Neuromuscular training programs are increasingly integrated into clinical practice for lower extremity rehabilitation. A few rehabilitation programs have been evaluated for patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency and for injury prevention, but there is limited scientific evidence of the effect of neuromuscular training following ACL reconstruction. Therefore, a neuromuscular training program was developed for patients after ACL reconstruction. The objective of the neuromuscular training was to improve the ability to generate a fast and optimal muscle firing pattern, to increase dynamic joint stability, and to relearn movement patterns and skills necessary during activities of daily living and sports activities. The main areas considered when designing the postoperative rehabilitation program after ACL reconstruction were: ACL graft healing and ACL strain values during exercises, proprioception and neuromuscular control, and clinical studies on the effect of neuromuscular training programs. The rehabilitation program consists of balance exercises, dynamic joint stability exercises, jump traininglplyometric exercises, agility drills, and sportspecific exercise. The patients exercise 3 times a week for 6 months. The scientific and clinical evidence for the rehabilitation program are described and the main exercises in the program are outlined./ Orthop Sports Phys Ther 200 1;3 1 :62O-63 1.Key Words: dynamic joint control, knee surgery, proprioception euromuscular training has become integrated into clinical practice for both upper and lower extremity rehabilit a t i~n .~~.~~ According to the definition of neuromuscular control, neuromuscular training could be defined as training enhancing unconscious motor responses by stimulating both afferent signals and central mechanisms responsible for dynamic joint control. The biomechanics of the knee are altered after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, but neuromuscular training mayCenter for Clinical Research, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Department for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Biomechanics laboratory, National Hospital Orthopaedic Center, University of Oslo, Norway. Send correspondence to May Arm Risberg, Center for Clinical Research, Ullevaal University Hospital, 0407, Oslo, Norway. E-mail: mrisberg@enitel.no enhance control of abnormal joint translation during functional activities by inducing compensatory alterations in muscle activity patterns.The objectives of neuromuscular training are to improve the nervous system's ability to generate a fast and optimal muscle firing pattern, to increase dynamic joint stability, to decrease joint forces, and to relearn movement patterns and skills. The exercises are designed to induce compensatory changes in muscle activation patterns and facilitate dynamic joint stability in patients with ACL injury. The goal is to achieve a state of "readiness" of muscles to respond to joint forces resulting in enhanced motor ~ontrol.".~"Severa...

Background: Plantar fasciopathy is a common cause of plantar heel pain, with a reported prevalence of up to 10%. The choice of best practice in these patients is debated. Two randomised studies reported that radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy is effective, but a meta-analysis concluded that due to methodological limitations, the evidence is questionable. There are few studies reporting the effect of exercise programs with high-load strength training, despite widespread use. The objective of this placebo-controlled, observer-blinded and partly patient blinded trial is to compare rESWT, sham-rESWT, standardised exercise programme and usual care for alleviating heel pain at 6 and 12 months follow-up.

Background Plantar fasciopathy is the most common cause of heel pain, and is associated with decreased physical activity level and quality of life. There has been limited research on the experiences of patients with plantar fasciopathy. This study seeks to gain more in-depth understanding and knowledge by exploring the lived experiences of people with persistent plantar fasciopathy. Methods We included 15 participants with longstanding plantar fasciopathy. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clark’s reflexive thematic analysis. We used an inductive approach led by a phenomenological theoretical framework. Results We identified three core themes and ten sub-themes. The first theme was ‘Struggling to stay active’ with sub-themes ‘Struggling with pain and how to adjust it’, ‘ Finding alternative activities’ and ‘Longing for the experience of walking’. The second main theme was ‘Emotional challenges’ with the sub-themes ‘Feelings of frustration and self-blame’ and ‘Worries of weight gain and related consequences’. The third main theme was ‘Relations to others’ with the sub-themes ‘Participation in family and social life’, ‘ Visible in new ways’, ‘ Striving to avoid sick leave’ and ‘Bothering others’. Conclusions Participants revealed how their heel pain led to inactivity and emotional and social challenges. Pain when walking and fear of aggravating it dominated the participants’ lives. They emphasised the importance of finding alternative ways to stay active and avoiding sick leave. Treatment should focus on holistic and individually tailored approaches.