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International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2021Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are the most common ligament injury of the knee, accounting for between 100,000 and 200,000 injuries among athletes per year.... (Review)
Review
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are the most common ligament injury of the knee, accounting for between 100,000 and 200,000 injuries among athletes per year. ACL injuries occur via contact and non-contact mechanisms, with the former being more common in males and the later being more common in females. These injuries typically require surgical repair and have relatively high re-rupture rates, resulting in a significant psychological burden for these individuals and long rehabilitation times. Numerous studies have attempted to determine risk factors for ACL rupture, including hormonal, biomechanical, and sport- and gender-specific factors. However, the incidence of ACL injuries continues to rise. Therefore, we performed a systematic review analyzing both ACL injury video analysis studies and studies on athletes who were pre-screened with eventual ACL injury. We investigated biomechanical mechanisms contributing to ACL injury and considered male and female differences. Factors such as hip angle and strength, knee movement, trunk stability, and ankle motion were considered to give a comprehensive, joint by joint analysis of injury risk and possible roles of prevention. Our review demonstrated that poor core stability, landing with heel strike, weak hip abduction strength, and increased knee valgus may contribute to increased ACL injury risk in young athletes.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Athletes; Biomechanical Phenomena; Female; Humans; Knee Joint; Male
PubMed: 33917488
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073826 -
Journal of Functional Morphology and... Dec 2019During pregnancy, a number of biomechanical and hormonal changes occur that can alter spinal curvature, balance, and gait patterns by affecting key areas of the human... (Review)
Review
During pregnancy, a number of biomechanical and hormonal changes occur that can alter spinal curvature, balance, and gait patterns by affecting key areas of the human body. This can greatly impact quality of life (QOL) by increasing back pain and the risk of falls. These effects are likely to be the ultimate result of a number of hormonal and biomechanical changes that occur during pregnancy. Research Question and Methodology: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this systematic review sets out to analyse all available literature relating to the biomechanics factors caused by pregnancy and assess how this might reduce QOL. Fifty papers were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review based on the PUBMED and SCOPUS databases. Results: Angles of lordosis and kyphosis of the spine are significantly increased by pregnancy, but not consistently across all studies. Back pain is significantly increased in pregnant women, although this is not significantly correlated with spinal changes. Increased movements of centre of pressure (COP) and increased stability indexes indicate postural control is reduced in pregnancy. Trunk range of motion, hip flexion, and extension are reduced, as well as decreased stride length, decreased gait velocity, and increased step width; again, not consistently. It is likely that each woman adopts unique techniques to minimise the effects, for example increasing step width to improve balance. Further research should focus on how altered limb kinematics during gait might affect QOL by influencing the human body, as well as assessing parameters in all planes to develop a wider understanding of pregnant biomechanical alterations.
PubMed: 33467386
DOI: 10.3390/jfmk4040072 -
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 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2022Professional ballet dancers can be classified as dance artists and sports performers. This systematic review aims to consider the biomechanical risk factors for foot and... (Review)
Review
Professional ballet dancers can be classified as dance artists and sports performers. This systematic review aims to consider the biomechanical risk factors for foot and ankle injuries in ballet dancers, as this could potentially reduce the impact that 'cost of injury' may have on ballet companies. An additional outcome was to examine the effects of injury on the career of ballet dancers. This study searched articles in four electronic databases for information in peer-reviewed journals. The included articles examined the relationships between biomechanical factors and the relationship between ballet shoes and foot performance. There were 9 articles included in this review. Among these articles, two focused on the peak force of the foot using two types of pointe shoes, three focused on overuse injuries of the ballet dancer's foot, one article focused on the loading of the foot of a dancer, and three articles focused on the function and biomechanics of the foot in dancers. This review also found that the pointe shoe condition was the most important factor contributing to a foot injury; overuse injury related to high-intensity training and affected both the ankle and the foot; and metatarsophalangeal joint injury related to the function and structure of the foot. Finally, strengthening the lower extremity muscle is also a recommendation to improve muscle coordination and reduce injuries.
Topics: Ankle Injuries; Ankle Joint; Dancing; Humans; Lower Extremity; Shoes
PubMed: 35457783
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084916 -
Journal of Athletic Training 2012A dynamic postural-control task that has gained notoriety in the clinical and research settings is the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Researchers have suggested... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
A dynamic postural-control task that has gained notoriety in the clinical and research settings is the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Researchers have suggested that, with appropriate instruction and practice by the individual and normalization of the reaching distances, the SEBT can be used to provide objective measures to differentiate deficits and improvements in dynamic postural-control related to lower extremity injury and induced fatigue, and it has the potential to predict lower extremity injury. However, no one has reviewed this body of literature to determine the usefulness of the SEBT in clinical applications.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a narrative review of the SEBT and its implementation and the known contributions to task performance and to systematically review the associated literature to address the SEBT's usefulness as a clinical tool for the quantification of dynamic postural-control deficits from lower extremity impairment.
DATA SOURCES
Databases used to locate peer-reviewed articles published from 1980 and 2010 included Derwent Innovations Index, BIOSIS Previews, Journal Citation Reports, and MEDLINE.
STUDY SELECTION
The criteria for article selection were (1) The study was original research. (2) The study was written in English. (3) The SEBT was used as a measurement tool.
DATA EXTRACTION
Specific data extracted from the articles included the ability of the SEBT to differentiate pathologic conditions of the lower extremity, the effects of external influences and interventions, and outcomes from exercise intervention and to predict lower extremity injury.
DATA SYNTHESIS
More than a decade of research findings has established a comprehensive portfolio of validity for the SEBT, and it should be considered a highly representative, noninstrumented dynamic balance test for physically active individuals. The SEBT has been shown to be a reliable measure and has validity as a dynamic test to predict risk of lower extremity injury, to identify dynamic balance deficits in patients with a variety of lower extremity conditions, and to be responsive to training programs in both healthy people and people with injuries to the lower extremity. Clinicians and researchers should be confident in employing the SEBT as a lower extremity functional test.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Biomechanical Phenomena; Female; Humans; Leg Injuries; Lower Extremity; Male; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome; Postural Balance; Sex Factors
PubMed: 22892416
DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-47.3.08 -
Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation... Jan 2021Several studies reported the importance of glenohumeral and scapular muscle activity and scapular kinematics in multidirectional shoulder instability (MDI), yet a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Several studies reported the importance of glenohumeral and scapular muscle activity and scapular kinematics in multidirectional shoulder instability (MDI), yet a systematic overview is currently lacking.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review evaluates and summarizes the evidence regarding muscle activity and shoulder kinematics in individuals with MDI compared to healthy controls.
METHOD
The electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched in September 2020 with key words regarding MDI (population), muscle activity, and glenohumeral and scapular movement patterns (outcomes). All studies that compared muscle activity or scapular kinematics between shoulders with MDI and healthy shoulders were eligible for this review, except for case reports and case series. All articles were screened on the title and abstract, and remaining eligible articles were screened on full text. The risk of bias of included articles was assessed by a checklist for case-control data, as advised by the Cochrane collaboration.
RESULTS
After full text screening, 12 articles remained for inclusion and one study was obtained by hand search. According to the guidelines of the Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement, most studies were of moderate methodological quality. We found moderate evidence that MDI individuals show increased or prolonged activity of several rotator cuff muscles that control and centre the humeral head. Furthermore, we found evidence of decreased and/or shortened activity of muscles that move or accelerate the arm and shoulder girdle as well as increased and/or lengthened activity of muscles that decelerate the arm and shoulder girdle. The most consistent kinematic finding was that MDI individuals show significantly less upward rotation and more internal rotation of the scapula during elevation of the arm in the scapular plane as compared with controls. Finally, several studies also suggest that the humeral head demonstrates increased translations relative to the glenoid surface.
CONCLUSION
There is moderate evidence for altered muscle activity and altered humeral and scapular kinematics in MDI individuals as compared with controls.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans; Joint Instability; Muscle, Skeletal; Range of Motion, Articular; Scapula; Shoulder; Shoulder Joint
PubMed: 33221471
DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2020.10.008 -
Ophthalmologica. Journal International... 2014Keratoconus (KCN) is an ectatic disorder with progressive corneal thinning and a clinical picture of corneal protrusion, progressive irregular astigmatism, corneal... (Review)
Review
Keratoconus (KCN) is an ectatic disorder with progressive corneal thinning and a clinical picture of corneal protrusion, progressive irregular astigmatism, corneal fibrosis and visual deterioration. Other ectatic corneal disorders include: post-LASIK ectasia (PLE) and pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD). Corneal crosslinking (CXL) is a procedure whereby riboflavin sensitization with ultraviolet A radiation induces stromal crosslinks. This alters corneal biomechanics, causing an increase in corneal stiffness. In recent years, CXL has been an established treatment for the arrest of KCN, PLE and PMD progression. CXL has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of corneal infections, chemical burns, bullous keratopathy and other forms of corneal edema. This is a current review of CXL - its biomechanical principles, the evolution of CXL protocols in the past, present and future, indications for treatment, treatment efficacy and safety.
Topics: Collagen; Cornea; Corneal Stroma; Cross-Linking Reagents; Elasticity; Humans; Keratoconus; Photosensitizing Agents; Riboflavin; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 24751584
DOI: 10.1159/000357979 -
Systematic Reviews Jun 2019Understanding the effects of gait speed on biomechanical variables is fundamental for a proper evaluation of alterations in gait, since pathological individuals tend to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Understanding the effects of gait speed on biomechanical variables is fundamental for a proper evaluation of alterations in gait, since pathological individuals tend to walk slower than healthy controls. Therefore, the aim of the study was to perform a systematic review of the effects of gait speed on spatiotemporal parameters, joint kinematics, joint kinetics, and ground reaction forces in healthy children, young adults, and older adults.
METHODS
A systematic electronic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify studies published between 1980 and 2019. A modified Quality Index was applied to assess methodological quality, and effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals were calculated as the standardized mean differences. For the meta-analyses, a fixed or random effect model and the statistical heterogeneity were calculated using the I index.
RESULTS
Twenty original full-length studies were included in the final analyses with a total of 587 healthy individuals evaluated, of which four studies analyzed the gait pattern of 227 children, 16 studies of 310 young adults, and three studies of 59 older adults. In general, gait speed affected the amplitude of spatiotemporal gait parameters, joint kinematics, joint kinetics, and ground reaction forces with a decrease at slow speeds and increase at fast speeds in relation to the comfortable speed. Specifically, moderate-to-large effect sizes were found for each age group and speed: children (slow, - 3.61 to 0.59; fast, - 1.05 to 2.97), young adults (slow, - 3.56 to 4.06; fast, - 4.28 to 4.38), and older adults (slow, - 1.76 to 0.52; fast, - 0.29 to 1.43).
CONCLUSIONS
This review identified that speed affected the gait patterns of different populations with respect to the amplitude of spatiotemporal parameters, joint kinematics, joint kinetics, and ground reaction forces. Specifically, most of the values analyzed decreased at slower speeds and increased at faster speeds. Therefore, the effects of speed on gait patterns should also be considered when comparing the gait analysis of pathological individuals with normal or control ones.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomechanical Phenomena; Child; Child, Preschool; Gait; Gait Analysis; Humans; Middle Aged; Walking; Walking Speed; Young Adult
PubMed: 31248456
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-019-1063-z -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Sep 2020Injuries to the hamstring muscles are among the most common in sports and account for significant time loss. Despite being so common, the injury mechanism of hamstring...
BACKGROUND
Injuries to the hamstring muscles are among the most common in sports and account for significant time loss. Despite being so common, the injury mechanism of hamstring injuries remains to be determined.
PURPOSE
To investigate the hamstring injury mechanism by conducting a systematic review.
STUDY DESIGN
A systematic review following the PRISMA statement.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Studies 1) written in English and 2) deciding on the mechanism of hamstring injury were eligible for inclusion. Literature reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, conference abstracts, book chapters and editorials were excluded, as well as studies where the full text could not be obtained.
RESULTS
Twenty-six of 2372 screened original studies were included and stratified to the mechanism or methods used to determine hamstring injury: stretch-related injuries, kinematic analysis, electromyography-based kinematic analysis and strength-related injuries. All studies that reported the stretch-type injury mechanism concluded that injury occurs due to extensive hip flexion with a hyperextended knee. The vast majority of studies on injuries during running proposed that these injuries occur during the late swing phase of the running gait cycle.
CONCLUSION
A stretch-type injury to the hamstrings is caused by extensive hip flexion with an extended knee. Hamstring injuries during sprinting are most likely to occur due to excessive muscle strain caused by eccentric contraction during the late swing phase of the running gait cycle.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV.
Topics: Athletic Injuries; Biomechanical Phenomena; Hamstring Muscles; Humans; Knee; Knee Joint; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 32993700
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-03658-8 -
Sports Health 2021Distance running is one of the most popular physical activities, and running-related injuries (RRIs) are also common. Foot strike patterns have been suggested to affect... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTENT
Distance running is one of the most popular physical activities, and running-related injuries (RRIs) are also common. Foot strike patterns have been suggested to affect biomechanical variables related to RRI risks.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of foot strike techniques on running biomechanics.
DATA SOURCES
The databases of Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, and EBSCO were searched from database inception through November 2018.
STUDY SELECTION
The initial electronic search found 723 studies. Of these, 26 studies with a total of 472 participants were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 4.
DATA EXTRACTION
Means, standard deviations, and sample sizes were extracted from the eligible studies, and the standard mean differences (SMDs) were obtained for biomechanical variables between forefoot strike (FFS) and rearfoot strike (RFS) groups using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
FFS showed significantly smaller magnitude (SMD, -1.84; 95% CI, -2.29 to -1.38; < 0.001) and loading rate (mean: SMD, -2.1; 95% CI, -3.18 to -1.01; < 0.001; peak: SMD, -1.77; 95% CI, -2.21 to -1.33; < 0.001) of impact force, ankle stiffness (SMD, -1.69; 95% CI, -2.46 to -0.92; < 0.001), knee extension moment (SMD, -0.64; 95% CI, -0.98 to -0.3; < 0.001), knee eccentric power (SMD, -2.03; 95% CI, -2.51 to -1.54; < 0.001), knee negative work (SMD, -1.56; 95% CI, -2.11 to -1.00; < 0.001), and patellofemoral joint stress (peak: SMD, -0.71; 95% CI, -1.28 to -0.14; = 0.01; integral: SMD, -0.63; 95% CI, -1.11 to -0.15; = 0.01) compared with RFS. However, FFS significantly increased ankle plantarflexion moment (SMD, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.66 to 1.96; < 0.001), eccentric power (SMD, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.18 to 2.08; < 0.001), negative work (SMD, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.02 to 4.18; = 0.001), and axial contact force (SMD, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.6; < 0.001) compared with RFS.
CONCLUSION
Running with RFS imposed higher biomechanical loads on overall ground impact and knee and patellofemoral joints, whereas FFS imposed higher biomechanical loads on the ankle joint and Achilles tendon. The modification of strike techniques may affect the specific biomechanical loads experienced on relevant structures or tissues during running.
Topics: Achilles Tendon; Ankle; Biomechanical Phenomena; Foot; Gait Analysis; Humans; Knee; Risk Factors; Running; Stress, Mechanical
PubMed: 32813597
DOI: 10.1177/1941738120934715