Static Ankle Dorsiflexion and Hip and Pelvis Kinematics During Forward Step-Down in Patients With Hip-Related Groin Pain

A New Clinical Examination Algorithm to Prescribe Conservative Treatment in People with Hip-Related Pain

Hip-related pain is a common issue in active adults affecting their quality of life, mobility, and overall function, and it can lead to persistent disability. However, diagnosing hip-related pain is challenging due to the many potential sources and causes, including intra-articular and extra-articular pathology, and referred pain from other areas (lumbar or groin related pain). To address this, there is a need for a clinical algorithm based on the best available evidence and expert consensus. This algorithm could guide healthcare professionals in assessing and managing patients with hip-related pain, during the diagnosis, test selection, intervention, monitoring, and promoting collaboration among various healthcare providers. This clinical algorithm for hip-related pain is a comprehensive, flexible, adaptable to different settings, and regularly updated to incorporate new research findings. This literature review aims to establish a clinical algorithm specifically for prescribing exercise treatment to patients with hip-related pain, addressing their individual needs and enhancing their overall care.

Females with hip-related pain display altered lower limb mechanics compared to their healthy counterparts in a drop jump task

BACKGROUND

Hip-related pain describes femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, acetabular dysplasia, and other hip pain conditions without clear morphological features. Movement strategies in this population, notably sex-related patterns, are poorly understood and may provide insights into why females report more pain and worse function. This study examined the sex-related differences during a drop vertical jump task between those with hip-related pain and healthy controls.

METHODS

Patients with hip-related pain and healthy controls completed five repetitions of a drop jump while their kinematics and kinetics were recorded using a motion capture system and force plates. Hip, knee, and ankle joint angles and external joint moments during landing were used in general estimating equations for comparison of group by sex by limb interactions. Time series data were further investigated using statistical parametric mapping.

FINDINGS

Females with hip-related pain had 9.1° less hip flexion (P = .041) and 9.2° less knee flexion (P = .024) than healthy females, and 8.3° less knee flexion than male counterparts with hip-related pain (P = .039). Males demonstrated 1.4° less hip flexion on the affected side compared to their uninvolved side (P = .004). Statistical parametric mapping results showed significant differences in knee flexion angle for females with hip-related pain compared to healthy females (P = .042). There were no significant differences in hip, knee, or ankle moments.

INTERPRETATION

Females with hip-related pain showed kinematic patterns distinct from healthy controls. Sex may be an important variable of interest in characterizing movement impairments in this population and movement impairments may be an appropriate target for intervention for these patients.

Trunk and lower-extremity kinematics differ based on step-down tap variation: An assessment of methodology for a return-to-play protocol using motion analysis

BACKGROUND

The step-down tap (SDT) is a commonly used task to assess unilateral neuromuscular control and to identify deficient movement patterns of the trunk and lower extremities. However, instruction of the SDT varies greatly in recent reports, which may alter the clinical interpretation of potential movement deficiencies.

RESEARCH QUESTION

The purpose of this study was to identify differences in trunk and lower extremity kinematics between variations of a step-down tap that differ based on step direction, fixing the arms or stance foot, and trial collection methods.

METHODS

This study followed a single-group repeated measures design in a laboratory setting. Three-dimensional angles of the trunk, hip, and knee of 18 participants were evaluated at 60 degrees of knee flexion and at maximum squat depth during six SDT variations. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were performed to determine the effects of an anterior verse lateral step direction, a fixed arm or stance foot position, and an individual verse continuous trial collection method.

RESULTS

Knee flexion, external pelvic rotation, and external trunk rotation were greater in the anterior SDT, while the lateral SDT elicited greater pelvic tilt and hip flexion. Additionally, overall squat depth was greater across participants during the anterior SDT. Few clinically significant differences (≥3°) were observed due to fixing arm or stance foot position, and no differences were identified based on trial collection methods.

SIGNIFICANCE

The standardization of task instructions for motion analysis protocols utilized for research purposes and/or clinical decision-making is crucial. Specifically, for the SDT, the authors recommend using the anterior step direction. A fixed arm and stance foot position is not necessary, and trials may be collected individually or continuously based on convenience for a small number of repetitions.

Clinical Measures of Pelvic Tilt in Physical Therapy

Pelvic tilt refers to the spatial position or motion of the pelvis about a frontal horizontal axis on the rest of the body in the sagittal plane. It is relevant for several musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen in physical therapist practice, particularly conditions affecting the hip and groin. Despite the relevance of pelvic tilt identified in biomechanical studies, and the historical precedence for assessing pelvic tilt, there is a lack of clarity regarding the utility of clinical measures that are practical in a rehabilitation setting. There are several options available to assess pelvic tilt which are discussed in detail in this commentary. All of these options come with potential benefits and considerable limitations. The purpose of this commentary is to provide an overview of the relevance of understanding pelvic tilt in the pathology and rehabilitation of conditions affecting the hip joint, with a focus applying evidence towards identifying clinical measures that may be useful in the rehabilitation setting and considerations that are needed with these measures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.