1
|
Kellis E, Konstantopoulos A, Salonikios G, Ellinoudis A. Does Pelvic Tilt Angle Influence the Isokinetic Strength of the Hip and Knee Flexors and Extensors? J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2024; 9:73. [PMID: 38651431 PMCID: PMC11036241 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9020073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pelvic tilt angle on maximum hip and knee muscles' strength and antagonist/agonist strength ratios. Twenty-one young males and females performed maximum isokinetic concentric knee extension-flexion and hip extension-flexion efforts at 60°·s-1, 120°·s-1, and 180°·s-1 from three positions: anterior, neutral, and posterior pelvic tilt. Peak torques and knee flexor-to-extensor and hip flexor-to-extensor torque ratios were analyzed. An analysis of variance showed that peak hip extensor torque was significantly greater in the anterior pelvic tilt condition compared to either neutral or posterior pelvic tilt angles (p > 0.05). No effects of changing pelvic tilt angle on hip flexor, knee flexor, or knee extension values were found (p > 0.05). The hip flexor-to-extensor torque ratio decreased (p < 0.05) in the anterior pelvic tilt position relative to the other positions, while no difference in the knee flexor-to-extensor ratio between pelvic positions was observed (p > 0.05). This study shows that an increased anterior pelvic tilt affects the maximum isokinetic strength of the hip extensors, supporting previous suggestions regarding the link between pelvic position and hip and knee muscle function. Isokinetic testing from an anterior pelvic tilt position may alter the evaluation of hip flexion/extension strength.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Kellis
- Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, TEFAA Serres, Agios Ioannis, 62100 Serres, Greece (A.E.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bramah C, Mendiguchia J, Dos'Santos T, Morin JB. Exploring the Role of Sprint Biomechanics in Hamstring Strain Injuries: A Current Opinion on Existing Concepts and Evidence. Sports Med 2024; 54:783-793. [PMID: 37725240 PMCID: PMC11052868 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01925-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Hamstring strain injuries are one of the most common injuries in sprint-based sports with the mechanism of injury considered the result of an interaction between applied mechanical strain and the capacity of the muscle to tolerate strain. To date, injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies have frequently focused on enhancing the capacity of the hamstrings to tolerate strain, with little consideration of factors directly influencing mechanical strain. Sprint running biomechanics are one factor proposed to influence the mechanical strain applied to the hamstrings that may be modified (towards reduced strain) within rehabilitation and injury prevention programs. This article aims to explore the theoretical mechanistic link between sprint running mechanics and hamstring strain injury, along with the available supporting evidence. In doing so, it hopes to provide practitioners with an understanding of mechanical parameters that may influence hamstring strain injury whilst also identifying areas for further research exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Bramah
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Allerton Building, Frederick Road Campus, Salford, M6 6PU, UK.
- Manchester Institute of Health and Performance, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jurdan Mendiguchia
- Department of Physical Therapy, ZENTRUM Rehab and Performance Centre, Barañain, Spain
| | - Thomas Dos'Santos
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Institute of Sport, Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Jean-Benoȋt Morin
- University Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, Lyon 1, University Savoie Mont-Blanc, Inter-University Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, EA 7424, Saint-Etienne, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ludwig O, Dindorf C, Kelm S, Kelm J, Fröhlich M. Muscular Strategies for Correcting the Pelvic Position to Improve Posture-An Exploratory Study. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2024; 9:25. [PMID: 38390925 PMCID: PMC10885056 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The correction of postural weaknesses through the better positioning of the pelvis is an important approach in sports therapy and physiotherapy. The pelvic position in the sagittal plane is largely dependent on the muscular balance of the ventral and dorsal muscle groups. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine whether healthy persons use similar muscular activation patterns to correct their pelvic position or whether there are different motor strategies. The following muscles were recorded in 41 persons using surface electromyography (EMG): M. trapezius pars ascendens, M. erector spinae pars lumbalis, M. gluteus maximus, M. biceps femoris, M. rectus abdominis, and M. obliquus externus. The participants performed 10 voluntary pelvic movements (retroversion of the pelvis). The anterior pelvic tilt was measured videographically via marker points on the anterior and posterior superior iliac spine. The EMG data were further processed and normalized to the maximum voluntary contraction. A linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between changes in the pelvic tilt and muscle activities. Subsequently, a Ward clustering analysis was applied to detect potential muscle activation patterns. The differences between the clusters and the pelvic tilt were examined using ANOVA. Cluster analysis revealed the presence of four clusters with different muscle activation patterns in which the abdominal muscles and dorsal muscle groups were differently involved. However, the gluteus maximus muscle was involved in every activation pattern. It also had the strongest correlation with the changes in pelvic tilt. Different individual muscle patterns are used by different persons to correct pelvic posture, with the gluteus maximus muscle apparently playing the most important role. This can be important for therapy, as different muscle strategies should be trained depending on the individually preferred motor patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Ludwig
- Department of Sport Science, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Carlo Dindorf
- Department of Sport Science, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kelm
- Department of Sport Science, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Jens Kelm
- Orthopädisch-Chirurgisches Zentrum, 66557 Illingen, Germany
| | - Michael Fröhlich
- Department of Sport Science, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lefranc AS, Klute GK, Neptune RR. The Influence of Multiple Pregnancies on Gait Asymmetry: A Case Study. J Appl Biomech 2023; 39:403-413. [PMID: 37704197 DOI: 10.1123/jab.2023-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Gait asymmetry is a predictor of fall risk and may contribute to increased falls during pregnancy. Previous work indicates that pregnant women experience asymmetric joint laxity and pelvic tilt during standing and asymmetric joint moments and angles during walking. How these changes translate to other measures of gait asymmetry remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this case study was to determine the relationships between pregnancy progression, subsequent pregnancies, and gait asymmetry. Walking data were collected from an individual during 2 consecutive pregnancies during the second and third trimesters and 6 months postpartum of her first pregnancy and the first, second, and third trimesters and 6 months postpartum of her second pregnancy. Existing asymmetries in step length, anterior-posterior (AP) impulses, AP peak ground reaction forces, lateral impulses, and joint work systematically increased as her pregnancy progressed. These changes in asymmetry may be attributed to pelvic asymmetry, leading to asymmetric hip flexor and extensor length, or due to asymmetric plantar flexor strength, as suggested by her ankle work asymmetry. Relative to her first pregnancy, she had greater asymmetry in step length, step width, braking AP impulse, propulsive AP impulse, and peak braking AP ground reaction force during her second pregnancy, which may have resulted from increased joint laxity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aude S Lefranc
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX,USA
| | - Glenn K Klute
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Center for Limb Loss and MoBility, Seattle, WA,USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA,USA
| | - Richard R Neptune
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX,USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kim WD, Shin D. Effects of Pelvic-Tilt Imbalance on Disability, Muscle Performance, and Range of Motion in Office Workers with Non-Specific Low-Back Pain. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060893. [PMID: 36981550 PMCID: PMC10048650 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Imbalance in the pelvic tilt is considered to be a major variable in low back pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pelvic-tilt imbalance on trunk- and hip-muscle performance, range of motion, low-back pain, and the degree of disability in office workers. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a physical therapy clinic on forty-one office workers diagnosed with non-specific low-back pain. Among the office workers with non-specific low-back pain, 25 were assigned to the pelvic-tilt-imbalance group and 16 to the normal group without pelvic-tilt imbalance. In order to determine the differences according to the imbalance in pelvic tilt, the pain intensity and disability indices were compared between the groups. In addition, the muscle performance and range of motion of the trunk and hip joints and foot pressure were measured and compared. There were differences between the groups in the disability indices and the ratio of internal and external rotation of the hip joint. However, there were no differences in the other variables. Pelvic-tilt imbalance in office workers with non-specific chronic low-back pain may exacerbate the degree of disability and be related to hip-joint rotational range of motion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Won-Deuk Kim
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Kyungnam University, Changwon-si 51767, Republic of Korea
| | - Doochul Shin
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Kyungnam University, Changwon-si 51767, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-55-249-2017
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Preece SJ, Alghamdi W, Jones RK. Individuals with knee osteoarthritis demonstrate increased passive stiffness of the hip flexor muscles. Knee 2023; 41:302-310. [PMID: 36801496 DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with knee osteoarthritis stand and walk with increased trunk flexion. This altered postural alignment increases hamstring activation, elevating mechanical knee loads during walking. Increased hip flexor stiffness may lead to increased trunk flexion. Therefore, this study compared hip flexor stiffness between healthy individuals and individuals with knee osteoarthritis. This study also sought to understand the biomechanical effect of a simple instruction to reduce trunk flexion by 5° during walking. METHODS Twenty individuals with confirmed knee osteoarthritis and 20 healthy individuals participated. The Thomas test was used to quantity passive stiffness of the hip flexor muscles and three-dimensional motion analysis used to quantify trunk flexion during normal walking. Using a controlled biofeedback protocol, each participant was then instructed to decrease trunk flexion by 5°. RESULTS Passive stiffness was greater in the group with knee osteoarthritis (effect size = 1.04). For both groups, there was relatively strong correlation between passive stiffness and trunk flexion in walking (r = 0.61-0.72). The instruction to decrease trunk flexion produced only small, non-significant, reductions in hamstring activation during early stance. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to demonstrate that individuals with knee osteoarthritis exhibit increased passive stiffness of the hip muscles. This increased stiffness appears to be linked to increased trunk flexion and may therefore underlie the increased hamstring activation which is associated with this disease. As simple postural instruction does not appear to reduce hamstring activity, interventions may be required which can improve postural alignment by reducing passive stiffness of the hip muscles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Preece
- School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, Manchester M6 6PU, UK.
| | - Wael Alghamdi
- School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, Manchester M6 6PU, UK; Al Baha University, Al Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Richard K Jones
- School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, Manchester M6 6PU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Preece SJ, Brookes N, Williams AE, Jones RK, Starbuck C, Jones A, Walsh NE. A new integrated behavioural intervention for knee osteoarthritis: development and pilot study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:526. [PMID: 34103040 PMCID: PMC8188786 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04389-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Exercise-based approaches have been a cornerstone of physiotherapy management of knee osteoarthritis for many years. However, clinical effects are considered small to modest and the need for continued adherence identified as a barrier to clinical efficacy. While exercise-based approaches focus on muscle strengthening, biomechanical research has identified that people with knee osteoarthritis over activate their muscles during functional tasks. Therefore, we aimed to create a new behavioural intervention, which integrated psychologically informed practice with biofeedback training to reduce muscle overactivity, and which was suitable for delivery by a physiotherapist. Methods Through literature review, we created a framework linking theory from pain science with emerging biomechanical concepts related to overactivity of the knee muscles. Using recognised behaviour change theory, we then mapped a set of intervention components which were iteratively developed through ongoing testing and consultation with patients and physiotherapists. Results The underlying framework incorporated ideas related to central sensitisation, motor responses to pain and also focused on the idea that increased knee muscle overactivity could result from postural compensation. Building on these ideas, we created an intervention with five components: making sense of pain, general relaxation, postural deconstruction, responding differently to pain and functional muscle retraining. The intervention incorporated a range of animated instructional videos to communicate concepts related to pain and biomechanical theory and also used EMG biofeedback to facilitate visualization of muscle patterns. User feedback was positive with patients describing the intervention as enabling them to “create a new normal” and to be “in control of their own treatment.” Furthermore, large reductions in pain were observed from 11 patients who received a prototype version of the intervention. Conclusion We have created a new intervention for knee osteoarthritis, designed to empower individuals with capability and motivation to change muscle activation patterns and beliefs associated with pain. We refer to this intervention as Cognitive Muscular Therapy. Preliminary feedback and clinical indications are positive, motivating future large-scale trials to understand potential efficacy. It is possible that this new approach could bring about improvements in the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis without the need for continued adherence to muscle strengthening programmes. Trial registration ISRCTN51913166 (Registered 24-02-2020, Retrospectively registered). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04389-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Preece
- Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK.
| | - Nathan Brookes
- Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK.,Physiotherapy Department, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
| | - Anita E Williams
- Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK
| | - Richard K Jones
- Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK
| | - Chelsea Starbuck
- Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK
| | - Anthony Jones
- Human Pain Research Group, University of Manchester, Clinical Sciences Building, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
| | - Nicola E Walsh
- Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1DD, UK
| |
Collapse
|