Vastus Medialis Obliquus Atrophy: Does It Exist in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Quadriceps atrophy and in particular atrophy of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) muscle have been frequently related with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), despite very little objective evidence. HYPOTHESIS: Patients with PFPS exhibit atrophy of the VMO in comparison with healthy controls. Forty-six patients with PFPS and 30 healthy control persons with similar age, gender, body [...]
The effects of disc degeneration and muscle dysfunction on cervical spine stability from a biomechanical study.
Disc degeneration and muscle dysfunction are common spinal degenerations in the elderly. This in vitro study was carried out to investigate the effects of these two degenerative changes on spinal stability. The stability of nine porcine cervical spines (C2-T1) with mechanically simulated cervical muscles (sternocleidomastoid (SCM), splenius capitis (SPL), semispinalis capitis (SSC)) was tested before [...]
Kinesiology of the hip: a focus on muscular actions
The 21 muscles that cross the hip provide both triplanar movement and stability between the femur and acetabulum. The primary intent of this clinical commentary is to review and discuss the current understanding of the specific actions of the hip muscles. Analysis of their actions is based primarily on the spatial orientation of the muscles [...]
Strengthening and Neuromuscular Reeducation of the Gluteus Maximus in a Triathlete With Exercise-Associated Cramping of the Hamstrings
Researchers have described 2 theories concerning the etiology of EAMC: (1) muscle fatigue and (2) electrolyte deficit. As such, interventions for EAMC typically consist of stretching/strengthening of the involved muscle and/or supplements to restore electrolyte imbalances. The purpose of this study was to highlight the effects of an intervention program consisting of strengthening and neuromuscular [...]
Isolated hip and ankle fatigue are unlikely risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament injury
Lower extremity neuromuscular fatigue purportedly increases anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk through promotion of extreme landing mechanics. However, the impact of fatigue on muscle groups critical to the landing strategy remains unclear. This study examined the effects of isolated hip rotator and triceps surae fatigue on lower extremity landing biomechanics. Sixteen healthy females reported [...]
The association between degenerative hip joint pathology and size of the gluteus maximus and tensor fascia lata muscles
The aim of this study was to obtain, using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), muscle volume measurements for the gluteus maximus (upper: UGM and lower: LGM portions) and tensor fascia lata (TFL) muscles in both healthy subjects and those with unilateral osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. While control group subjects were symmetrical between sides for the [...]
The association between degenerative hip joint pathology and size of the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and piriformis muscles
This study aimed to investigate changes in the deep abductor muscles, gluteus medius (GMED), piriformis (PIRI), and gluteus minimus (GMIN), occurring in association with differing stages of unilateral degenerative hip joint pathology. Muscle volume assessed via magnetic resonance imaging was compared for each muscle between sides, and between groups. GMED and PIRI muscle volume was [...]
Trapezius Muscle Timing During Selected Shoulder Rehabilitation Exercises
The objective of this study was to examine the timing of the 3 portions of the trapezius muscle in relation to the posterior deltoid (PD) muscle and in relation to one another during 4 selected shoulder exercises: (1) prone extension, (2) forward flexion in side lying, (3) external rotation in side lying, and (4) prone [...]
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