Study Design: Case-control study. Objective: To compare the effect of dual-tasking on postural and cognitive performance between subjects with functional ankle instability (FAI) and a matched control group without FAI. Background: Deficit and expertise in sensorimotor functions have been proposed as factors that can modify the interference between postural control and cognition. To the authors' knowledge, no study has investigated the posture-cognition interaction in individuals with recurrent ankle sprain, an orthopaedic condition with documented sensorimotor deficits. Methods: Single-limb postural stability was assessed in 15 recreational athletes with FAI and 15 matched healthy athletes without FAI. Each athlete stood on a Biodex Stability System at platform stabilities of 7 and 5, while they performed or did not perform a digits-backward cognitive task. Overall stability index (OSI), anteroposterior stability index (APSI), and mediolateral stability index (MLSI) were used as measures of postural performance. Results: At stability level 5, the individuals in the FAI group had poorer postural stability compared to those in the group without FAI (OSI, P<.01; MLSI, P<.01). A significant increase in OSI (P<.01) and MLSI (P = .02) was also demonstrated by the individuals in the FAI group during dual-task performance compared to the single-task performance. Conclusion: Subjects with FAI demonstrated poorer postural stability when tested at level 5 on the Biodex Stability System, but not at level 7. Also, the results indicate that concurrent performance of a cognitive task decreased postural stability in the subjects with FAI, suggesting an increased dependency on attentional demands for maintenance of balance in that group. Such findings highlight the need for the assessment of postural control in patients with ankle sprain to include cognitive loading. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(3):180–187. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3188

This study aimed to compare neck extensor muscle thickness, thickness changes, and strength between participants with forward head posture (FHP) and controls with normal head posture (NHP). Twenty college students with FHP (mean age 21.30 ± 2.36 years) and 20 students with NHP (mean age 21.85 ± 2.78 years) participated in this case-control study. The thickness of neck extensor muscles was measured at rest and at maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). In addition, the craniovertebral angle (CVA) was calculated. To compare thickness changes between the 2 groups and among 5 muscles, a 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance was applied. In addition, Pearson's correlation test was performed to investigate the relationship between neck extensor MVIC and CVA. The FHP group demonstrated lower MVIC compared with the NHP group (P = .03). Semispinalis capitis showed the smallest thickness changes during neck extensor MVIC in FHP compared with the controls (P < .001). However, no significant difference in terms of muscle thickness was observed between the 2 groups at the state of rest (P = .16-.99). A positive association was also found between the MVIC and CVA (P = .02). Semispinalis capitis had less thickness changes during MVIC of neck extensors in individuals with FHP compared with those with NHP. This indirectly implies lower activity of this muscle in FHP condition. This study finding may help researchers develop therapeutic exercise protocols to manage FHP.

BACKGROUND: Low Back Pain (LBP) is considered as one of the most frequent disorders, which about 80% of adults experience in their lives. Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a cause for acute LBP. Among conservative treatments, traction is frequently use

Background: Altered thickness, cross-sectional area and activity of deep neck muscles have frequently been reported in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP). It is claimed that these muscles do not recover spontaneously. These muscles provide a considerable amount of cervical stability. Therefore, various therapeutic exercises have been recommended to recover from resulting complications. However, most exercise protocols do not target deep neck muscles directly. Thus, this might be a reason for long-lasting complications. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study is to discuss a randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol in which we aim to investigate and compare the effects of neck-specific exercise programmes versus general exercise programmes in patients with CNNP.Methods: A 2*2 factorial RCT with before-after design. Sixty-four participants with CNNP will be recruited into the study. They will be randomly divided into two groups, including specific neck exercise and general exercise. Each exercise programme will be carried out three times a week and will last for 8 weeks. Primarily, dorsal and ventral neck muscle thickness, pain and disability and secondarily, muscle strength, quality of life, sleep quality, fear avoidance and neck range of motion will be assessed at the baseline and immediately at the end of the exercise protocol.Discussion: The results of this study will inform clinicians on which type of exercise is more beneficial for patients with CNNP.Trial registration: IRCT2017091620787N2, Sep 16 2017.