The aim of this study was to compare three sensorimotor training forms in patients with chronic low back pain to determine their effects on the reduction of pain-related impairment and changes in posturography. Over two weeks, during the multimodal pain therapy (MMPT) period, six sessions of sensorimotor physiotherapy or training in the Galileo^® or Posturomed^® (n = 25 per group) were performed. A significant reduction in pain-related impairment after the intervention phase was shown across all groups (time effect: p < 0.001; η_p² = 0.415). There was no change in postural stability (time effect: p = 0.666; η_p² = 0.003), but there was a significant improvement in the peripheral vestibular system (time effect: p = 0.014; η_p² = 0.081). An interaction effect was calculated for the forefoot-hindfoot ratio (p = 0.014; η_p² = 0.111). Only the Posturomed^® group showed an improvement in anterior-posterior weight distribution (heel load: 47% vs. 49%). These findings suggest that these forms of sensorimotor training in the context of MMPT are suitable for reducing pain-related impairment. Posturography demonstrated stimulation of a subsystem, but no improvement in postural stability.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effect of sensorimotor training on transversus abdominis activation. (2) Methods: Seventy-five patients with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to one of three groups (whole body vibration training using Galileo^®, coordination training using Posturomed^®, or physiotherapy (control)). Transversus abdominis activation was measured by using sonography pre- and post-intervention. Second, changes in clinical function tests and their correlation with the sonographic measurements were determined. (3) Results: All three groups showed an improvement in activation of the transversus abdominis post-intervention, with the Galileo^® demonstrating the largest improvement. There were no relevant (r > 0.5) correlations between activation of the transversus abdominis muscle and any clinical tests. (4) Conclusions: The present study provides evidence that sensorimotor training on the Galileo^® significantly improves the activation of the transversus abdominis muscle.

The aim of this study was to investigate position-specific (forwards, defenders) reference data for a scientifically evaluated (validity, reliability) ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT). One hundred and four 3rd league professional ice hockey field players (mean ± standard deviations (SD); age: 26.4 ± 5.62 years) volunteered for the investigation. Players were categorized as forwards (n = 64) and defenders (n = 40). Data from the IHCT were collected over six seasons from three 3rd league teams. The IHCT included parameters for load (e.g., 10 m and 30 m skate times, transition and weave agility times with and without a puck, slap and wrist shots on goal) and stress (e.g., lactate, heart rate). The only significant (p < 0.002) difference between forwards and defenders for performance were found for weave agility with puck (p < 0.001). Forwards showed a higher average performance in this parameter than defenders. Differences were also found in weave agility without a puck (p = 0.008), 30 m backward sprinting without puck (p = 0.012) and goals after test (p = 0.030). This study provides position-specific reference data for a valid and reliable ice hockey-specific complex test for the 3rd league. These results may be used by coaches to judge player performance based on position (forwards vs. defenders). Moreover, coaches may use these data to evaluate the effectiveness of the most recent training period. Further research should extend this database to 1st and 2nd league players in order to enhance the scope of the test.

Comparing clinical gait analysis (CGA) data between clinical centers is critical in the treatment and rehabilitation progress. However, CGA protocols and system configurations, as well as choice of marker sets and individual variability during marker attachment, may affect the comparability of data. The aim of this study was to evaluate reliability of CGA data collected between two gait analysis laboratories. Three healthy subjects underwent a standardized CGA protocol at two separate centers. Kinematic data were captured using the same motion capturing systems (two systems, same manufacturer, but different analysis software and camera configurations). The CGA data were analyzed by the same two observers for both centers. Interobserver reliability was calculated using single measure intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Intraobserver as well as between-laboratory intraobserver reliability were assessed using an average measure ICC. Interobserver reliability for all joints (ICC_total = 0.79) was found to be significantly lower (p < 0.001) than intraobserver reliability (ICC_total = 0.93), but significantly higher (p < 0.001) than between-laboratory intraobserver reliability (ICC_total = 0.55). Data comparison between both centers revealed significant differences for 39% of investigated parameters. Different hardware and software configurations impact CGA data and influence between-laboratory comparisons. Furthermore, lower intra- and interobserver reliability were found for ankle kinematics in comparison to the hip and knee, particularly for interobserver reliability.

This prospective study aimed to validate the IHCT using a match performance score (MPS). Seventeen 3rd league male professional ice hockey field players (mean ± SD; age: 28.0 ± 6.95 years; 10 forwards, 7 defenders) completed the IHCT and were observed in the subsequent competitive match period. Match performance data were collected over 2 months (number of matches: 13–15). Based on these evaluated matches, the MPS consisting of goals, assists, penalty time, plus-minus, and number of matches was calculated for each player. The IHCT contains load parameters (e.g., 10 m and 30 m skate times, transition/weave agility times with and without a puck, slap and wrist shot puck velocities on goal) and stress parameters (e.g., lactate, heart rate). The 30 m sprint skate without puck (r² = 0.41) and the maximum wrist shot velocity before test (r² = 0.36) were the test performance parameters with the highest relevance for match performance. The velocity of shots on goal (SOG) displayed the highest correlation for any on-ice performance parameter (30 m sprint without puck: r = 0.76). These results provide evidence of the validity of the IHCT and the usefulness of the MPS to quantify match performance. Obviously, sprint and shot velocities are important parameters to be a successful ice hockey player. Based on these findings, IHCT and MPS are valuable assessments for coaches to evaluate the individual match performance and the effectiveness of training programs. Further research is needed to extend the scope of the IHCT and MPS for 1st and 2nd league players and for a stronger differentiation between forwards and defenders.