Iva Sklempe Kokic

The goal of the trial was to examine the effects of adding electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) to the conventional program of physiotherapy after total hip arthroplasty (THA) on functional recovery and quality of life. The trial was designed as a prospective, interventional, single-blinded randomized controlled study. Ninety patients were randomized into an experimental group (EG) (n = 45; mean age 63.9 ± 8.8) and control group (CG) (n = 45; mean age 63.9 ± 9). All patients received 21 days of physiotherapy which consisted of therapeutic exercise (land-based and aquatic), electrotherapy, and education. Electromyographic biofeedback was added to a portion of the land-based exercise in EG. The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36), use of a walking aid, 30 s chair stand test (CST) as well as the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were used for outcome measurement. A higher proportion of the participants in both groups did not need a walking aid after the intervention (p < 0.05). All participants improved their 30 s CST and TUG results (p < 0.001), as well as their NRS and HOOS scores (p < 0.05). No significant differences between the groups were found. There were no additional benefits from adding EMG-BF to the conventional physiotherapy protocol.

Soccer is a sport with worldwide popularity but has a substantial risk of injury. Clinical screening tools are an important factor in strategies of injury prevention. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and injury and lower back pain (LBP) in amateur soccer players. The research was performed as a longitudinal cohort study on 42 amateur male soccer players with 15.8 ± 6.6 years of soccer playing (age: 25.5 ± 6 years). Participants were surveyed with regard to their soccer playing, injuries, and LBP, and the SEBT was performed. They were followed for 3.5 months. At the follow-up, an additional set of data regarding injuries and LBP was gathered. Significant differences were found in all directions and in the composite score of the SEBT between uninjured and injured players. Shorter distance in all directions and a lower composite score were associated with injury in general. Shorter distances in all but the anterior direction and a lower composite score were associated with lower extremity injury, and shorter anterior distance was associated with LBP. Amateur soccer players with lower SEBT scores are more prone to injuries in general, as well as injuries of the lower extremities. SEBT presents as a useful clinical screening tool in identifying amateur soccer players at risk of injury.