The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of three functional knee braces in stabilizing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knees. The subject sample consisted of eighteen males and females with a unilateral ACL deficiency. / The criterion variables consisted of the ability of each brace in controlling internal rotation and knee extension during active movement and knee extension during a high velocity activity (dynamic task). Total displacement of the knee brace during a running test was also evaluated. / The results of this study demonstrated significant differences between the efficacy of the three braces for control of knee extension during active movement, knee extension during a dynamic task and brace migration during a running task. There was no significant difference between the efficacy of the three braces in controlling internal rotation during active movement.

The purpose of this investigation was to objectively evaluate whether three functional de-rotational knee braces stabilize an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. The subject sample consisted of fifteen males and females with a unilateral ACL deficiency. The data for each subject was obtained using the Genucom Knee Analyzer. A right knee-left knee anterior laxity difference of 3mm or greater served as a subject inclusion parameter for protocol completion. The inclusion criteria reduced the subject sample to a total of eleven. / The study consisted of a randomized block design. The experimental design consisted of three parts: (1) an investigation of translational stability, (2) an investigation of rotatory stability, and (3) a comparison between the three braces. / The analysis involved a one way ANOVA of the criterion variables; anterior laxity (ALAX), anterior midrange stiffness (AMRS), anterior endrange stiffness (AERS), internal laxity (ILAX), and translation of the lateral tibial plateau (TLTP). / The AMRS characteristics differed significantly (alpha = 0.05) at 20$ sp circ$ flexion. The results were the following: $-$10.00 $ pm$ 9.78 N/mm for brace 1, $-$2.86 $ pm$ 7.2 N/mm for brace 2 and $-$41.02 $ pm$ 14.79 N/mm for brace 3. The values evaluated for ALAX, AERS, ILAX, and TLTP profiles did not differ significantly between knee braces.

Thesis (MTech (Sports Science Radiology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2006 / The knee is one ofthe most complicated joints in the body. The deep infrapatellar bursa being only a small water-pocket and forming a small part of the knee. The deep infrapatellar bursa can get inflamed and cause great discomfort, especially to professional sportsmen and -women. If such a inflammation is present, a common treament option are to inject a cortisone solution into the bursa for quick relieve and healing. This study was performed to investigate the specific ultrasound features of a normal deep infrapatellar bursa. Thus enableing more specific and accurate diagnosis of deep infrapatellar bursitis or not, which in turn leads to quicker recovery ofthe patients. A total of280 males and females from various population groups were recruited for the study. Subjects were categorized into different subgroups depending on their gender, ethnicity, competitiveness in sport, sport type practised and previous knee problems. These subgroups enabled a more individual specific DIB measurement. A high frequency ultrasound examination ofboth knees ofall recruits were performed. The deep infrapatellar bursa was located by slightly flexing the knee and applying not to much pressure with the probe whilst scanning. Three measurements, antero-posterio (AP), cranio-caudal (CC) and width measurements, were recorded ofeach individuals left and right deep infrapatellar bursa (DIB). The results ofthe DIB measurements were compared to results from a ultrasound study perfonned in Gennany and a favourable comparison could be made. MRI studies of the DIB performed in Turkey and Switzerland differed greatly from those of this study and Germany. This study could serve as a valuable source ofreference to sonographer, radiologist and orthopaedic surgeons when investigating the deep infrapatellar bursa. A statistical significant difference was shown for males having a larger DIB than female, for competitive sports people having a larger Dill than non-competitive sports people and also inactive people; and rugby players (as a sport type) have larger DIBs than cricketers, runners, soccer players and cyclists. Another surprising factor was the amazing ultrasound detection rate of the deep infrapatellar bursa, which allows for future easy and confident assessing of the DIB by ultrasound.

Thesis (MTech (Radiography))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2006. / The knee is one of the most complicated joints in the body. The deep infrapatellar bursa being only a small water-pocket and forming a small part of the knee. The deep infrapatellar bursa can get inflamed and cause great discomfort, especially to professional sportsmen and -women. If such a inflammation is present, a common treament option are to inject a cortisone solution into the bursa for quick relieve and healing. This study was performed to investigate the specific ultrasound features of a normal deep infrapatellar bursa. Thus enableing more specific and accurate diagnosis of deep infrapatellar bursitis or not, which in turn leads to quicker recovery of the patients.

No description available.

No description available.

This study intended to determine if, by using coefficients of variation derived from data collected by Fisher [1989], it would be possible to develop prediction equations to discriminate between sincere and deceptive isokinetic knee extension tests, whether these equations could be applied to a new sample, and whether prediction accuracy is dependent on test speed. Fisher [1989] trained 76 college-age males subjects to either give a true maximal response or fake an injury during an isokinetic knee extension/flexion test at 60, 180, and 300 deg/sec. Data were transmitted to a computer running Segmental Curve Analysis [Wynn, 1988; Sebolt and Earles-Price, 1989], which computed six variables for each torque curve: peak torque (PT), torque at five degrees prior to and post-PT (T-5, T+5), area to five degrees prior to PT (A-5), area beyond five degrees post-PT (A+5), and area between five degrees pre- and post-PT (A55). Coefficients of variation were computed for each variable, which were used to develop prediction equations for each speed, and for all speeds combined. The prediction equations accurately predicted condition assignments (p = 0.572 - 0.79) when applied to Fisher's [1989] data. A second sample was solicited, trained, and tested in a manner similar to Fisher [1989], and the same prediction equations were applied. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in the prediction accuracy of these equations between their application to Fisher's [1989] data or to data collected in the current study. Furthermore, there appeared to be no significant effect of test speed on prediction accuracy. These data suggest that coefficients of variation could be used to discriminate between sincere and deceptive isokinetic performances. / Master of Science

This longitudinal, descriptive study based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory (1977), examined the effects of educational activities on self-efficacy and of self-efficacy on functional ability in everyday activities in clients undergoing elective, primary, unilateral, total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Educational activities included: attending a joint replacement class and a physical therapy session, performing exercises, and reading educational materials. Other sources of client information were also discussed. Self efficacy was assessed regarding confidence in ability to perform activities required for discharge home. Cronbach's alpha for the self-efficacy scale was .94 (pre-education) and .81 (post-education). Functional ability in everyday activities was operationalized as length of hospital stay, discharge placement, and perceived health status. Perceived health status was assessed using the three-scale Western Ontario McMasters University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Cronbach's alpha was: pain .85, joint stiffness .76, and physical function .94 (preoperatively); and pain .86, joint stiffness .80, and physical function .94 (postoperatively).Evidence was collected from a convenience sample of 31 participants: (a) when the process of scheduling surgery began; (b) before surgery, after the client had opportunities to participate in educational activities, and (c) approximately six weeks after surgery. The orthopedic surgeon and professional staff reviewed instruments for validity. Five clients reviewed the questionnaires for understandability and readability. Data were analyzed using Pearson r correlation coefficients, independent samples t-tests, analyses of variance and chi-square tests. An alpha level of .05 was designated as significant.Higher self-efficacy scores were associated with more expected benefits, previous TKA, and greater pain relief. Lower self-efficacy scores correlated with greater improvement in self-efficacy. Shorter lengths of hospital stay were associated with greater joint stiffness reduction, younger age and previous TKA. Discharge home was associated with younger age and living with someone else. Participants that were "very sure" of the need for TKA exhibited higher self-efficacy scores than participants that were "unsure". Improved outcomes were not associated with any one type of educational activity.This study highlighted the need for further refinement of context sensitive self-efficacy instruments, more sophisticated means of assessing the impact of an increasing array of information sources and more longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes. / Department of Educational Leadership

Thesis (M.Thec.:Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 xiii, 110 leaves ; ill. ; 30 cm / According to Wood (1998), patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) refers to a syndrome that comprises of the following signs and symptoms: anterior knee pain, inflammation, imbalance, instability, or any combination thereof. Prevailing literature suggests that the presence of myofascial trigger points (MFTP’s) in quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle could result in a combination of the following signs and symptoms: - Retro- or peripatella pain, - Weakness of the quadriceps muscle (Chaitow and DeLany, 2002) - Loss of full lengthening (Travell and Simons, 1983:248-250) The aetiology of PFPS is poorly understood (Kannus et al. 1999). The current trend in literature suggests an extensor mechanism dysfunction as the most probable aetiology (Galantly et al., 1994; Juhn, 1999). There appears to be a clinical overlap between the two syndromes, in terms of an extensor mechanism dysfunction and of signs and symptoms. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the role of active myofascial trigger points in the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle as perpetuating, causative or concomitant factors in the alteration of VL/VM Total Work (TW) in PFPS in distance runners.

Thesis (M.Tech,: Chiropractic)- Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 xiii, 62, 19 leaves :|bill. ;|c30 cm / To document the relationship between total work and myofascial trigger points in the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis portion of the quadriceps femoris muscle, whilst providing baseline graphs of these muscles with the use of a Cybex 700 Isokinetic Dynanometer in long distance runners both with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: A quantitative, non-intervention clinical exploratory study. Fifty participants were divided into two groups, Group A (40 symptomatics) and Group B (10 asymptomatics). Both groups were screened for vastus lateralis and vastus medialis trigger points. Subjective data was obtained from Group A only, using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and the Patient Specific Functional Scale. Objective data was obtained from both groups using the algometer, Myofascial Diagnostic Scale, and the Cybex 700 Isokinetic Dynanometer. For descriptive analysis frequency tabulations, box and whisker plots were used to display distributions graphically. Comparisons of categorical and quantitative variables between independent groups were run using chi square and Mann-Whitney testing consecutively. Finally Spearman’s correlation, multivariate generalized linear modelling and repeated measures ANOVA were also used. All statistical analysis was completed at the 95% (p<0.05) level of confidence.