The objective of this randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback as an add-on therapy with isometric exercise on quadriceps strengthening in patients with osteoarthritis of knee. Thirty three, 10 men and 23 women, patients with osteoarthritis of knee participated in the study. Patients were randomly placed into two groups: a biofeedback group (n Z 17) and a control group (n Z 16). The biofeedback group received electromyographic biofeedback-guided isometric exercise programme for 5 days a week for 5 weeks, whereas the control group received an exercise programme only. On between-group comparisons, the maximum isometric quadriceps strength in biofeedback group, at the end of 5 th week was significantly greater than that of the control group (p < 0.004). The addition of electromyographic biofeedback to a 5-week isometric exercise program appeared to increase quadriceps muscle strength, compared to the exercise program alone for people with knee osteoarthritis. The finding, however, should be interpreted with caution due to limitations of the study design.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on shoulder function in participants with secondary shoulder impingement. Background: Previous research has established a relationship between shoulder muscle weakness and causation of secondary shoulder impingement. Recent evidence has shown that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation was effective in relieving pain and increasing overhead reach. However, none of the studies have measured shoulder function after PNF application. Methods: This study used a pretest–posttest experimental group design. Thirty participants (15 male and 15 female) with a diagnosis of secondary shoulder impingement were recruited from a hospital setting and divided into two groups. Group 1 received both PNF and the conventional protocol while group 2 received only the conventional protocol. Both groups received the intervention for a period of 3 weeks. Shoulder Pain And Disability Index (SPADI) score and overhead reach were analysed in both groups. Results: Group 1 showed significant improvement over Group 2 in terms of SPADI score and overhead reach. The experimental group showed significant improvement in (reduction of) SPADI score over the control group (23.8 ± 4.9) at a significance level of P<0.0001. The experimental group showed a significant difference over the control group for overhead reach (3.63 ± 1.8) at a significance level of P<0.03. Conclusion: The addition of PNF to conventional treatment brings significant improvement in shoulder function in comparison to conventional treatment alone in participants with secondary shoulder impingement. PNF helps in early recovery.

The prolapsed intervertebral disc (PIVD) at the lumbar spine is one of the most common causes of low back pain (LBP) affecting humans worldwide. Lumbar traction is widely used as a part of physiotherapeutic modalities for its treatment; however, reports on its effectiveness and dosage are conflicting. This study is aimed at comparing the acute effects of three traction forces on the straight leg raise (SLR) test and LBP intensity. A total of 45 (age 35.53 yrs., ±3.09) participants with 15 participants in each group were recruited for the study. Participants were divided into groups A, B, and C wherein traction forces equal to one-fifth, one-third, and one-half of their bodyweight were applied, respectively. SLR range of motion (ROM) and pain were examined before and immediately after the application of traction. Significant improvement was observed in SLR ROM in all three groups ( p < 0.05 ). However, for pain, significant improvement ( p < 0.05 ) was observed only in the group with one-half of bodyweight force. There was no significant difference ( p > 0.05 ) between the three groups for both variables. All three forces were equally effective in immediately improving SLR ROM in patients suffering from lumbar PIVD; however, pain improvement was observed with one-half of bodyweight only.

Objective: To compare the stretching induced strength changes between the proximal and distal groups of muscles. Methods: Twenty-eight recreationally active male individuals participated in this study. They were assigned into Group A for proximal muscle (hamstring) and group B for distal muscle (calf) with 14 subjects in each group. This study is an experimental trial of selfstretching for 2 minutes (SS 2). This stretch duration involved a 30 second stretch and a 20 second relaxation period, intermittently. Maximum Isometric Voluntary Contraction Force (MIVCF) was measured in both groups before (pretest) and immediately after (posttest) stretching. Change in pre-stretching and immediately post-stretching MIVCF was compared between the two groups. Results: Maximum Isometric Voluntary Contraction Force increased with SS 2 in the hamstring by 1.31% and in calf muscle, it increased by 2.92%. However, these changes were statistically insignificant between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Shorter stretching (2 minute) increases maximum isometric voluntary contraction force in both muscles but relatively more in the calf.

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