The anatomy of the pelvis may obscure differences in pelvic tilt, potentially underestimating its correlation with clinical measures. Measuring the total sagittal range of pelvic movement can serve as a reliable indicator of pelvic function. This study assessed the inter- and intra-examiner reliability of the Kinovea^® version 0.9.5 and its agreement with the Qualisys System (3D motion capture) for measuring the total pelvic range of movement (ROM) in the sagittal plane, establishing Kinovea^®’s validity in standing and sitting positions with 45° of hip flexion. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 13 asymptomatic participants. Pelvic kinematics were recorded using both systems. Pelvic posture, anterior and posterior tilt, and total pelvic ROM in the sagittal plane were analyzed. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate reliability and validity. Additionally, the technical error of measurement (TEM), relative TEM, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated to establish Kinovea^®’s accuracy. Kinovea^® demonstrated excellent inter- and intra-examiner reliability for total pelvic ROM in standing and sitting measurements (ICC > 0.90), with relative TEM values below 10% and MDC values between 1.60°and 11.20°. Validity showed good-to-excellent ICC values when comparing Kinovea^® and the Qualisys System. This finding suggests that Kinovea^® is a valid tool for obtaining reproducible measurements of total pelvic ROM in the sagittal plane in standing and sitting positions, demonstrating excellent-to-good inter- and intra-examiner reliability for pelvic kinematics.

Tension-type headache is the most prevalent type of headache and is commonly associated with myofascial pain syndrome and the presence of active myofascial trigger points. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the impact of dry needling on the total number of active trigger points, pain intensity, and perceived clinical change in tension-type headache subjects. Thirty-two subjects were randomly assigned to the control and dry needling groups. The presence of active trigger points in 15 head and neck muscles, the headache intensity, and the perceived clinical change were evaluated. A single dry needling technique was administered at each active trigger point across three sessions. Significant differences were observed in the post-treatment measures favouring the dry needling group, including reductions in the headache intensity scores (p = 0.034) and the total number of active trigger points (p = 0.039). Moreover, significant differences in the perception of clinical change were found between the control and treatment groups (p = 0.000). Dry needling demonstrated positive effects in reducing the number of active trigger points and improving the short-term headache intensity in tension-type headache patients. A single dry needling session applied in the cranio-cervical area resulted in a self-perceived improvement compared to the control subjects.

Neck pain can be associated with specific conditions, such as neurological disorders, vascular or inflammatory diseases, fractures, herniated discs, etc. However, the majority of neck pain cases cannot be attributed to a specific cause. The objective of this review is to describe the muscle dysfunctions associated with neck pain, as measured by electromyography, and to determine the effectiveness of dry needling in improving these muscular dysfunctions. The research was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Alcorze, and Google Scholar. The next conclusions have been extracted after the revision of the 65 selected manuscripts. The current scientific evidence supports electromyographic pathological findings in individuals with chronic neck pain, especially during general upper limb movement, repetitive work, violin playing, cervical force, and cervical movement tasks. Dry needling applied to an active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius can be suggested as an intervention to enhance the performance in the cranio-cervical flexion. Dry needling applied to latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius after typing tasks in healthy subjects resulted in decreased upper trapezius activity and fatigue in the short term. In women with trapezius myalgia, dry needling applied to the upper trapezius led to a lower increase in electromyography activity compared to no intervention.

Background and Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rates remain high and have a significant impact on female football players. This study aims to evaluate knee kinematics and lower limb muscle activity in players at risk of ACL injury compared to healthy players through three side-cutting tests. It also investigates how the amplitude of a change in direction influences stabilization parameters. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional case–control study was conducted with 16 second division female futsal players (23.93 ± 5.16 years), divided into injured (n = 8) and healthy groups (n = 8). Injured players had a history of non-contact knee injury involving valgus collapse, without undergoing surgical intervention. Three change of direction tests, namely the Change of Direction and Acceleration Test (CODAT), Go Back (GOB) test, and Turn (TURN) test, were used for evaluation. The peak and range of knee joint angles and angular velocities across three planes, along with the average rectified and peak envelope EMG signals of the Biceps Femoris (BF), Semitendinosus (ST), Vastus Medialis (VM), and Lateral Gastrocnemius (LG), were recorded during the preparation and load phases. Group differences were analyzed using two-factor mixed-model ANOVA with pairwise comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Injured players demonstrated lower external tibial rotation angular velocity and a greater range of motion in tibial external rotation compared to healthy players. Additionally, the injured group showed significantly higher average rectified muscle activity in VM and LG both increased by 4% during the load phase. The CODAT and TURN tests elicited higher BF and VM muscle activity, compared to the GOB test. The TURN test also showed greater extension angular velocity in the sagittal plane. Conclusions: The results revealed differences in knee kinematics and muscle activity between players at risk of ACL injury and healthy players, influenced by the amplitude of directional changes. Players altered transverse plane mechanics and increased VM and LG activation during LOAD may reflect a dysfunctional motor pattern, while the greater sagittal plane angular velocity and VM and BF activation from the CODAT and the TURN test highlight their higher potential to replicate ACL injury mechanisms compared to the GOB test.

This study investigates electromyography activation and force development differences in key lower limb muscles between female football players with previous anterior cruciate ligament injuries compared with healthy players. Twenty-two semi-professional players were divided into ACL-injured (n = 11) and non-injured groups (n = 11). Participants underwent maximal voluntary isometric contractions while electromyography activation, peak and average, and peak torque of force were measured. Results indicated significant differences in electromyography activation patterns between anterior cruciate ligament players and non-injured players, particularly in biceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscles. These differences were also evident when comparing between limbs within anterior cruciate ligament players. Interestingly, both groups exhibited similar peak torque of force during maximal contractions, suggesting a compensatory neuromuscular strategy that supports a return to sport based on kinetic and kinematic factors. However, these findings underscore persistent muscle integration imbalances potentially contributing to the high rate of anterior cruciate ligament reinjury. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of evaluating electromyography activation alongside force development in understanding neuromuscular adaptations post anterior cruciate ligament injury. These insights emphasize the need for comprehensive rehabilitation strategies that address muscle imbalance to mitigate the risk of recurrent anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female football players.

Background: Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent primary headache. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) reflect the pressure pain sensitivity of the tissues. Women with TTH have showed greater pressure hypersensitivity in some muscles compared to men. The aim of this study was to compare the PPTs from myofascial trigger points in cervical and cranial muscles which might contribute to headaches between men and women with TTH. Methods: An observational and correlation cross-sectional study was performed. PPTs were evaluated bilaterally and compared between men and women in the following muscles: upper trapezius, splenius capitis and cervicis, semispinalis, rectus capitis posterior major, obliquus capitis superior and inferior, occipitofrontalis posterior and anterior, temporalis, masseter, clavicular and sternal head of sternocleidomastoid, zygomaticus major, and levator scapulae. The mean PPT was calculated as well. Results: Significant differences showing lower PPTs in women compared to men were found in the mean PPT (p = 0.000) and in all the points except in the left clavicular head of the sternocleidomastoid (p = 0.093) and in the left masseter (p = 0.069). Conclusions: Lower PPTs from myofascial trigger points in cervical and cranial muscles, which might contribute to headaches, were observed in women compared to men with TTH. The mean PPT was also lower in women than in men, suggesting the need for gender-specific approaches in the treatment of TTH.