(1) Dynamic knee valgus is a predisposing factor for anterior cruciate ligament rupture and osteoarthritis. The single-leg squat (SLS) test is a widely used movement pattern test in clinical practice that helps to assess the risk of lower-limb injury. We aimed to quantify the SLS test using a marker-less optical system. (2) Kinect validity and accuracy during SLS were established by marker-based OptiTrack and MVN Xsens motion capture systems. Then, 22 individuals with moderate knee symptoms during sports activities (Tegner > 4, Lysholm > 60) performed SLS, and this was recorded and analyzed with a Kinect Azure camera and the Dynaknee software. (3) An optical sensor coupled to an artificial-intelligence-based joint recognition algorithm gave a comparable result to traditional marker-based motion capture devices. The dynamic valgus sign quantified by the Q-angle at the lowest point of the squat is highly dependent on squat depth, which severely limits its comparability among subjects. In contrast, the medio-lateral shift of the knee midpoint at a fixed squat depth, expressed in the percentage of lower limb length, is more suitable to quantify dynamic valgus and compare values among individual patients. (4) The current study identified a new and reliable way of evaluating dynamic valgus of the knee joint by measuring the medial shift of the knee-over-foot at a standardized squat depth. Using a marker-less optical system widens the possibilities of evaluating lower limb functional instabilities for medical professionals.

Introduction Plasma harvested from convalescent COVID-19 patients (CCP) has been applied as first-line therapy in the early phase of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic through clinical studies using various protocols. Methods We present data from a cohort of 267 hospitalized severe COVID-19 patients who received CCP. No transfusion-related complications were reported, indicating the overall safety of CCP therapy. Results Patients who eventually died from COVID-19 received CCP significantly later (3.95 versus 5.22 days after hospital admission) and had higher interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels (28.9 pg/ml versus 102.5 pg/ml) than those who survived. In addition, CCP transfusion caused a significant reduction in the overall inflammatory status of the patients regardless of the severity of disease or outcome, as evidenced by decreasing C-reactive protein, IL6 and ferritin levels. Conclusion We conclude that CCP transfusion is a safe and effective supplementary treatment modality for hospitalized COVID-19 patients characterized by better expected outcome if applied as early as possible. We also observed that IL-6 may be a suitable laboratory parameter for patient selection and monitoring of CCP therapy effectiveness.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the FIFA 11+ program on knee instability and motor performance in male youth soccer players. Thirty male youth soccer players were divided into two groups: the experimental group (FIFA+) performed the FIFA 11+ program for 10 weeks, while the control group followed their usual warm-up routine. Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) and squat depth were assessed using a Microsoft Azure Kinect camera and dynaknee software. Maximal isometric muscle force was measured with a dynamometer. The Y Balance test was used to evaluate dynamic balance, while a countermovement jump test assessed lower limb power. The knee range of motion was measured with a goniometer, and the t-test was used to evaluate agility. After the intervention, the FIFA+ group showed a significant decrease in DKV and squat depth (p < 0.05), while the control group showed no significant changes (p > 0.05). Both groups improved in motor performance, with slight progress noted in the FIFA+ group. However, neither group demonstrated significant improvement in dynamic balance (p > 0.05). While the FIFA 11+ program may not substantially enhance overall motor performance or match the effectiveness of other training regimens, it shows potential for addressing biomechanical deficiencies and reducing the risk of injuries, particularly those related to dynamic knee valgus.