No abstract

Hip abductor strengthening did not reduce knee joint loading but did improve function and reduce pain in a group with medial knee OA.

Falls are common when people return home after stroke. Of concern are the small number seeking health professionals' assistance after a fall, the high proportion restricting their activity as a result of a fall and the number of falls occurring towards the paretic side.

-Recent research findings are incorporated in this review of the functional anatomy of the shoulder complex. The scapulothoracic mechanism is described, including a review of scapular motion and the structure and function of the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints. New inbrmation regadng the resting position of the scapula on the thorax and the effect of aging and ; spinal posture on position has been presented. In the second part of the paper, the anatomy of the 1 glenohumeral joint is reviewed, with emphasis on the articular, periarticular, and muscular mechanisms responsible for stability of this articulation. T h e shoulder complex consists of the clavicle, scapula, and humerus; the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular (AC) joints that unite them; and the sternoclavicular (SC) joint, the only connection of the complex to the axial skeleton. In addition, a scapulothoracic and a subacromial joint are often included in anatomical descrip tions of the shoulder complex. Together, these articulations provide the shoulder with a range of motion that exceeds any other joint mechanism. Full mobility is dependent on coordinated, synchronous motion in all joints of the shoulder complex. This wide range of mobility, together with elbow motion, allows positioning of the hand anywhere within the visual work space. While some occupations and sporting events require this wide range of movement, most activities of daily living can be performed despite loss of shoulder complex motion, providing mobility is unimpaired in the cervical spine and distal upper extremity joints. SCAPULOTHORACIC MECHANISMT h e scapula has n o bony o r ligamentous attachment to the axial skeleton other than through the AC and SC joints (69). It is retained in place by atmospheric pressure and axioscapular muscles, including the trapezius, serratus anterior, rhomboid major and minor, and the levator scapulae (67). T h e concave anterior surface of the scapula is separated from the convex external surface of the thorax by the subscap ularis and serratus anterior muscles, which glide over one another during movement. Resting Position of the ScapulaT h e scapula is a thin, flat triangular bone that lies on the posterolateral aspect of the thorax over ribs two to seven (34,67). With the arm dependent, the superior angle of the scapula lies at the level of the second thoracic vertebra, the root of the scapular spine is at the level of the third thoracic spinous process, and the inferior angle is at the level of the spinous process of the seventh o r eighth thoracic vertebra (34.45). T h e vertebral border lies 5-6 cm from the midline in the erect standing position (34.67). T h e plane of the scapula is approximately at right angles to the plane of the glenoid (50). At rest, it lies obliquely between the frontal and sagittal planes, 30-45" anterior to the coronal plane (6,57,67). In addition, the scapula is described as having a slight forward tilt in the sagittal plane (23). Radiographic measurements indicate that, in the resting position, the glen...

Improved balance confidence is not intervention-specific, but associated changes in physical ability and health status are a function of the composition of the intervention program.