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Journal of Sports Science & Medicine Mar 2020Although the role of shoe constructions on running injury and performance has been widely investigated, systematic reviews on the shoe construction effects on running...
Although the role of shoe constructions on running injury and performance has been widely investigated, systematic reviews on the shoe construction effects on running biomechanics were rarely reported. Therefore, this review focuses on the relevant research studies examining the biomechanical effect of running shoe constructions on reducing running-related injury and optimising performance. Searches of five databases and Footwear Science from January 1994 to September 2018 for related biomechanical studies which investigated running footwear constructions yielded a total of 1260 articles. After duplications were removed and exclusion criteria applied to the titles, abstracts and full text, 63 studies remained and categorised into following constructions: (a) shoe lace, (b) midsole, (c) heel flare, (d) heel-toe drop, (e) minimalist shoes, (f) Masai Barefoot Technologies, (g) heel cup, (h) upper, and (i) bending stiffness. Some running shoe constructions positively affect athletic performance-related and injury-related variables: 1) increasing the stiffness of running shoes at the optimal range can benefit performance-related variables; 2) softer midsoles can reduce impact forces and loading rates; 3) thicker midsoles can provide better cushioning effects and attenuate shock during impacts but may also decrease plantar sensations of a foot; 4) minimalist shoes can improve running economy and increase the cross-sectional area and stiffness of Achilles tendon but it would increase the metatarsophalangeal and ankle joint loading compared to the conventional shoes. While shoe constructions can effectively influence running biomechanics, research on some constructions including shoe lace, heel flare, heel-toe drop, Masai Barefoot Technologies, heel cup, and upper requires further investigation before a viable scientific guideline can be made. Future research is also needed to develop standard testing protocols to determine the optimal stiffness, thickness, and heel-toe drop of running shoes to optimise performance-related variables and prevent running-related injuries.
Topics: Achilles Tendon; Ankle Joint; Athletic Performance; Biomechanical Phenomena; Equipment Design; Forefoot, Human; Humans; Metatarsophalangeal Joint; Running; Shoes; Stress, Mechanical
PubMed: 32132824
DOI: No ID Found -
Sports Medicine - Open Dec 2015The present article systematically reviews recent literature on the in vivo adaptation of asymptomatic human tendons following increased chronic mechanical loading, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The present article systematically reviews recent literature on the in vivo adaptation of asymptomatic human tendons following increased chronic mechanical loading, and meta-analyzes the loading conditions, intervention outcomes, as well as methodological aspects.
METHODS
The search was performed in the databases PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus as well as in the reference lists of the eligible articles. A study was included if it conducted (a) a longitudinal exercise intervention (≥8 weeks) on (b) healthy humans (18 to 50 years), (c) investigating the effects on mechanical (i.e., stiffness), material (i.e., Young's modulus) and/or morphological properties (i.e., cross-sectional area (CSA)) of tendons in vivo, and was reported (d) in English language. Weighted average effect sizes (SMD, random-effects) and heterogeneity (Q and I statistics) of the intervention-induced changes of tendon stiffness, Young's modulus, and CSA were calculated. A subgroup analysis was conducted regarding the applied loading intensity, muscle contraction type, and intervention duration. Further, the methodological study quality and the risk of bias were assessed.
RESULTS
The review process yielded 27 studies with 37 separate interventions on either the Achilles or patellar tendon (264 participants). SMD was 0.70 (confidence interval: 0.51, 0.88) for tendon stiffness (N=37), 0.69 (0.36, 1.03) for Young's modulus (N=17), and 0.24 (0.07, 0.42) for CSA (N=33), with significant overall intervention effects (p<0.05). The heterogeneity analysis (stiffness: I =30%; Young's modulus: I =57%; CSA: I =21%) indicated that differences in the loading conditions may affect the adaptive responses. The subgroup analysis confirmed that stiffness adaptation significantly (p<0.05) depends on loading intensity (I =0%), but not on muscle contraction type. Although not significantly different, SMD was higher for interventions with longer duration (≥12 weeks). The average score of 71±9% in methodological quality assessment indicated an appropriate quality of most studies.
CONCLUSIONS
The present meta-analysis provides elaborate statistical evidence that tendons are highly responsive to diverse loading regimens. However, the data strongly suggests that loading magnitude in particular plays a key role for tendon adaptation in contrast to muscle contraction type. Furthermore, intervention-induced changes in tendon stiffness seem to be more attributed to adaptations of the material rather than morphological properties.
PubMed: 27747846
DOI: 10.1186/s40798-015-0009-9 -
BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2020To systematically review and critically appraise the literature on the effectiveness of isometric exercise in comparison with other treatment strategies or no treatment...
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review and critically appraise the literature on the effectiveness of isometric exercise in comparison with other treatment strategies or no treatment in tendinopathy.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
DATA SOURCES
Electronic searches of Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE and Cochrane were undertaken from inception to May 2020.
METHODS
Overall quality of each study was determined based on a combined assessment of internal validity, external validity and precision. For each outcome measure, level of evidence was rated based on the system by van Tulder .
RESULTS
Ten studies were identified and included in the review, including participants with patellar (n=4), rotator cuff (n=2), lateral elbow (n=2), Achilles (n=1) and gluteal (n=1) tendinopathies. Three were of good and seven were of poor overall quality. Based on limited evidence (level 3), isometric exercise was not superior to isotonic exercise for chronic tendinopathy either immediately following treatment or in the short term (≤12 weeks) for any of the investigated outcome measures. Additionally, for acute rotator cuff tendinopathy, isometric exercise appears to be no more effective than ice therapy in the short term (limited evidence; level 3).
SUMMARY
Isometric exercise does not appear to be superior to isotonic exercise in the management of chronic tendinopathy. The response to isometric exercise is variable both within and across tendinopathy populations. Isometric exercise can be used as part of a progressive loading programme as it may be beneficial for selected individuals.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42019147179.
PubMed: 32818059
DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000760 -
Journal of the American Podiatric... 2022Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) was first introduced into clinical practice in 1982 and has been a beneficial inclusion to the noninvasive treatment option of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) was first introduced into clinical practice in 1982 and has been a beneficial inclusion to the noninvasive treatment option of numerous orthopaedic pathologies. However, clinical evidence of the use of ESWT for various foot and ankle disorders has been limited with a consensus on its efficacy yet available. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature, to provide a critical evaluation and meta-analysis for the use of ESWT in foot and ankle disorders.
METHODS
The PubMed and Embase databases were systematically reviewed and clinical studies that reported ESWT use for various foot and ankle disorders included.
RESULTS
A total of 24 clinical studies that included 12 randomized controlled trials and 12 case series were identified. Analysis of the evidence has indicated that ESWT can help manage plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spur, Achilles tendinopathy and Morton's neuroma. Meta-analysis of the change in pre- to post-VAS overall scores for plantar fasciitis significantly favored ESWT compared to placebo/conservative treatment with a MD -3.10 (95% CI, -4.36 to -1.83; I2 = 68%; P < 0.00001).
CONCLUSIONS
The current evidence has suggested that ESWT can provide symptomatic benefit to plantar fasciitis treatment, with minimal and unremarkable side effects. Overall, ESWT has been demonstrated to be a safe treatment option with a favorable complication profile. Further well-designed studies of ESWT for the treatment of calcaneal spurs, Achilles tendinopathy and Morton's neuroma are warranted to more soundly and safely support its current use. Future studies are suggested to investigate the optimization of ESWT treatment protocols.
Topics: Achilles Tendon; Ankle; Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy; Fasciitis, Plantar; Heel Spur; Humans; Morton Neuroma; Tendinopathy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34878537
DOI: 10.7547/18-191 -
Foot and Ankle Surgery : Official... Apr 2020Achilles' tendon injury affect 31.17 per 100,000 yearly, it has a major impact on quality of life of affected patients, mostly active young individuals. Different... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Achilles' tendon injury affect 31.17 per 100,000 yearly, it has a major impact on quality of life of affected patients, mostly active young individuals. Different management options exist ranging from conservative treatment, to operative repair either open or percutaneous repair. No consensus has been reached on which treatment modality is preferred for each patient. In this study we systematically reviewed the literature for available evidence regarding management of acute Achilles' tendon rupture.
METHODS
This systematic review consisted of 9 studies, including a systematic search of literature (PubMed, SCOPUS, and The Cochrane Library), selection of studies, extraction of study characteristics, assessment of methodological quality and bias and extraction of data on clinical outcomes and their comparisons between different surgical groups.
RESULTS
A total of 9 studies were included, 822 patients were extracted from the included studies. Of the 822 patients, 415 (50.4%) had undergone surgical intervention and 407 (49.6%) had received non-surgical treatment. The minimum follow-up duration was 12 months. The left Achilles' tendon was relatively more prone to rupture. The interval from injury to treatment was within 2 to 14 days. Five 5 different surgical techniques were used; end to end, modified Kessler, augmented repair, Krackow type and interrupted circumferential stitch. Operative repair was found to significantly decrease rupture rate (Risk Ratio of 0.36, 95% CI 0.21-0.64; P = 0.0005) with higher risk of wound complications. No statistically significant difference between the two groups in functional outcome scores and range of motion.
CONCLUSION
We concluded that surgical technique lowers the risk of rerupture rate but associated with higher complication rate which can be reduced by using the minimally invasive techniques. Multicenter randomized clinical trials are needed to obtain a high-quality level of evidence for the comparison between the different modified surgical techniques and the gap effect on making different decision of managements.
Topics: Achilles Tendon; Acute Disease; Ankle Injuries; Conservative Treatment; Humans; Orthopedic Procedures; Range of Motion, Articular; Rupture; Tendon Injuries
PubMed: 31027878
DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2019.03.010 -
The American Journal of Sports Medicine Apr 2022Numerous studies have reported the incidence and outcomes of injuries in the men's and women's National Basketball Association (NBA and WNBA, respectively).
BACKGROUND
Numerous studies have reported the incidence and outcomes of injuries in the men's and women's National Basketball Association (NBA and WNBA, respectively).
PURPOSE
To synthesize published data regarding the incidence and outcomes of all injuries in the NBA and WNBA in a comprehensive review.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.
METHODS
Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we searched 3 electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase) for studies of all levels of evidence since 1990 pertaining to injuries sustained by active players in the NBA and WNBA. Studies were excluded if the cohort of interest included ≤3 active players.
RESULTS
The initial search of the 3 databases yielded 1253 unique studies, of which 49 met final inclusion criteria for this review. Only 4 studies included athletes in the WNBA. Based on the mean annual incidence, the 5 most common orthopaedic sports injuries sustained in the NBA were concussions (9.5-14.9 per year), fractures of the hand (3.5-5.5 per year), lower extremity stress fractures (4.8 per year), meniscal tears (2.3-3.3 per year), and anterior cruciate ligament tears (1.5-2.6 per year). Cartilage defects treated using microfracture, Achilles tendon ruptures, and anterior cruciate ligament injuries were 3 injuries that led to significant reductions in performance measurements after injury.
CONCLUSION
With advances in sports technology and statistical analysis, there is rapidly growing interest in injuries among professional basketball athletes. High-quality prospective studies are needed to understand the prevalence and effect of injuries on player performance and career length. This information can inform preventative and treatment measures taken by health care providers to protect players and guide safe return to play at a high level.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Athletic Injuries; Basketball; Brain Concussion; Female; Humans; Knee Injuries; Male
PubMed: 34213367
DOI: 10.1177/03635465211014506 -
Cureus Jul 2022Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common lower limb injuries in both athletes and the general population. Despite the plethora of conservative treatment options... (Review)
Review
Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common lower limb injuries in both athletes and the general population. Despite the plethora of conservative treatment options available for the management of Achilles tendinopathy, as many as one in four patients will go on to require surgery. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has emerged as a promising treatment option and has been successful in the management of other common musculoskeletal injuries such as plantar fasciitis. However, the evidence for ESWT in the management of Achilles tendinopathy remains inconclusive. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the current evidence for the use of ESWT in the management of midportion Achilles tendinopathy. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the databases MEDLINE (Pubmed), AMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL. The databases were searched from their inception to December 2021. This was conducted to identify randomised control trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of ESWT versus control treatment in the management of midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Following a comprehensive search of the literature, a total of 283 articles were identified. Following the screening of titles and abstracts, 236 articles were excluded. The main reasons for exclusion were the identification of duplicates, non-randomised studies, and the use of ESWT on other pathology. Following the exclusion of 236 articles, 47 articles were retrieved for full-text review. Of these 47 articles, 40 were excluded leaving a total of 7 RCTs eligible for inclusion in this review. There was consistent evidence from 4 RCTs that ESWT is effective in the management of midportion Achilles tendinopathy. This review suggests that ESWT is a safe and effective modality for treating midportion Achilles tendinopathy as it reduces pain and improves function. The best available evidence suggests that a combination of ESWT with eccentric exercises and stretching may be even more effective than ESWT alone. Further research is required to confirm this and to determine the optimum ESWT treatment protocol.
PubMed: 35989757
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26960 -
Cureus Jul 2022Posterosuperior calcaneal prominence, also known as Haglund's deformity, can often lead to retrocalcaneal bursitis, a significant cause of posterior heel pain. Surgery... (Review)
Review
Posterosuperior calcaneal prominence, also known as Haglund's deformity, can often lead to retrocalcaneal bursitis, a significant cause of posterior heel pain. Surgery is indicated for symptomatic patients, after a period of conservative treatment including analgesia, physiotherapy, activity, and shoe wear modification has failed. Surgical options include both open and endoscopic techniques, and typically involve excision of the retrocalcaneal bursa, resection of the calcaneal prominence, and debridement of the diseased Achilles tendon. This article aims to provide an evidence-based literature review for the surgical management of Haglund's deformity. A comprehensive evidence-based literature review of the PubMed database conducted in July 2021 identified 20 relevant articles assessing the efficacy of surgical modalities for Haglund's deformity. The 20 studies were assigned to a level of evidence (I-IV). Individual studies were reviewed to provide a grade of recommendation (A-C, I) according to the Wright classification in support of or against the surgical modality. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed for the 20 studies. The results show that both open and endoscopic surgical modalities are efficacious in the treatment of Haglund's deformity, significantly improving functional outcome scores such as American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and patient satisfaction post-operatively. Endoscopic surgery appears to have the advantage of shorter operative times, lower complication rates, and better cosmesis. More studies are required to further validate and optimize these surgical techniques.
PubMed: 36060327
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27500 -
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) May 2022This systematic review explores the differences in the intrinsic biomechanical properties of different graft sources used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This systematic review explores the differences in the intrinsic biomechanical properties of different graft sources used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction as tested in a laboratory setting.
METHODS
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, two authors conducted a systematic review exploring the biomechanical properties of ACL graft sources (querying PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases). Using the keywords "anterior cruciate ligament graft," "biomechanics," and "biomechanical testing," relevant articles of any level of evidence were identified as eligible and included if they reported on the biomechanical properties of skeletally immature or mature ACL grafts solely and if the grafts were studied in vitro, in isolation, and under similar testing conditions. Studies were excluded if performed on both skeletally immature and mature or non-human grafts, or if the grafts were tested after fixation in a cadaveric knee. For each graft, failure load, stiffness, Young's modulus, maximum stress, and maximum strain were recorded.
FINDINGS
Twenty-six articles were included. Most studies reported equal or increased biomechanical failure load and stiffness of their tested bone-patellar tendon-bone, hamstring, quadriceps, peroneus longus, tibialis anterior and posterior, Achilles, tensor fascia lata, and iliotibial band grafts compared to the native ACL. All recorded biomechanical properties had similar values between graft types.
INTERPRETATION
Most grafts used for ACL reconstruction are biomechanically superior to the native ACL. Utilizing a proper graft, combined with a standard surgical technique and a rigorous rehabilitation before and after surgery, will improve outcomes of ACL reconstruction.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Biomechanical Phenomena; Hamstring Muscles; Humans; Patellar Ligament
PubMed: 35428007
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2022.105636 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine Nov 2019Achilles tendinopathy is a common problem, but its exact aetiology remains unclear.
BACKGROUND
Achilles tendinopathy is a common problem, but its exact aetiology remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association between potential clinical risk factors and Achilles tendinopathy.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
The databases Embase, MEDLINE Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were searched up to February 2018.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To answer our research question, cohort studies investigating risk factors for Achilles tendinopathy in humans were included. We restricted our search to potential clinical risk factors (imaging studies were excluded).
RESULTS
We included 10 cohort studies, all with a high risk of bias, from 5111 publications identified. There is limited evidence for nine risk factors: (1) prior lower limb tendinopathy or fracture, (2) use of ofloxacin (quinolone) antibiotics, (3) an increased time between heart transplantation and initiation of quinolone treatment for infectious disease, (4) moderate alcohol use, (5) training during cold weather, (6) decreased isokinetic plantar flexor strength, (7) abnormal gait pattern with decreased forward progression of propulsion, (8) more lateral foot roll-over at the forefoot flat phase and (9) creatinine clearance of <60 mL/min in heart transplant patients. Twenty-six other putative risk factors were not associated with Achilles tendinopathy, including being overweight, static foot posture and physical activity level.
CONCLUSION
From an ocean of studies with high levels of bias, we extracted nine clinical risk factors that may increase a person's risk of Achilles tendinopathy. Clinicians may consider ofloxacin use, alcohol consumption and a reduced plantar flexor strength as modifiable risk factors when treating patients with Achilles tendinopathy.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42017053258.
Topics: Achilles Tendon; Alcohol Drinking; Cold Temperature; Foot; Gait; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Ofloxacin; Posture; Risk Factors; Tendinopathy
PubMed: 30718234
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099991