UNASSIGNED: The Reactive Balance Test (RBT) could be a valuable addition to research on chronic ankle instability (CAI) and clinical practice, but before it can be used in clinical practice it needs to be reliable. It has already been proven reliable in healthy recreational athletes, but not yet in patients with CAI who have shown persistent deficits in dynamic balance. The study aimed to determine the test-retest, intra-, and inter-rater reliability of the RBT in patients with CAI, and the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of the newly developed RBT score sheet.
UNASSIGNED: We used a repeated-measures, single-group design to administer the RBT to CAI patients on three occasions, scored by multiple raters. We included 27 participants with CAI. The study used multiple reliability measures, including Pearson r, intra-class correlations (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), standard error of prediction (SEP), minimal detectable change (MDC), and Bland-Altman plots, to evaluate the reliability of the RBT\'s outcome measures (visuomotor response time and accuracy). It also assessed the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of the RBT score sheet using the same measures.
UNASSIGNED: The ICC measures for test-retest reliability were similar for accuracy (0.609) and VMRT (0.594). Intra-rater reliability had high correlations and ICCs for accuracy (r = 0.816, ICC = 0.815) and VMRT (r = 0.802, ICC = 0.800). Inter-rater reliability had a higher ICC for VMRT (0.868) than for accuracy (0.690).
UNASSIGNED: Test-retest reliability was moderate, intra-rater reliability was good, and inter-rater reliability showed moderate reliability for accuracy and good reliability for VMRT. Additionally, the RBT shows robust SEM and mean difference measures. The score sheet method also demonstrated moderate test-retest reliability, while inter-rater reliability was good to excellent. This suggests that the RBT can be a valuable tool in assessing and monitoring balance in patients with CAI.

UNASSIGNED: Non-arthritic intra-articular hip pain, caused by various pathologies, leads to impairments in range of motion, strength, balance, and neuromuscular control. Although functional performance tests offer valuable insights in evaluating these patients, no clear consensus exists regarding the optimal tests for this patient population.
UNASSIGNED: This study aimed to establish expert consensus on the application and selection of functional performance tests in individuals presenting with non-arthritic intra-articular hip pain.
UNASSIGNED: A modified Delphi technique was used with fourteen physical therapy experts, all members of the International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA). The panelists participated in three rounds of questions and related discussions to reach full consensus on the application and selection of functional performance tests.
UNASSIGNED: The panel agreed that functional performance tests should be utilized at initial evaluation, re-evaluations, and discharge, as well as criterion for assessing readiness for returning to sports. Tests should be as part of a multimodal assessment of neuromuscular control, strength, range of motion, and balance, applied in a graded fashion depending on the patient\'s characteristics. Clinicians should select functional performance tests with objective scoring criteria and prioritize the use of tests with supporting psychometric evidence. A list of recommended functional performance tests with varying intensity levels is provided. Low-intensity functional performance tests encompass controlled speed in a single plane with no impact. Medium-intensity functional performance tests involve controlled speed in multiple planes with low impact. High-intensity functional performance tests include higher speeds in multiple planes with higher impact and agility requirements. Sport-specific movement tests should mimic the patient\'s particular activity or sport.
UNASSIGNED: This international consensus statement provides recommendations for clinicians regarding selection and utilization of functional performance tests for those with non-arthritic intra-articular hip pain. These recommendations will encourage greater consistency and standardization among clinicians during a physical therapy assessment.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) exhibit altered movement strategies during side-cutting tasks. However, no researchers have assessed how altered movement strategies affect cutting performance.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate compensatory strategies in the side-hop test (SHT), with a focus on the entire lower extremity, among individuals with CAI.
METHODS: Cross-sectional study.
METHODS: Laboratory.
METHODS: A total of 40 male soccer players comprising a CAI group (n = 20; age = 20.35 ± 1.15 years, height = 173.95 ± 6.07 cm, mass = 68.09 ± 6.73 kg) and a control group (n = 20; age = 20.45 ± 1.50 years, height = 172.39 ± 4.39 cm, mass = 67.16 ± 4.87 kg).
METHODS: Participants performed 3 successful SHT trials.
METHODS: We calculated SHT time, torque, and torque power in the ankle, knee, and hip joints during the SHT using motion-capture cameras and force plates. Confidence intervals for each group that did not overlap by >3 points consecutively in the time series data indicated a difference between groups.
RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the CAI group showed (1) no delayed SHT time; (2) lower ankle-inversion torque (range = 0.11-0.13 N·m/kg) and higher hip-extension (range = 0.18-0.72 N·m/kg) and -abduction torque (0.26 N·m/kg); (3) less concentric power in ankle dorsiflexion-plantar flexion (0.18 W/kg) and inversion-eversion (0.40 W/kg), more concentric power in hip flexion-extension (0.73 W/kg), and more eccentric power in knee varus-valgus (0.27 W/kg).
CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with CAI were likely to rely on hip-joint function to compensate for ankle instability and demonstrated no differences in SHT time compared with the control group. Therefore, the movement strategies of individuals with CAI could differ from those of individuals without CAI, even if SHT time is not different.

BACKGROUND: Typically, most clinical return to activity guidelines recommend that an injured shoulder achieve a 90% to 100% functional performance test limb symmetry index (LSI); however, as previous research demonstrated a 103% to 111% dominant limb bias in seated single-arm shot-put test (SSASPT) performance, the typical criteria might not be appropriate for interpreting SSASPT LSI. Thus, the current objective was to evaluate SSASP LSI differences between dominant and nondominant involved shoulders and to determine how many patients met the suggested 90% to 100% LSI criteria, as well as the 103% for dominant (89% for nondominant) normative SSASPT threshold reported in the literature, at the time of discharge.
METHODS: Cross-sectional.
METHODS: Patients with shoulder injury or surgery (n = 78) completed the SSASPT at the time of discharge from rehabilitation and were grouped according to whether the involved shoulder was the dominant (n = 42) or nondominant (n = 32) limb. LSI (involved/uninvolved × 100) was computed from the average of 3 SSASPT trial distances completed with each limb.
RESULTS: The LSI for the nondominant involved group (88.9% [12.4%]) was significantly less (confidence intervalDiff, -12.1% to -22.1%) than the dominant involved group (106.0% [9.3%]). While 95.2% of patients in the dominant involved group exhibited LSI > 90%, only 43.8% of patients in the nondominant involved group attained LSI > 90%. Across the entire cohort, the odds of a nondominant involved LSI being below the respective SSASPT normative range were 2.04 (95% confidence interval, 0.80-5.21) times higher than the odds of a dominant involved LSI being below the normative range.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with dominant limb involvement exhibited higher LSI than patients with nondominant limb involvement at discharge from rehabilitation. Particularly when the nondominant shoulder is involved, these results suggest that patients with shoulder injury and surgery may require longer rehabilitation to attain higher levels of upper-extremity function.

Background and Objectives: Following an injury, upper-body strength and proprioception training is typically suggested. To our understanding, no prior research has looked into the impact of balance training on upper-body strength and stability. So, this study investigated the effects of Biodex balance training on enhancing the dynamic stability, strength, and function of the upper quarter (UQ) in recreational weightlifters. Materials and Methods: Fifty male weightlifters were randomly assigned into two groups. The experimental group received an upper-extremity Biodex balance training program three times/week for eight weeks, while the control group underwent a regular weightlifting training routine. Pre- and post-test scores of the upper-quarter dynamic stability, strength, and function were measured for both groups using the shoulder active repositioning accuracy test, two-minute push-up test, and the upper-quarter Y-balance test (UQ-YBT) and one-arm hop test, respectively. Results: Post-test values were significantly greater for the normalized UQ-YBT test than pre-test values in both groups (p < 0.05). Post-test values of the experimental group were significantly greater than the control group (p < 0.05). Regarding the shoulder active repositioning accuracy test and the time of the one-arm hop test, post-test values were significantly lower than pre-test values for both groups (p < 0.05), and post-test values of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The post-test value of the two-minute push-up test of each group was significantly higher than the pre-test value (p < 0.05), without any significant difference between both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Adding upper-body Biodex balance training to a regular weightlifting training routine was effective in enhancing the upper quarter′s dynamic stability and function.

BACKGROUND: Basketball is a dynamic team sport which involves skilled movement and activities. Shooting is considered to be an essential part of the game for scoring points. The core strength is an important preconditioning for the sport, and it influences the performance of the player.
METHODS: In this study the subjects included thirty-six male basketball players divided into two groups of high and low core groups. The subjects performed one arm hop test and modified upper quarter y balance test (mUQYBT) under with and without core activation condition. The performance of the subjects was evaluated using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukeys HSD. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05 as significant. Value of confidence interval was set at 95%.
RESULTS: Based on the study, significant difference (p < 0.05) in performance for one arm hop test was observed among all the four groups of core muscles (group 1: high core with core activation, group 2 high core without core activation, group 3 low core with core activation and group 4 low core without core activation). Whereas, no significant difference (p > 0.05) in performance for mUQYBT was observed among all four groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Core training is the basis for many functional movements and has become the norm in athletic training programs. Broad benefits of core stabilization have been overlooked, from improving athletic performance to preventing injuries in the sports medicine world.
CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, core activation was associated with improved stability and mobility of basketball players during the upper extremity performance test, and the greatest influence of core activation was seen in individuals with lower core scores.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of Wii and conventional training on functional abilities and neurocognitive function in basketball-players with Functional Ankle Instability (FAI).
METHODS: Single-blind matched randomized clinical trial study.
METHODS: Outpatients setting.
METHODS: Fifty-four basketball-players were randomly assigned to the Wii and control group.
METHODS: All athletes in the Wii group (n = 27) performed Wii Fit Plus games; and in the control group (n = 27), they performed conventional training three days a week for 12 sessions.
METHODS: To assess functional performance and neurocognitive function, we used hop tests (8-hop, side hop, and single hop) and Deary-Liewald Reaction Time Task (DLRT), respectively. DLRT measured simple and choice reaction time and error rate. Measures were taken at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks after baseline.
RESULTS: In all 54 athletes completed the study. The results showed no significant differences for all hop tests in between-group comparison but the neurocognitive function showed significant improvements in the Wii group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Mean (SD) for 8-hop and side hop tests for the involved limb, and simple and choice reaction time four weeks after baseline in the control group were 10.15 (1.02), 12.36 (1.31), and 339.10 (41.57), 530.52 (53.36), respectively and in the Wii group, were 10.46 (1.23), 12.40 (1.31), and 295.25 (13.16), 431.19 (33.46), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, both training protocols were equal to positively affect functional abilities. Besides, Wii training improved neurocognitive function and can be applied in FAI rehabilitation protocols.

BACKGROUND: Medial knee deviation (MKD) during the single leg squat test (SLST) is a common clinical finding that is often attributed to impairments of proximal muscular structures. Investigations into the relationship between MKD and the foot and ankle complex have provided conflicting results, which may impact clinicians\' interpretation of the SLST.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and foot posture in subjects that perform the SLST with MKD (fail) versus without MKD (pass).
OBJECTIVE: There will be a difference in ankle dorsiflexion ROM and/or foot posture between healthy individuals that pass and fail the SLST for MKD.
METHODS: Cross-sectional study.
METHODS: Sixty-five healthy, active volunteers (sex = 50 female, 15 male; age = 25.2 +/- 5.6 years; height = 1.7 +/- .1 m; weight = 68.5 +/- 13.5 kg) who demonstrated static balance and hip abductor strength sufficient for performance of the SLST participated in the study. Subjects were divided into pass and fail groups based on visual observation of MKD during the SLST. Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) scores and measures of non-weight bearing and weight bearing active ankle dorsiflexion (ROM) were compared.
RESULTS: There were 33 individuals in the pass group and 32 in the fail group. The groups were similar on age (p = .899), sex (p = .341), BMI (p = .818), and Tegner Activity Scale score (p = .456). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups on the FPI-6 (pass group mean = 2.5 +/- 3.9; fail group mean = 2.3 +/- 3.5; p = .599), or any of the measures of dorsiflexion range of motion (non-weight bearing dorsiflexion with knee extended: pass group = 6.9o +/- 3.7o, fail group = 7.8o +/- 3.0o; non-weight bearing dorsiflexion with knee flexed: pass group = 13.5o +/- 5.6o, fail group = 13.9o +/- 5.3o; weight bearing dorsiflexion: pass group = 42.7o +/- 6.0o, 42.7o +/- 8.3o, p = .611).
CONCLUSIONS: Failure on the SLST is not related to differences in clinical measures of active dorsiflexion ROM or foot posture in young, healthy individuals. These findings suggest that clinicians may continue using the SLST to assess neuromuscular performance of the trunk, hip, and knee without ankle dorsiflexion ROM or foot posture contributing to results.
METHODS: Level 3.

After lower extremity injury, only half of the injured athletes return to their pre-injury sports level. Even though functional performance tests are often used to make return to sport decisions, it is unknown whether functional performance is associated with return to performance after such injuries. The aim of this systematic review was to identify, critically appraise, and analyze studies that investigated the association of functional performance tests with return to performance after lower extremity injuries in athletes participating in high-impact sports. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL were systematically searched for relevant studies. Articles were independently screened by two authors and data were obtained from each included study using a data extraction form. Two authors independently scored methodological quality using the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. A qualitative best evidence synthesis was conducted. Eight studies reported the association of functional performance with return to performance after lower extremity injuries, involving 1,246 athletes after anterior or posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. No studies were found on the association of functional performance with return to performance for lower extremity injuries other than after anterior or posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. All included studies had a high risk of bias. Two studies found significant but small associations for selected hop tests after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Low evidence of association between functional performance and return to performance was present after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction for the triple hop for distance, the 6-meter timed hop, the side hop in female athletes, and for the combination of the single and crossover hop for distance. In athletes after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the vertical jump showed a significant but small association with return to performance. There is no high-quality evidence that functional performance is associated with return to performance after lower extremity injuries in athletes practicing high-impact sports. Low quality evidence suggests small associations after anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. No evidence exists for lower extremity injuries other than after anterior or posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Therefore, research on functional performance associated with return to performance is recommended in high-quality prospective cohort studies including athletes with any type of lower extremity injury.

BACKGROUND: A recent report demonstrated moderate to strong relationships between seated single-arm shot-put (SSASP) test performance and isokinetic pushing forces at varying velocities, directly supporting the SSASP test as a reflection of multijoint upper-extremity strength. Yet, no previous work appears to have assessed whether the SSASP test is more reflective of shoulder flexion or elbow extension strength.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between isokinetic shoulder flexion and elbow extension strength and SSASP test performance and to compare limb symmetry indices (LSI) between the 2 tests.
METHODS: Correlational design.
METHODS: Biomechanics laboratory. Patients (or Other Participants): A total of 30 healthy and physically active young adults.
METHODS: Participants completed the SSASP test and concentric isokinetic (60°/s and 180°/s) shoulder flexion and elbow extension using their dominant and nondominant arms.
METHODS: SSASP test performance and isokinetic shoulder flexion and elbow extension peak torques as well as LSI between the 2 tests.
RESULTS: Strong relationships were observed between SSASP ranges and isokinetic peak torques at each velocity for both shoulder and elbow (r ≥ .804, P < .001). While the Bland-Altman results on the LSI only demonstrated a significant bias for the shoulder (60°/s, P = .009), limits of agreement results demonstrated extremely wide intervals (32.5%-52.1%).
CONCLUSIONS: The SSASP test is a multijoint upper-extremity functional performance test that is reflective of equal shoulder flexion and elbow extension contributions; however, there was large variability regarding the agreement between the SSASP LSI and isokinetic shoulder and elbow strength LSI.