IFOMPT’s March 2016 edition of Manual Therapy Research Review is out!

This first review for 2016 covers topics including post graduate education in manual therapy and Mulligan taping as an effective method of managing patella femoral pain.

Paper One
Childs, J., Whitman, J., Sizer,P., Pugia M., Flynn, T and Delitto, A. A description of physical therapists’ knowledge in managing musculoskeletal conditions BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2005, 6:32 doi:10.1186/1471-2474-6-32

This study looked at the suitability of of utilising physical therapists to provide direct access care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Using a cross-sectional design, the study asked 174 physical therapist students and 182 experienced physical therapists to complete a standardised examination assessing knowledge in managing musculoskeletal conditions. The study found that physical therapists with advanced skills obtained through post-graduate study and specialization managed patients with musculoskeletal conditions better than other disciplines who work with these types of patients.

Paper Two
Khayambashi K, Ghoddosi N, Straub RK, Powers CM. Hip Muscle Strength Predicts Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Male and Female Athletes: A Prospective Study. Am J Sports Med. 2016 Feb;44(2):355-61. doi: 10.1177/0363546515616237. Epub 2015 Dec 8

The purpose of this study was to determine whether baseline hip strength predicts future noncontact ACL injury in athletes. This case-controlled study measured the isometric hip strength in 501 competitive athletes (138 female and 363 male athletes) participating in various sports and recorded the number of contact and noncontact ACL injuries throughout the season. Baseline hip strength measures were significantly lower in injured athletes compared with non-injured athletes and separate logistic regression models indicated that impaired hip strength increased future injury risk. As a result, this study supports screening for hip strength in ACL patients.

Paper Three
Hickey A, Hopper D, Hall T, Wild CY. The Effect of the Mulligan Knee Taping Technique on Patellofemoral Pain and Lower Limb Biomechanics. Am J Sports Med.

In a controlled laboratory study, the authors sought to determine whether the Mulligan knee taping technique altered levels of perceived knee pain and lower limb biomechanics during a single -legged squat (SLSq) in adult females with PFP. A total of 20 female patients with PFP, aged 18 to 35 years, were asked to perform 3 to 5 SLSq on their most symptomatic limb during a taped (Mulligan knee taping technique) and nontaped (control) condition. Three-dimensional kinematics, muscle activation patterns and participants’ perceived maximum knee pain were recorded. The results showed that the Mulligan knee taping technique successfully reduced knee pain in participants with PFP.

Read the full Manual Therapy Research Review