The purpose of this study was to assess validity and reliability of sprint performance outcomes measured with an iPhone application (named: MySprint) and existing field methods (i.e. timing photocells and radar gun). To do this, 12 highly trained male sprinters performed 6 maximal 40‐m sprints during a single session which were simultaneously timed using 7 pairs of timing photocells, a radar gun and a newly developed iPhone app based on high‐speed video recording. Several split times as well as mechanical outputs computed from the model proposed by Samozino et al. [(2015). A simple method for measuring power, force, velocity properties, and mechanical effectiveness in sprint running. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12490] were then measured by each system, and values were compared for validity and reliability purposes. First, there was an almost perfect correlation between the values of time for each split of the 40‐m sprint measured with MySprint and the timing photocells (r = 0.989–0.999, standard error of estimate = 0.007–0.015 s, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 1.0). Second, almost perfect associations were observed for the maximal theoretical horizontal force (F₀), the maximal theoretical velocity (V₀), the maximal power (P_max) and the mechanical effectiveness (DRF – decrease in the ratio of force over acceleration) measured with the app and the radar gun (r = 0.974–0.999, ICC = 0.987–1.00). Finally, when analysing the performance outputs of the six different sprints of each athlete, almost identical levels of reliability were observed as revealed by the coefficient of variation (MySprint: CV = 0.027–0.14%; reference systems: CV = 0.028–0.11%). Results on the present study showed that sprint performance can be evaluated in a valid and reliable way using a novel iPhone app.

The objective of this study was to review the literature regarding the effectiveness of neural gliding exercises for the management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A computer-based search was completed through May 2014 in PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Plus, and CINAHL. The following key words were included: nerve tissue, gliding, exercises, carpal tunnel syndrome, neural mobilization, and neurodynamic mobilization. Thirteen clinical trials met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, which were: nerve gliding exercise management of participants aged 18 years or older; clinical or electrophysiological diagnostics of CTS; no prior surgical treatment; and absence of systemic diseases, degenerative joint diseases, musculoskeletal affectations in upper limbs or spine, or pregnancy. All studies were independently appraised using the PEDro scale. The majority of studies reported improvements in pain, pressure pain threshold, and function of CTS patients after nerve gliding, combined or not with additional therapies. When comparing nerve gliding with other therapies, 2 studies reported better results from standard care and 1 from use of a wrist splint, whereas 3 studies reported greater and earlier pain relief and function after nerve gliding in comparison with conservative techniques, such as ultrasound and wrist splint. However, 6 of the 13 studies had a quality of 5 of 11 or less according to the PEDro scale. Limited evidence is available on the effectiveness of neural gliding. Standard conservative care seems to be the most appropriate option for pain relief, although neural gliding might be a complementary option to accelerate recovery of function. More high-quality research is still necessary to determine its effectiveness and the subgroups of patients who may respond better to this treatment.

Lower limb isometric strength is a key parameter to monitor the training process or recognise muscle weakness and injury risk. However, valid and reliable methods to evaluate it often require high-cost tools. The aim of this study was to analyse the concurrent validity and reliability of a low-cost digital dynamometer for measuring isometric strength in lower limb. Eleven physically active and healthy participants performed maximal isometric strength for: flexion and extension of ankle, flexion and extension of knee, flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, internal and external rotation of hip. Data obtained by the digital dynamometer were compared with the isokinetic dynamometer to examine its concurrent validity. Data obtained by the digital dynamometer from 2 different evaluators and 2 different sessions were compared to examine its inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Intra-class correlation (ICC) for validity was excellent in every movement (ICC > 0.9). Intra and inter-tester reliability was excellent for all the movements assessed (ICC > 0.75). The low-cost digital dynamometer demonstrated strong concurrent validity and excellent intra and inter-tester reliability for assessing isometric strength in the main lower limb movements.

Objective Menopause status has been associated with weight gain and increased central adiposity. Obesity and postural instability are related to an increased risk of falls. The purpose of our study was to analyze the association of body weight and body fat distribution with postural balance and their correlation with falls in postmenopausal women. Methods A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on 100 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 65 years with at least 12 months of amenorrhea. The participants were divided into obese, overweight, and normal-weight groups according to their body mass index (BMI) and into android, uniform, and gynoid body fat distribution types according to waist-to-hip ratio. Postural stability was assessed with force platforms. χ² and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 18 participants reported falls in the previous 12 months. The obese group had significantly higher values for the root-mean-square amplitude of the center of pressure in the posteroanterior direction under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions (P = 0.005 and P = 0.007, respectively), as well as for the velocity of center-of-pressure displacements (P = 0.032). In the android group, most stabilometric parameters under the condition “eyes open and standing on a foam surface” were significantly higher, whereas greater values were observed in the uniform-type group with eyes closed. A BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher (odds ratio, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.07-11.9; P = 0.038) and android body fat distribution (odds ratio, 5.35; 95% CI, 1.75-16.39; P = 0.003) were correlated with the risk of falling. Conclusions Postural instability is associated with obesity and uniform and android body fat distribution types (waist-to-hip ratio > 0.76) in Spanish postmenopausal women aged 50 to 65 years. Our results also suggest that a BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher and android body fat distribution can be considered as independent risk factors for falls.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of conservative treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome with physical exercise. [Subjects and Methods] A computer-based review conducted of four databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, PEDro, and the University Library) was completed based on the inclusion criteria of patellofemoral pain syndrome patients treated with physical exercise methods and examination with self-reported pain and/or functional questionnaires. [Results] The findings of ten clinical trials of moderate to high quality were evaluated to determine the effectiveness of physical exercise as conservative management for patellofemoral pain syndrome. [Conclusion] The intervention programs that were most effective in relieving pain and improving function in patellofemoral pain syndrome included proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching and strengthening exercises for the hip external rotator and abductor muscles and knee extensor muscles.