International journal of sports physical therapy
Audio Summaries

Adductor-Related Athletic Groin Pain: A Clinical Commentary

Sep 4, 2026

This clinical commentary addresses the complexities of diagnosing and managing adductor-related athletic groin pain (ARAGP) in athletes, aiming to provide an evidence-informed framework for clinicians and sports professionals. The authors synthesize current knowledge on anatomy, risk factors, imaging, and rehabilitation strategies, while highlighting the need for further research to better understand injury mechanisms and improve prevention methods. Ultimately, the commentary seeks to enhance recognition and management of ARAGP to reduce injury incidence and support athletes' safe return to sport.

Calcific Patellar Tendinopathy. A Case Report Integrating Diagnostic Ultrasound Throughout a Multi-Modal Treatment Approach

Sep 4, 2026

This case report investigates the effectiveness of integrating diagnostic ultrasound into a multi-modal treatment approach for a patient with calcific patellar tendinopathy. The authors aim to demonstrate how ultrasound can aid in both the evaluation and management of this condition, highlighting significant improvements in pain, function, and tissue healing over the course of treatment. The findings suggest that a combination of interventions, including ultrasound-guided techniques, can lead to meaningful recovery in patients suffering from this chronic issue.

Isokinetic Quadriceps and Hamstring Peak Torque in Athletes Aged 10-50+: Preoperative Uninvolved Limb Reference Values for ACL Reconstruction

Sep 4, 2026

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between age, sex, and isokinetic peak torque of the quadriceps and hamstrings normalized to body mass in athletes undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The findings revealed a linear decline in both quadriceps and hamstring peak torque with increasing age, while males exhibited higher torque values than females, although the difference was not statistically significant. Clinicians should consider these age and sex-related variations when developing rehabilitation protocols for ACL reconstruction.

Standard Versus Arm-Length-Normalized Conditions for Assessment of the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test in Healthy Youth Athletes

Sep 4, 2026

The authors aimed to compare performance and establish agreement between standard and arm-length-normalized conditions of the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) in healthy adolescent athletes. They found that performance was significantly better in the arm-length-normalized condition, suggesting it may be a more appropriate assessment method, particularly given the influence of arm length, body mass, and sport type on results. The study highlights the need for population-specific reference values in evaluating shoulder stability.

Peroneal Muscle Size and Quality Changes after Impairment-Based Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability

Sep 4, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate changes in peroneal muscle size and quality following an impairment-based rehabilitation program in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Their findings revealed significant increases in peroneal muscle cross-sectional area and improved muscle quality in the trained limb, with cross-education effects noted in the untrained limb, highlighting the effectiveness of targeted rehabilitation in managing CAI.

Return to Golf Rehabilitation Progression after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using an Evidence-Based Foundation

Sep 4, 2026

The authors aim to address the lack of a validated return-to-golf protocol following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) by synthesizing existing literature on golf biomechanics and ACLR rehabilitation. They propose a six-phase, evidence-informed progression that considers specific demands of the golf swing, including loading on both knees, and emphasizes the importance of ongoing assessment of symptoms and functional criteria throughout the rehabilitation process. The commentary highlights the need for prospective validation of the proposed protocol to enhance clinical decision-making for golfers recovering from ACLR.

Acute Effects of Contract-Relax PNF With and Without Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Hamstring Flexibility and Jump Performance in Adolescent Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sep 4, 2026

This study investigates whether combining motor-threshold neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with contract-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF-CR) stretching enhances hamstring flexibility compared to sensory-threshold NMES, without negatively impacting vertical jump performance in adolescent soccer players. The results indicate that both interventions improved hamstring flexibility similarly, with no significant differences between groups, and neither method adversely affected jump performance. Thus, the addition of motor-threshold NMES does not provide additional benefits for flexibility gains in this population.

Patients' Mental Barriers in Rehabilitation after ACL Reconstruction: A Qualitative Interview Study

Sep 4, 2026

The authors aimed to explore the psychological barriers faced by patients during rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and the role of physiotherapists in facilitating psychological readiness for return to sport. Through qualitative interviews with nine patients, they identified key themes related to the mental landscape of rehabilitation, the importance of support systems, and the development of personal strategies for mental recovery. The study underscores the need for a holistic rehabilitation approach that addresses both physical and psychological challenges.

Utilization of the Functional Lower Extremity Evaluation (FLEE) in Return-to-Sport Rehabilitation Protocol Following Hip Arthroscopy in Collegiate Athletes: A Case Series

Sep 4, 2026

This case series investigates the utility of the Functional Lower Extremity Evaluation (FLEE) in guiding return-to-sport rehabilitation protocols for collegiate athletes following hip arthroscopy. The authors aimed to determine if the FLEE could detect measurable differences in limb symmetry and provide meaningful insights for rehabilitation outcomes. Results indicated improvements in limb symmetry and successful return to competitive sports without re-injuries, suggesting the FLEE may be a valuable tool in this context, although further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Glenoid Labrum

Sep 4, 2026

This paper explores the effectiveness of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) in evaluating the glenoid labrum, particularly in diagnosing labral tears that can lead to shoulder instability and dysfunction. The authors aim to highlight how MSKUS can enhance diagnostic accuracy, inform treatment decisions, and improve rehabilitation strategies for patients with glenoid labral injuries. By integrating MSKUS into clinical practice, the authors suggest it can significantly optimize patient outcomes in sports and rehabilitation settings.