Clinical Progression and Load Management For Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy In A Long-Distance Runner: A Case Report

Background and Purpose

The characteristics of Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy (PHT) include deep, localized pain in the region of the ischial tuberosity. Chronic lesions are often found in long-distance runners. Compression of the tendon and shear force at its insertion at the ischial tuberosity during hip flexion/adduction is a key etiologic factor. The aim of this case report is to analyze the effectiveness of an exercise protocol with progression of tendon loading in PHT in an amateur runner, by assessing pain and functional capacity.

Case Description

The subject was a 30-year-old male runner. After participating in a 10km race, he experienced an insidious onset of deep buttock pain in the right ischial tuberosity. His pain was aggravated by running on sloped roads and prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, particularly while driving. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Puranen-Orave test (PO), the Bent-Knee stretch test (BK stretch), the supine plank test, the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-proximal hamstring tendons (VISA-H) questionnaire, and the sciatic nerve mobility (via the Slump test) were assessed. The intervention involved a 12-week progressive loading exercise program divided into four phases.

Outcomes

The initial pain was reduced at 6 weeks of intervention and further decreased at 12 weeks (VAS from 7, to 5 and to 1). Function increased at 6 weeks and at 12 weeks (VISA-H from 23, to 53, to 80). Sciatic nerve mobility was normal.

Conclusion

The progression of training in a subject with PHT tendon injury based on isometric exercise, concentric/eccentric, energy storage, progressively increasing hip flexion was beneficial, increasing function and decreasing pain. Studies with a larger sample size and a more precise methodological design would be necessary to support this type of intervention in clinical practice.

Level of Evidence

5.

Exploring the Implications of Inter-Limb Asymmetries on Sprint, Agility, and Jump Performance in Young Highly-Trained Basketball Athletes: Is There a Relevant Threshold?

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the magnitude of vertical jump inter-limb asymmetries among young highly-trained basketball athletes and to analyze its impact on sport performance, specifically in sprints, agility, and vertical jumps. Materials and Methods: A unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ) was employed to determine Inter-limb Index Asymmetry (IAI) in 320 participants aged from 14 to 18 years, from the Valencia Basket youth academy. IAI was categorized into three groups: 0-9.9%, 10-14.9%, and >15%. The relationship between IAI and performance variables was analyzed through correlation studies (Pearson or Spearman's). The influence of IAI magnitude was assessed using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis analysis, with leg dominance as a covariable. SPSS Statistics version 26 was used for analysis. Results: Among all the participants, the mean IAI was 10.6%. Correlation studies revealed non-significant values (p < 0.05) between IAI and sport performance variables. The three IAI magnitude groups did not show statistically significant differences in sprint, agility, and jump outcomes. Leg dominance did not seem to influence performance outcomes, except for unilateral CMJ. Conclusions: The results obtained challenge the assumption that an IAI above 10% negatively affects sprint, agility, or jump performance in young basketball athletes. Notably, the magnitude of IAI did not influence sport performance parameters, suggesting that the 10-15% threshold from previous studies may not be applicable to this population. The study emphasizes the need to understand lower-limb asymmetries in the context of specific sport task performance, considering the potential evolution over time among affected young athletes.

Static Postural Control during Single-Leg Stance in Endurance, Team and Combat Athletes from the Spanish National Sport Technification Program

In the context of pediatric physical exercise, the analysis of factors affecting postural control (PC) provides insight into the development of sport-specific motor skills. This study aims to evaluate the static PC during single-leg stance in endurance, team and combat athletes from the Spanish National Sport Technification Program. A total of 29 boys and 32 girls, aged 12 to 16 years old, were recruited. Centre of pressure (CoP) was measured on a force platform in standing position for 40 s under two sensorial and leg dominance conditions. Girls showed lower MVeloc (p < 0.001), MFreq (p > 0.001) and Sway (p < 0.001) values than boys in both sensorial conditions (open and closed eyes). The highest values in all PC variables were observed with eyes closed in both genders (p < 0.001). Sway values were lower in boys combat-athletes compared to endurance athletes in two sensorial conditions and with non-dominant leg (p < 0.05). Young athletes in their teens enrolled in a Sport Technification Program have shown differences in PC when comparing different visual conditions, sport disciplines and gender. This study opens a window to a better understanding of the determinants of PC during single-leg stance as a critical element in the sport specialization of young athletes.

Digital Tools for Translucence Evaluation of Prosthodontic Materials: Application of Kubelka-Munk Theory

Translucency is one of the most important parameters to be considered by digital systems when predicting the matching appearance and hence the quality of prosthodontic restoration work. Our objective has been to improve the effectiveness of the algorithmic decision systems employed by these devices by (a) determining whether Kubelka-Munk theory can be used as an algorithm for predicting restoration suitability, and (b) evaluating the correlation between the visual evaluation of prosthodontic materials and the predicted translucency based on the use of the ΔE*, OP, CR, and K/S algorithms. In this regard, three zirconia systems and one lithium disilicate have been spectrophotometrically and visually characterized. Based on the results of this study, it has been proven that zirconia systems and lithium disilicate systems exhibit different optical behaviors. The psychophysical experience suggests that none of the existing mathematical methods can adequately estimate translucency, spectrophotometric, and colorimetric techniques, and that which is perceived by an experienced observer. However, translucency evaluation through the K/S algorithmic decision system should not be disregarded. New methods to measure translucency should be developed to improve digital systems for prosthodontic applications.

The Reference Site Collaborative Network of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing

Seventy four Reference Sites of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) have been recognised by the European Commission in 2016 for their commitment to excellence in investing and scaling up innovative solutions for active and healthy ageing. The Reference Site Collaborative Network (RSCN) brings together the EIP on AHA Reference Sites awarded by the European Commission, and Candidate Reference Sites into a single forum. The overarching goals are to promote cooperation, share and transfer good practice and solutions in the development and scaling up of health and care strategies, policies and service delivery models, while at the same time supporting the action groups in their work. The RSCN aspires to be recognized by the EU Commission as the principal forum and authority representing all EIP on AHA Reference Sites. The RSCN will contribute to achieve the goals of the EIP on AHA by improving health and care outcomes for citizens across Europe, and the development of sustainable economic growth and the creation of jobs.