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Stretches for Swimmers

Muscle flexibility is very important in swimming as events are won by milliseconds. A flexible body will help to improve your swimming performance by achieving maximal propulsion from each stroke. Here are some recommended stretches that can be done to improve your flexibility. Read more

Running Patterns Change as Shoes Wear Out

Researchers at University of Texas and Nanyang Technological University investigated the biomechanical effects of running using new versus worn out shoes, as well as comparing three types of cushioning footwear – air, gel and spring.

Dr. Kong and his team studied 24 runners (14 men and 10 women) who were asked to run 200 miles in the same pair of shoes with assigned cushion consisted either of air, gel or spring. They were tested on a 20m laboratory runway, running at 4.5ms^-1 (16.2 kph or approximately 3.7 minute kilometre pace) using a force platform and a motion capture system

Pre and post reading of the stance time by using force data, external loads by maximum vertical force and loading rate and kinematic changes on angles of the torso, hip, knee and ankle were calculated during the run.

The results showed that for worn-shoes there was an increase in stance time. Additionally, there were also decreased torso leaning forward (running more upright) and less forward lean during toe- off, decreased maximum ankle dorsiflexion and increased in ankle plantarflexion during toe-off.

But there was no change in knee and hip angles found in all three types of cushioning footwear or either between new or worn shoes.

The researchers suggested that runners modify their running pattern to adapt to the condition of the shoes (decrease in cushioning during wearing out process) to maintain constant external loads. The adaptation changes among different types of shoes cushioning in running were similar. Therefore, types of shoes cushioning should not be the main factor to consider when choosing a pair of running shoes.

Reference:

Running in new and worn shoes: a comparison of three types of cushioning footwear, P W Kong, N G Candelaria, D R Smith, British Journal of Sports Medicine 2009;43:745-749

Does more MRI scanners do more good or harm?

Research has found that countries with more access to MRI have higher number of unnecessary back surgery. MRI may reveal too many abnormalities that mislead the doctor in coming up with the correct diagnosis of the problem. As such, the doctor may end up carrying out unnecessary surgery that may not benefit the patient. Click the following link to find out more.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=anaZbOvJquNs

Soft Tissue Work?

Hi,

I have come across this term, “soft-tissue work” on the internet several times. Usually it is something a therapist will say. What’s does it mean? – Agnes Choo

Read more

MRI Identifies Five Causes Of Complications From ACL Reconstructive Surgery

MRI has identified five possible causes of patient complications from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery, according to a study performed at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA, and Sahlgrenska-Molndal University Hospital in Gothenborg, Sweden.

Sixteen patients with symptoms suggesting ACL reconstruction failure underwent MR imaging three weeks to three years following surgery to possibly determine the cause(s) of their complications.

“Persistent pain is the most consistent patient complaint. Others complain of instability, joint swelling and infection,” said Claude Pierre-Jerome, MD, lead author of the study.

The study found that there were five possible causes of reconstruction failure and patient complication:

1. graft discontinuity (a tear or impingement in the graft, 5 knees),
2. inappropriate position of the femoral and/or tibial tunnel (graft will not function properly without proper tunnel positioning, 2 knees)
3. hardware failure (screws may not be in the right position, 3 knees),
4. infection (1 knee) and
5. intra-articular arthrofibrosis (affecting movement of the joint, 4 knees).

“These are only preliminary results for a much larger study,” said Dr. Pierre-Jerome.

Adapted from materials provided by American Roentgen Ray Society.

Cobb Angle and Scoliosis

The term “Cobb Angle” is used worldwide to measure and quantify the magnitude of spinal deformities, especially in the case of scoliosis. The Cobb angle measurement is the “gold standard” of scoliosis evaluation endorsed by Scoliosis Research Society. It is used as the standard measurement to quantify and track the progression of scoliosis. Cobb angle was first described in 1948 by Dr. John R Cobb where he outlined how to measure the angle of the spinal curve. Hence, the term “Cobb Angle” came about, bearing his name.

The forward bending test is usually use to screen for scoliosis before puberty. An X-ray will be performed on the patient if this test is positive and the Cobb angle measured.

How To Measure Cobb Angle?

1. Locate the most tilted vertebra at the top of the curve and draw a parallel line to the superior vertebral end plate. [Insert picture showing vertebral endplates].
2. Locate the most tilted vertebra at the bottom of the curve and draw a parallel line to the inferior vertebral end plate.
3. Erect intersecting perpendicular lines from the two parallel lines.
4. The angle formed between the two parallel lines is Cobb angle. [Insert pic to show measurement of cobb angle]

What Is The Significance of Cobb Angle?

The Cobb angle is a measure of the curvature of the spine in degress which helps the doctor to determine what type of treatment is necessary. A Cobb angle of 10 degree is regarded as a minimum angulation to define Scoliosis.

A scoliosis curve of 10 to 15 degrees normally do not require any treatment except for regular check-ups with the orthopaedic doctor until the patient has gone through puberty and finished growing as the curvature of the spine usually do not worsen after puberty.

If the scoliosis curve is 20 to 40 degrees, the orthopaedic doctor will generally prescribe a back brace to keep the spine from developing more of a curve. There are several types of braces out in the market, with some worn for 18 to 20 hours a day, others only at night time. Which type of brace the orthopaedic doctor will prescribe will depend on the patient’s lifestyle, and the severity of the curve(s).

Is surgery required?

If the Cobb angle is 40 or 50 degrees or more, surgery may be required to correct the curve. The orthopaedic surgeon will perform a procedure known as spinal fusion to link or “fuse” the vertebrae together so that the spine can no longer continue to curve. Metal rods, screws, hooks and wires will be used to correct the curve and hold everything in line until the bones heal. Teens who have had surgery to correct their scoliosis will usually return to school about a month after surgery, and should be able to gradually return to all normal activities after 6 to 12 months post surgery.

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or SMS us at +65 9232 2661 or email us at enquiry@coreconcepts.com.

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Ask the Specialists

Ultrasound Therapy, Imaging and Shockwaves

"Hi MCR, I keep hearing about ultrasound therapy but I get confused with the seemingly different answers I get about them. There appears to be one for healing... Read more »



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