stroke survivors (10 females) and 15 matched controls (9 females) completed this study. A near-infrared spectroscopy oximeter measured tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂) of the TA in both legs of stroke survivors and the dominant …

People With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Have Impaired Reactive Balance During Walking, Timothy F. Boerger, Learon Mcginn, Megan Bellman, Marjorie C. Wang, Brian D. Schmit, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background

People with degenerative cervical myelopathy are known to have impaired standing balance and walking abilities, but less is known about balance responses during walking.

Research question

The aim of this project was to assess reactive balance impairments during walking in people with degenerative cervical myelopothy (PwDCM). We hypothesized that center of mass motion following perturbations would be larger in PwDCM and gluteus medius electromyographic amplitude responses would be decreased in PwDCM.

Methods

Reactive balance responses were quantified during unanticipated lateral pulls to the waist while treadmill walking. Walking biomechanics data were collected from 10 PwDCM (F=6) and 10 non-myelopathic …

Female Athletes With Better Psychological Readiness Are At Higher Risk For Second Acl Injury After Primary Acl Reconstruction, Ryan Zarzycki, Kathleen Cummer, Elanna Arhos, Matthew Failla, Jacob J. Capin, Angela H. Smith, Lynn Snyder-Mackler

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background: Approximately 1 in 4 athletes returning to sports will sustain a second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Psychological factors related to kinesiophobia, confidence, and psychological readiness are associated with second ACL injury; however, the evidence is conflicting.

Hypothesis: Athletes who sustain a second ACL injury (ie, graft rupture or contralateral ACL rupture) within 2 years of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) would have greater kinesiophobia, less confidence, and lower psychological readiness prior to return to sport (RTS) compared with athletes who do not sustain a second ACL injury.

Study Design: Secondary analysis of a prospective randomized trial.

Level …

Midlife Health Crisis Of Former Competitive Athletes: Dissecting Their Experiences Via Qualitative Study, Jacob J. Capin, Taylor Wolf, Jena Heck Street, Carolyn S. Smith, Shannon L. Lennon, William B. Farquhar, Sandra K. Hunter, Linda B. Piacentine

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Sports participation confers many health benefits yet greatly increases injury risk. Long-term health outcomes in former athletes and transition to life after competitive sports are understudied. Ending a sport may pose physical and psychosocial challenges. The purpose was to determine the lived experiences of former competitive athletes and how their sports participation impacted their long-term health and well-being. Former college varsity athletes participated in semistructured interviews focusing on their experiences, including past and current health, the impact of injuries, activity, exercise, diet and transition to life after competitive sport. Thematic analysis was completed using a collaborative, iterative process. Thirty-one (16 …

Age-Related Development Of Bilateral Coordination Of The Upper Limbs In Children And Adolescents, Samuel Nemanich, Sheila M. Schindler-Ivens

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Bilateral coordination of the upper limbs (UL) is important for activities of daily living and physical activities. Motor coordination improves from childhood through adolescence. However, age-coordination trajectories for bilateral UL movements are not well-established, and it is unclear if bimanual coordination develops slower than unilateral coordination. In this study we examined age-related changes in UL coordination from childhood to late adolescence. Typically-developing children (N = 29, aged 7–17 years) performed unilateral and bilateral, antiphase cycling tasks with their ULs. Variations in cycling velocity and interlimb phase errors were computed as measures of coordination. Linear regression was used to examine …

Health Sciences Students’ Career Commitment, Mental Health, And Physical Activity During The Covid-19 Pandemic, David Wrucke, Marie K. Hoeger Bement, April L. Harkins, Sandra K. Hunter, Stacy Stolzman, Astrida S. Kaugars

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Objective: To understand the biopsychosocial dimensions of university health sciences students’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants: Health sciences students (n = 297) from two universities in July and August 2020.

Methods: Participants completed a Web-based survey asking about depression, anxiety, physical activity, coronavirus threat, and career commitment.

Results: Moderate or severe depression and anxiety were reported by 28.6% and 31.3% of respondents, respectively. Depression and anxiety were positively correlated with perceived coronavirus threat and negatively correlated with career commitment and strenuous physical activity. A change in career commitment interests during the COVID-19 pandemic was reported by 11% of …

Activity Levels Across The Intensity Spectrum In Athletes: A Systematic Review Protocol, Jacob J. Capin, Jena Heck Street, Alissa V. Fial, Nicola D. Ridgers, Grant R. Tomkinson

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Physical activity (PA) promotes better cardiometabolic health, physical function, brain health and longevity. In contrast, prolonged sedentary behaviour (SB) is a risk factor for many chronic diseases and poor health. Limited research has evaluated or synthesised how competitive sports participation influences PA across the lifespan. Some evidence suggests, ironically, that former competitive athletes may be insufficiently active and current athletes may be highly sedentary away from sport. This study describes the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis on activity levels across the intensity spectrum in athletes, addressing the primary research question: is sports participation significantly associated with PA and/or …

The Effects Of Attentional Focus Instructions On Approach Jump Performance, Hanwen Liu, Scott Arnett, Dano Tolusso, Kaylee Woodard

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

Attentional focus has been shown to significantly influence motor learning and performance, with external focus instructions enhancing performance compared to internal focus instructions. Research has also demonstrated that novice performance is improved when instructed to focus on skill execution processes rather than outcomes. However, this effect remains untested in complex jumping skills crucial to numerous sports.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of internally and externally directed process and outcome focus instructions on approach jump height and approach speed in novice participants.

Methods

Twelve individuals aged 18 to 22 participated across three sessions: Familiarization, Test Session 1, …

Myofascial Stiffness Of Plantar Fascia And Achilles Tendon In Individuals With Plantar Fasciopathy: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study, Daniel Barreto Rabelo, Ana Paula Coelho Figueira Freire, Fernanda Colen Milagres Brandão, Sabrina Oliveira Melo, Juliana M. Ocarino, Marco Tulio Saldanha Dos Anjos, Robert Schleip, Thales R. Souza, Guy G. Simoneau, Rafael Zambelli Pinto

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Assessment of myofascial tissue stiffness have a role in identifying physical impairments in plantar fasciopathy (PF). It is still unclear which specific functional and tissue differences exist between individuals with PF.

Aim

To compare myofascial stiffness of plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and triceps surae between symptomatic and asymptomatic limbs in individuals with PF and between individuals with and without PF.

Methods

Thirty nine individuals diagnosed with PF and individuals with no history of PF were recruited. Myofascial stiffness of the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and triceps surae, range of motion, and clinical tests were performed. Mean difference (MD) and …