Background: Gluteus medius muscle (Gmed) dysfunction has been confirmed as a functional defect in subjects with Genu Valgum Deformity (GVD). In relation to these subjects, increase Gmed activity without synergist muscles dominance is considered as part of a specialized exercise program. Methods: A total of thirty female recreational athletes with (n=15) and without (n=15) GVD participated in this study. Surface electromyography measured Gmed, tensor fascia latae (TFL), and quadratus lumborum (QL) muscles activity when subjects performed pelvic drop (PD) in three different positions of hip rotations with and without applied isometric hip external rotation force. Results: There were differences in muscle activity between GVD and healthy subjects. The Gmed/TFL and Gmed/QL muscles activity ratio altered when placing the hip in different rotation positions and applying isometric load. Conclusions: The lower extremity muscles activity is affected by GVD, and changing the positions of the hip rotation in the PD task can be associated with altered muscle activity in both GVD and healthy Groups. However, applying isometric hip external rotation during PD can be suggested as an effective intervention to increase Gmed activity.

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Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common knee injuries in athletes and non-athletes. Due to the pain and muscle inhibition, it is possible that the disorder has negative effects on joint position sense. Cryotherapy is one of the most common methods applied in sports injuries. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical cooling with ice and cold spray on knee joint position sense of athletes with PFPS. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 athletes with PFSP were divided into two groups of cold spray and crushed ice application. The effect of cooling on joint position sense was measured by the target reconstruction method (30° of knee flexion) while standing. In order to analyze the data, SPSS 23 and statistical tests of Shapiro-Wilk, paired t-test, and independent t-tests were used. The absolute error of 30° knee flexion angle reconstruction immediately after cryotherapy was significantly higher than before it in various cooling methods. Nevertheless, crushed ice application had a greater impact on the accuracy of joint position sense than spraying. Results: The results of this study indicate the negative effects of cryotherapy on the accuracy of the knee joint position sense (P < 0.05). However, cryotherapy with crushed ice application has a greater effect on reducing the accuracy of joint position sense (P < 0.001) than cold spray (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Decreased accuracy of position sense is likely to cause mechanical instability and increase the rate of injury. Therefore, it is recommended to use crushed ice application rather than topical cooling to reduce the knee joint position sense.

Taping and proprioceptive training are widely reported beneficial in for treatment of nkle sprains. Several studies reported that the proprioceptive sense training is a potential therapy for improving impaired neuromuscular function.The intention of this article was to evaluate Taping followed by proprioceptive training versus proprioceptive training without taping for Ankle Sprain ecurrence rate. All sprained judokas with acute ankle sprain were advised for standard procedure (ice, rest, elevation, and compression with a compressive bandage). Initially 30 sprained judokas were categorized randomly into two groups and then underwent studies for 8 weeks: one group was treated with tape and proprioceptive training and the other only with proprioceptive training. Both groups were followed up for duration of six month. The study indicated that there is not significant difference between taping and without taping groups. Recurrence rate of acute ankle sprain shows no significant linkage between employment of taping or its absence. Further studies with greater number of participants are suggested.