Jeffrey B. Driban, PhD, ATC, CSCS

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  • May 23, 2012
  • 12:06 AM
  • 450 views

Adding Echocardiography to Pre-participation Screening

by Kris Fayock, MD and Marc Harwood, MD in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

One of the main goals of pre-participation screening (PPS) is to identify unknown cardiac alterations in asymptomatic athletes with the intent to prevent sudden death in athletes. In Italy, it is mandatory by law that all children entering competitive activity must receive screening that includes physical examination and electrocardiogram (ECG), which is usually first done between the ages of 8 to 12 years of age. This mandatory screening has been shown to be effective in preventing sudden car........ Read more »

  • August 24, 2012
  • 12:04 AM
  • 448 views

Are Individualized Exercise Programs for Chronic Low Back Pain Overrated?

by Mark Rice in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

In a recent post, SMR discussed the utilization of vertical traction to restore lumbar curvature as an effective way to reduce low back pain (LBP). Traction was compared to conservative generalized exercise measures, but was a generalized plan of exercise more appropriate than a clinically prescribed exercise regimen? Wajswelner et al. hypothesized that LBP will be significantly reduced in a patient population that undergoes a clinically prescribed and individualized Pilates exercise regimen ........ Read more »

Wajswelner H, Metcalf B, & Bennell K. (2012) Clinical Pilates versus general exercise for chronic low back pain: randomized trial. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 44(7), 1197-205. PMID: 22246216  

  • February 28, 2012
  • 12:04 AM
  • 446 views

Knee Shape: A Potential Risk Factor for ACL Injury

by Jeffrey B. Driban in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

espite this, a lot of research has focused on comparisons between men and women which can be very informative but has potential limitations when discussing what variables contribute to an ACL tear.... Read more »

Wahl CJ, Westermann RW, Blaisdell GY, & Cizik AM. (2012) An Association of Lateral Knee Sagittal Anatomic Factors with Non-Contact ACL Injury: Sex or Geometry?. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American volume, 94(3), 217-26. PMID: 22298053  

  • March 2, 2012
  • 12:04 AM
  • 446 views

PRP Preparations: Are you Getting What You Wanted?

by Jeffrey B. Driban in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

In October, SMR summarized a paper by Sundman et al that described how two commercial systems can generate platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparations that have very different cellular and growth factor concentrations and therefore may have different therapeutic effects.... Read more »

Mazzocca AD, McCarthy MB, Chowaniec DM, Cote MP, Romeo AA, Bradley JP, Arciero RA, & Beitzel K. (2012) Platelet-rich plasma differs according to preparation method and human variability. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American volume, 94(4), 308-16. PMID: 22336969  

  • November 2, 2011
  • 12:01 AM
  • 444 views

Patellar Tendon versus Hamstring Autografts: 11-year Follow-Up of a Randomized Clinical Trial

by Nicole Cattano in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

The goals of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery are to decrease symptoms, increase function, and to return to pre-injury activity status. There are numerous techniques and grafts utilized for ACL reconstruction, including autografts or allografts. Autografts are frequently selected, and can consist of patellar tendon (PT) or semitendinosus and gracilis (STG) tendons. Currently, there is no consensus as to which graft is the best option for optimal outcomes. Therefore, th........ Read more »

  • September 30, 2011
  • 12:01 AM
  • 442 views

Low Range of Ankle Dorsiflexion Predisposes Basketball Players to Patellar Tendinopathy

by Jeffrey B. Driban in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

A recent study demonstrated that athletes with patellar tendinopathy had less ankle dorsiflexion but it was unclear if limited dorsiflexion causes patellar tendinopathy or if it was a consequence of the patellar tendinopathy. To determine if limited ankle dorsiflexion contributed to the onset of patellar tendinopathy, Backman et al conducted a 1-year prospective study to examine if reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion increases the risk of developing patellar tendinopathy among 75 Swedish ........ Read more »

  • May 17, 2012
  • 12:06 AM
  • 439 views

Potential Genetic Marker for Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy

by Jane McDevitt in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

Posterior tibial tendinopathy effects many people, especially females, and has several distinctive predisposing risk factors (e.g., flat foot, presence of accessory navicular bone, or impact of osteofibrous tunnel). However, many patients present with posterior tibial tendinopathy without any of the distinctive risk factors, which suggests there could be a genetic influence associated with patients being more prone to this injury. For example, if there is a genetic variation within the gene for ........ Read more »

Godoy-Santos A, Ortiz RT, Junior RM, Fernandes TD, & Santos MC. (2012) MMP-8 polymorphism is genetic marker to tendinopathy primary posterior tibial tendon. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine . PMID: 22487237  

  • October 31, 2011
  • 12:01 AM
  • 436 views

Consistency of a Clinical Reaction Time Assessment Between Seasons: A Possible Low Cost Concussion Assessment?

by Jeffrey B. Driban in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

Reaction time is commonly impaired after a concussion and is often assessed in computerized concussion assessment programs. Unfortunately, many sports medicine clinicians, particularly those working with younger athletes, may not have access to computerized concussion assessment programs. Therefore, Eckner et al developed a simple clinical measurement of reaction time; however, the test-retest reliability (consistency) of their assessment as well as computerized reaction time assessments have no........ Read more »

  • October 24, 2011
  • 12:01 AM
  • 435 views

The Relationship Between Lumbopelvic Muscles and Thigh Muscle Strains

by Dustin Grooms in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

The transition from offseason to preseason training for many sports carries a substantial risk of thigh muscle strain injury (quadriceps, hamstrings, and adductors). Due to the contribution of the lumbopelvic region (core stability) to lower extremity function it is thought that the size and asymmetry of lumbopelvic stabilizers may play a role in these injuries. To assess this theory, Hides et al assessed the relationships between thigh muscle strain and lumbopelvic muscle (i.e., psoas major, q........ Read more »

  • March 5, 2012
  • 12:07 AM
  • 435 views

Trying to Reduce Exercise-Induced Bonchoconstriction with Warm-Up Exercises

by Jeffrey B. Driban in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

Following a warm-up that induces exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), a temporary airway narrowing associated with exercise, some individuals experience a 1 to 4 hour refractory period during which they have less severe or no EIB after additional vigorous exercise. Numerous warm-up programs have been suggested to induce a refractory period but it is unclear how effective they are. Therefore, Stickland et al conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of different warm-up ........ Read more »

Stickland MK, Rowe BH, Spooner CH, Vandermeer B, & Dryden DM. (2012) Effect of warm-up exercise on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 44(3), 383-91. PMID: 21811185  

  • November 17, 2011
  • 12:01 AM
  • 434 views

Reliability of the Online Version of ImPACT in High School Athletes

by Jane McDevitt in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

Computer neurocognitive assessment tools are being utilized more and more in athletic training rooms and physician offices. ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is one of those computer programs, which has been evaluated and supported by many medical personnel. An online version has just been released and though it is similar to the older desktop version they are not identical. The purpose of this study was to determine a 1-year test-retest reliability of the ImPAC........ Read more »

  • July 24, 2012
  • 12:01 AM
  • 432 views

Double-Bundle versus Single-Bundle ACL Reconstruction

by Nicole Cattano in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

There have been quite a few studies and SMR postings regarding anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and whether or not the double-bundle (DB) technique is more beneficial than the single-bundle (SB) technique. However, few studies have focused on the long-term results of these surgical outcomes. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine whether the DB has better long-term outcomes than the SB for ACL reconstruction. ... Read more »

  • September 14, 2012
  • 12:04 AM
  • 432 views

Factors Associated with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

by Hallie Labrador in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a very common diagnosis, making up about 25% of all running injuries. It can also be a very frustrating diagnosis for both patients and clinicians. Whereas short-term treatments can be successful in alleviating symptoms, long-term results are variable, and there is no definitive operative management for PFPS. Several studies have examined risk factors for the development of PFPS with the goal of directing treatments at modifiable factors. The purpose of thi........ Read more »

Lankhorst NE, Bierma-Zeinstra SM, & van Middelkoop M. (2012) Factors associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine. PMID: 22815424  

  • November 11, 2011
  • 12:01 AM
  • 426 views

Asymptomatic Achilles, Patellar, and Quadriceps Tendinopathy on Diagnostic Ultrasound

by Stephen Thomas in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

Tendinopathy is common among athletes of all shapes and sizes. Chronically tendinopathy is much more common than acute tendinopathy and is typically caused by overuse stress which causes collagen degeneration. Elite fencers perform repetitive motions during competition and therefore are prone to overuse conditions in the tendons of the lower extremity. With the advances in medical technology ultrasound has drastically improved and become more common in the sports medicine setting for diagnosing ........ Read more »

  • November 18, 2011
  • 12:13 AM
  • 424 views

PRP and Lateral Epicondylitis – The (Re)search Continues

by Mark Rice in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

Over the past few months SMR has reviewed multiple articles regarding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its efficacy (see related posts below). These articles have shown varying degrees of success depending on where and how the PRP treatment has been administered. One area of the body that has shown positive responses to PRP intervention is the elbow, and more specifically the muscles and tendons at the lateral epicondyle. While previous articles have compared PRP efficacy to cortico-steroid inj........ Read more »

  • December 5, 2011
  • 05:26 AM
  • 417 views

The Effects of Neuromuscular Training on the Gait of ACL-deficient Patients

by Kathleen White in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

Therefore the purpose of this study was to evaluate gait patterns before and after PERT training in ACL-deficient men and women that are within 7 months of their initial injury.... Read more »

  • November 10, 2011
  • 12:01 AM
  • 415 views

The Acute Effects of Different Stretching Exercises on Jump Performance

by Kyle Harris in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

Proper stretching prior to an activity is critical in avoiding injury. There are many different stretching exercises which can be performed and choosing the correct stretching exercise can actually enhance how the muscle and tendon will react to the demands placed on it during the activity. In order to better understand the effects of different stretching exercises with respect to jump performance, Pacheco and colleagues performed a double-blind, crossover study. The purpose of this study was &l........ Read more »

Pacheco L, Balius R, Aliste L, Pujol M, & Pedret C. (2011) The acute effects of different stretching exercises on jump performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(11), 2991-8. PMID: 21993032  

  • October 15, 2012
  • 12:04 AM
  • 415 views

How Accurate are Your Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy Tests?

by Jane McDevitt in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

Proximal hamstring tendinopathy is an overuse injury and the main symptom is typically an ill-defined pain during activity in the area of the ischial tuberosity. Due to injuries with similar symptoms (e.g., piriformis syndrome) it is difficult to correctly diagnose proximal hamstring tendinopathy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the reliability and validity as well as the sensitivity and specificity of 3 pain provocation tests for the diagnosis of proximal hamstring tendinop........ Read more »

  • May 2, 2012
  • 09:30 PM
  • 414 views

Chronic Daily Headache in U.S. Soldiers After Concussion

by Jane McDevitt in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

Concussions occur in almost a fifth of the United States service members that are deployed and the most common sign and symptom is headache. Headaches following a concussion can last for up to a month. Chronic daily headache (CDH) is defined as 15 or more headache days per month and little is known on the association between CDH and concussions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and other factors that are associated with CDHs in United States ........ Read more »

  • July 19, 2012
  • 12:01 AM
  • 414 views

The Effect of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Tissue Healing

by Kyle Harris in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field

Non-selective (NSAIDS) and selective (COX-2 inhibitors) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often used during the inflammatory stage of healing because of their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The use of these drugs, especially following surgery, is controversial because some pathways of tissue healing may be disrupted by the drugs in an attempt to gain the desired effect. Therefore, Chen and Gragoo performed a review of literature to assess the evidence of an effect of NSAIDS a........ Read more »

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