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Clinical Rehabilitation Dec 2021To identify the effects of balance and strength training on function, ankle instability and dynamic balance in people with chronic ankle instability. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effects of balance training on functionality, ankle instability, and dynamic balance outcomes in people with chronic ankle instability: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
AIM
To identify the effects of balance and strength training on function, ankle instability and dynamic balance in people with chronic ankle instability.
METHOD
The search was conducted on randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of balance training or strength training in people with chronic ankle instability compared to a control group. Therefore, a systematic electronic search was performed until April 2021 in Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases. Moreover, an additional search was further performed checking the reference lists of the selected articles. The main outcomes were ankle instability, functionality, and dynamic balance. Finally, a qualitative and quantitative synthesis was performed.
RESULTS
Fifteen randomized controlled trials with 457 volunteers were included. Compared to regular exercise, balance training demonstrated to be more effective in terms of improving functionality (0.81 (0.48, 1.14)), ankle instability (0.77 (0.27, 1.26)), and dynamic balance (0.83 (0.57, 1.10)) outcomes. However, when compared to strength training, the effectiveness of balance training was only greater in terms of the functionality outcome (0.49 (0.06, 0.92)), since no differences were found for instability (0.43 (0.00, 0.85)) and dynamic balance (0.21 (-0.15, 0.58)).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on fair-to-high quality evidence, balance training significantly improves functionality, instability, and dynamic balance outcomes in people with chronic ankle instability Moreover, results of the comparison between balance training versus strength training suggest that the former achieves greater benefits for functionality, but not for instability and dynamic balance.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021224179.
Topics: Ankle; Ankle Injuries; Ankle Joint; Humans; Joint Instability; Postural Balance; Resistance Training
PubMed: 34058832
DOI: 10.1177/02692155211022009 -
Foot (Edinburgh, Scotland) Mar 2018The calf muscles are one of the muscle groups that have the most need for adequate flexibility since they are deeply related to normal lower limb function. When the goal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The calf muscles are one of the muscle groups that have the most need for adequate flexibility since they are deeply related to normal lower limb function. When the goal is to increase flexibility, the most commonly used technique is stretching. However, it remains unknown which stretching technique and parameters are the most effective to increase flexibility. Hence, the aim of the current review was to investigate the influence of chronic stretching on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) of healthy individuals. The search strategy included MEDLINE, PEDro, Cochrane CENTRAL, LILACS, and manual search from inception to February 2017. Randomized and controlled clinical trials that have analyzed the influence of chronic stretching on DFROM were included. On the other hand, studies with special populations (children, and people with any dysfunction/disease), and articles with no control group were excluded. Twenty studies were included out of 493 identified. The meta-analysis was performed according to the stretching technique used in the study. The results show that static stretching (5.17°; 95% CI: 4.39-5.95; I: 0%) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (4.32°; 95% CI: 1.59-7.04; I: 46%) are effective in increasing DFROM. Ballistic stretching did not show positive results to increase DFROM (3.77°; 95% CI: -0.03 to 7.56; I: 46%). In conclusion, chronic stretching is an effective way of improving ankle mobility in healthy individuals, especially when it contains a static component.
Topics: Ankle Joint; Exercise Therapy; Female; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Male; Muscle Stretching Exercises; Range of Motion, Articular; Reference Values; Time Factors
PubMed: 29223884
DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2017.09.006 -
Manual Therapy Aug 2015Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DROM) is often a point of emphasis during the rehabilitation of lower extremity pathologies. With the growing popularity of... (Review)
Review
Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DROM) is often a point of emphasis during the rehabilitation of lower extremity pathologies. With the growing popularity of weight-bearing DROM assessments, several versions of the weight-bearing lunge (WBLT) test have been developed and numerous reliability studies have been conducted. The purpose of this systematic review was to critically appraise and synthesize the studies which examined the reliability and responsiveness of the WBLT to assess DROM. A systematic search of PubMed and EBSCO Host databases from inception to September 2014 was conducted to identify studies whose primary aim was assessing the reliability of the WBLT. The Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies assessment tool was utilized to determine the quality of included studies. Relative reliability was examined through intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and responsiveness was evaluated through minimal detectable change (MDC). A total of 12 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. Nine included studies assessed inter-clinician reliability and 12 included studies assessed intra-clinician reliability. There was strong evidence that inter-clinician reliability (ICC = 0.80-0.99) as well as intra-clinician reliability (ICC = 0.65-0.99) of the WBLT is good. Additionally, average MDC scores of 4.6° or 1.6 cm for inter-clinician and 4.7° or 1.9 cm for intra-clinician were found, indicating the minimal change in DROM needed to be outside the error of the WBLT. This systematic review determined that the WBLT, regardless of method, can be used clinically to assess DROM as it provides consistent results between one or more clinicians and demonstrates reasonable responsiveness.
Topics: Ankle Joint; Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans; Physical Examination; Postural Balance; Range of Motion, Articular; Reproducibility of Results; Weight-Bearing
PubMed: 25704110
DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2015.01.004 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International Sep 2021Metatarsal fractures are among the most common foot and ankle injuries, with an annual incidence of 6.7 per 100 000 persons. Approximately 30% of metatarsal fractures...
BACKGROUND
Metatarsal fractures are among the most common foot and ankle injuries, with an annual incidence of 6.7 per 100 000 persons. Approximately 30% of metatarsal fractures affect the base of the fifth metatarsal bone. Nevertheless, no evidence-based treatment recommendations are available to date.
METHODS
The three fracture localizations according to Lawrence and Botte (zone I, proximal to the intermetatarsal joint between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones; zone II, in the area of the joint; zone III, at the distal end of the joint) are analyzed on the basis of a systematic literature search. Studies were included that compared the treatment of two types of fracture in the same manner, or that compared two different treatments for a single type of fracture.
RESULTS
Nine studies compared different treatments of zone I fractures. Two of these were randomized controlled trials (RCTs); in one RCT, patients given functional therapy returned to work much sooner than those treated with immobilization (11 vs. 28 days; p = 0.001), with otherwise similar outcomes. The non-randomized studies revealed a faster return to full function (33 vs. 46 days; p<0.05) with early functional therapy, and similar outcomes for immobilization and surgery. One RCT that compared functional therapy with immobilization for zone II fractures revealed no statistically significant difference. Five studies compared fractures in zones I and II that were treated in the same manner, revealing similar outcomes. One RCT compared surgery and immobilization for zone III fractures: surgery led to statistically significant improvement of the outcome in all of the measured parameters.
CONCLUSION
Fractures in zones I and II should be treated with early functional therapy. There seems to be no reason to consider zone I and II fractures as two separate entities, as the outcomes in the two groups are similar. In contrast, fractures in zone III should primarily be treated surgically.
Topics: Ankle Injuries; Foot Injuries; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Metatarsal Bones; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34789369
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0231 -
Journal of Sport Rehabilitation May 2022Acute lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a common injury in athletes and is often associated with decreased athletic performance and, if treated poorly, can result in chronic...
CONTEXT
Acute lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a common injury in athletes and is often associated with decreased athletic performance and, if treated poorly, can result in chronic ankle issues, such as instability. Physical performance demands, such as cutting, hopping, and landing, involved with certain sport participation suggests that the rehabilitation needs of an athlete after LAS may differ from those of the general population.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature to determine the most effective rehabilitation interventions reported for athletes returning to sport after acute LAS.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Data Sources: Databases PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and PEDro were searched to July 2020.
STUDY SELECTION
A scoping review protocol was developed and followed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines and registered (https://osf.io/bgek3/). Study selection included published articles on rehabilitation for ankle sprain in an athletic population.
DATA EXTRACTION
Parameters included athlete and sport type, age, sex, intervention investigated, outcome measures, measurement tool, and follow-up period.
DATA SYNTHESIS
A qualitative synthesis for all articles was undertaken, and a quantitative subanalysis of randomized controlled trials and critical methodological appraisal was also conducted.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
A total of 37 articles were included in this review consisting of 5 systematic and 20 narrative reviews, 7 randomized controlled trials, a single-case series, case report, position statement, critically appraised topic, and descriptive study. Randomized controlled trial interventions included early dynamic training, electrotherapy, and hydrotherapy.
CONCLUSIONS
Early dynamic training after acute LAS in athletes results in a shorter time to return to sport, increased functional performance, and decreased self-reported reinjury. The results of this scoping review support an early functional and dynamic rehabilitation approach when compared to passive interventions for athletes returning to sport after LAS. Despite existing research on rehabilitation of LAS in the general population, a lack of evidence exists related to athletes seeking to return to sport.
Topics: Ankle Injuries; Ankle Joint; Athletes; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sports; Sprains and Strains
PubMed: 34969012
DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2021-0244 -
Physical Therapy in Sport : Official... Mar 20231) determine the primary impairment addressed by each exercise included in exercise-based rehabilitation programs for patients with an acute ankle sprain; 2) Determine... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
1) determine the primary impairment addressed by each exercise included in exercise-based rehabilitation programs for patients with an acute ankle sprain; 2) Determine whether prescribed exercises incorporate complex tasks associated with ankle sprain injury mechanisms?
METHODS
We searched databases CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro, Google Scholar for RCT's including patients with acute ankle sprains, managed through exercise-based rehabilitation. Risk of bias was assessed by the Risk of Bias 2 tool. Exercises were analysed based on: the primary impairment(s) addressed; direction of movement; base of support; weightbearing status; flight phase. (PROSPERO: CRD42020210858) RESULTS: We included fourteen RCT's comprising 177 exercises. Neuromuscular function was addressed in 44% of exercises, followed by performance tasks (23%), and muscle strengthening (20%). Exercises were limited to movements across the sagittal plane (48%), with 31% incorporating multiplanar movements. Weight bearing exercises were almost divided equally between single-limb (59/122) and double leg stance exercises (61/122). Eighteen percent of all exercises incorporated a flight phase.
CONCLUSIONS
Rehabilitation after LAS comprises simple exercises in the sagittal plane that do not reflect mechanisms of re-injury. Future interventions should incorporate more open chain joint position sense training, multiplanar single limb challenges, and jumping and landing exercises.
Topics: Humans; Reinjuries; Ankle Injuries; Exercise Therapy; Exercise; Sprains and Strains; Ankle Joint
PubMed: 36716507
DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.01.008 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Apr 2019The aim of this systematic review was to identify prospective studies that used a criteria-based return to sport (RTS) decision-making process for patients with lateral...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review was to identify prospective studies that used a criteria-based return to sport (RTS) decision-making process for patients with lateral ankle sprain (LAS) injury.
DESIGN
Systematic review and narrative synthesis.
DATA SOURCES
The PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, PEDro, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus (EBSCO), ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases were searched to 23 November 2018.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Studies were included if they prospectively applied a criteria-based RTS decision-making process for patients with LAS injury, but were excluded if they merely gathered outcome measures at the RTS time point. Studies were also excluded if patients were recovering from ankle fracture, high ankle sprain, medial ankle sprain, chronic ankle instability or complex ankle injury.
RESULTS
No studies were identified that used a criteria-based RTS decision-making process for patients with LAS injury. We were unable to conduct a quantitative synthesis or meta-analysis, therefore we provide a narrative synthesis of relevant questionnaires, as well as clinical and functional assessments commonly used in studies retrieved in the search.
CONCLUSION
There are currently no published evidence-based criteria to inform RTS decisions for patients with an LAS injury. Based on our narrative synthesis, we propose a number of variables that could be used to develop a criteria-based RTS decision paradigm. Future research should aim to reach consensus on these variables and apply them to actual RTS decisions within prospective study designs. Furthermore, we suggest that complex systems theory and the RTS continuum could be used to inform the development of an RTS decision-making paradigm for athletes with LAS injury.
Topics: Ankle Injuries; Decision Making; Evidence-Based Medicine; Exercise Test; Humans; Joint Instability; Return to Sport; Sprains and Strains; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 30747379
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-019-01071-3 -
Spinal Cord Mar 2021Systematic review. (Review)
Review
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for the treatment of spasticity in people with spinal cord injuries.
SETTING
Not applicable.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was undertaken to identify all randomised controlled trials of physiotherapy interventions that included an assessor-reported (objective) or participant-reported (subjective) measure of spasticity. Only trials that provided a physiotherapy intervention on more than one occasion were included. The susceptibility to bias of each trial was rated on the PEDro scale. Data were extracted to derive mean between-group differences (95% CI) for each trial.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight trials were identified but only 17 provided useable data. Seven trials compared a physiotherapy intervention to no intervention (or a sham intervention) and 10 trials compared one physiotherapy intervention to another physiotherapy intervention. The median (IQR) PEDro score of the 17 trials was 6/10 (6-8). The most commonly used assessor- and participant-reported measures of spasticity were the Ashworth scale and Spinal Cord Injury Spasticity Evaluation Tool, respectively. Only one trial demonstrated a treatment effect. This trial compared continuous passive motion of the ankle to no treatment on the Ashworth scale. The remaining 16 trials were either inconclusive or indicated that the treatment was ineffective for reducing spasticity.
CONCLUSIONS
There is no high-quality evidence to indicate that physiotherapy interventions decrease spasticity but this may reflect a lack of research on the topic. Future trials should focus on participant-reported measures of spasticity that distinguish between the immediate, short-term and long-term effects of any physiotherapy intervention.
Topics: Ankle Joint; Humans; Muscle Spasticity; Physical Therapy Modalities; Range of Motion, Articular; Spinal Cord Injuries
PubMed: 33564117
DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-00610-4 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Apr 2020Treadmills are often used in research, clinical practice, and training. Biomechanical investigations comparing treadmill and overground running report inconsistent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Treadmills are often used in research, clinical practice, and training. Biomechanical investigations comparing treadmill and overground running report inconsistent findings.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed at comparing biomechanical outcomes between motorized treadmill and overground running.
METHODS
Four databases were searched until June 2019. Crossover design studies comparing lower limb biomechanics during non-inclined, non-cushioned, quasi-constant-velocity motorized treadmill running with overground running in healthy humans (18-65 years) and written in English were included. Meta-analyses and meta-regressions were performed where possible.
RESULTS
33 studies (n = 494 participants) were included. Most outcomes did not differ between running conditions. However, during treadmill running, sagittal foot-ground angle at footstrike (mean difference (MD) - 9.8° [95% confidence interval: - 13.1 to - 6.6]; low GRADE evidence), knee flexion range of motion from footstrike to peak during stance (MD 6.3° [4.5 to 8.2]; low), vertical displacement center of mass/pelvis (MD - 1.5 cm [- 2.7 to - 0.8]; low), and peak propulsive force (MD - 0.04 body weights [- 0.06 to - 0.02]; very low) were lower, while contact time (MD 5.0 ms [0.5 to 9.5]; low), knee flexion at footstrike (MD - 2.3° [- 3.6 to - 1.1]; low), and ankle sagittal plane internal joint moment (MD - 0.4 Nm/kg [- 0.7 to - 0.2]; low) were longer/higher, when pooled across overground surfaces. Conflicting findings were reported for amplitude of muscle activity.
CONCLUSIONS
Spatiotemporal, kinematic, kinetic, muscle activity, and muscle-tendon outcome measures are largely comparable between motorized treadmill and overground running. Considerations should, however, particularly be given to sagittal plane kinematic differences at footstrike when extrapolating treadmill running biomechanics to overground running. Protocol registration CRD42018083906 (PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews).
Topics: Adolescent; Ankle Joint; Biomechanical Phenomena; Cross-Over Studies; Exercise Test; Female; Humans; Male; Range of Motion, Articular; Running
PubMed: 31802395
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-019-01237-z -
Georgian Medical News Oct 2022Epidemiological data suggest 9-15% of ankle joint osteoarthritis (AOA) in the general population. One of the methods of delaying radical intervention is ankle joint...
Epidemiological data suggest 9-15% of ankle joint osteoarthritis (AOA) in the general population. One of the methods of delaying radical intervention is ankle joint distraction arthroplasty of the ankle joint (ADA), including a combination of various techniques. The lack of publications summarizing the maximum possible clinical data on ADA for more than 50 years of the method's history justifies the need for a review. A systematic review of ankle distraction arthroplasty followed the 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) protocol guidelines. The inclusion criteria were articles with clinical data in full text in English, available on the Internet for the maximum possible period, including the treatment of diseases of the ankle joint using distraction arthroplasty. At the search stage, 4640 publications from 3 sources were identified. 33 articles were selected for analysis of the full texts of the articles. Additionally, 1 article was excluded, as it contains duplicate information from an identical study. The analysis of the full texts of 32 publications was made, according to the parameters indicated earlier. A total of 927 patients underwent ADA. The mean age of the patients was 44.9 ± 12.7 years. Among the causes, post-traumatic AOA was indicated in 26 (81.3%) publications, osteochondral defects (n=2, 6.3%), consequences of poliomyelitis (n=4, 12.5%), congenital deformities (n=4, 12.5%), hemophilia (n= 2, 6.25%), idiopathic juvenile osteoarthritis (n=1, 3.1%), rheumatoid OA (n=1, 3.1%). Despite the more than 50-year history of ADA, there is still no sufficient understanding of this methodology. The goal of future research is to understand the exact indications for ADA depending on the stage, etiology, and type of AOA. ADA is a promising effective method of treatment that allows achieving an improvement in function and a reduction in pain in the medium and long term while preserving the patient's joint.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Ankle; Treatment Outcome; Osteoarthritis; Ankle Joint; Arthroplasty
PubMed: 36539124
DOI: No ID Found