International journal of sports physical therapy
Audio Summaries

Diagnostic Dilemma: Testing to Differentiate UCL Sprains From Flexor-Pronator Elbow Strains in the Overhead Athlete

Aug 5, 2026

The authors aim to address the diagnostic challenges faced by clinicians in differentiating between ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprains and flexor-pronator elbow strains in overhead athletes, particularly in the context of rising elbow injuries in baseball players. They provide a commentary on the clinical thought process and examination techniques that can aid in making an accurate differential diagnosis between these two common elbow injuries.

Accelerated Return to Competition Following a Full-Thickness Abdominal Wall Tear in an Elite Sprinter: A Data-informed Case Report

Aug 4, 2026

This case report aims to describe the rehabilitation and return-to-competition process for an elite sprinter who sustained a full-thickness tear of the abdominal wall. The authors detail a data-informed approach to rehabilitation, emphasizing early loading and objective monitoring, which enabled the athlete to return to competition within 28 days and achieve a personal best. The findings highlight the importance of individualized rehabilitation strategies and the role of objective performance data in decision-making for return-to-sport after severe injuries.

Does Medial Knee Position Reflect Dynamic Knee Valgus? Comparing Kinematic Timing and Magnitude During a Three-Task Movement Screen

Aug 4, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between medial knee position and dynamic knee valgus by analyzing the timing and magnitude of knee abduction during various movement tasks in adolescent female volleyball players. Their findings indicate that while medial knee collapse occurs before maximum knee abduction in certain tasks, the two-dimensional assessment of knee position does not fully capture the three-dimensional dynamics of knee valgus. This suggests that while 2D measurements can be useful clinically, they may not adequately reflect the complex movement patterns involved in knee injuries.

A Novel Way of Testing Hip Extension and Flexion Strength, and Strength Ratio in the Clinical Setting: Is it Reliable?

Aug 4, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the test-retest reliability of measuring maximal isometric hip extension and flexion strength in a semi-standing position with the hip at 60° flexion. Their findings indicate that this method demonstrates good to excellent relative reliability for both extension and flexion strength, making it suitable for group-level assessments, although individual variability should be considered when interpreting changes over time.

A Novel Dynamic Ultrasound Assessment of T-Junction Hamstring Injury during Gym-Based Exercises: A Case Report in an Elite Football Player

Aug 4, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel dynamic ultrasound method for assessing distal musculotendinous junction (DMTJ) hamstring injuries during functional exercises, as traditional MRI may not fully capture the injury's complexity. In a case study of an elite football player, dynamic ultrasound provided valuable insights into the interhead movement of the biceps femoris during rehabilitation, potentially aiding in return-to-play decisions. The findings suggest that this approach could complement MRI assessments, although further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate its reliability and prognostic value.

Contralateral Trunk Tilt in High School Baseball Pitchers: Comparison and Relationship with Trunk Rotational Mobility, Compensatory Lateral Flexion, and Performance

Aug 4, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between contralateral trunk tilt (CLT), trunk rotational mobility, compensatory lateral flexion, and performance in high school baseball pitchers. Their findings revealed no significant differences in trunk mobility or compensatory flexion between pitchers with high and low CLT, although excessive CLT was moderately correlated with increased ball velocity and strongly correlated with elbow valgus torque. This suggests that excessive CLT may not be linked to trunk mobility limitations but could impact performance metrics.

Rapid Re-activation of Functionally Inhibited Hamstring Muscles via Real-Time EMG Visual Feedback in an Asymptomatic Masters Sprinter: A Case Report

Aug 4, 2026

This case report investigates whether real-time visual feedback (VFB) can effectively overcome functional neuromuscular inhibition in a 41-year-old masters sprinter experiencing hamstring activation failure. The authors found that VFB led to a significant increase in hamstring muscle activity, suggesting its potential as a neuro-cognitive intervention to enhance muscle output in aging athletes.

Mixed-Nerve Silent Period Characteristics During Muscle Output Regulation in Healthy Athletes: Preliminary Findings and Comparison with a Single Postoperative Case

Aug 4, 2026

This study investigates the characteristics of the mixed-nerve silent period (SP) as a measure of central nervous system excitability during muscle output regulation in healthy athletes, comparing these findings to a single postoperative case of an athlete with delayed return to play. The results indicate that while healthy athletes show consistent SP values, the postoperative athlete exhibited a significantly prolonged SP, suggesting potential neuromuscular control impairment. The authors propose that SP assessment could serve as a neurophysiological indicator for evaluating recovery and readiness to return to sport after injury, although further research is needed to validate its clinical application.

Infrared Kinesiology Tape Increases Skin Temperature and Red Blood Cell Flux at Rest

Aug 4, 2026

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Thrive "Far Infrared" kinesiology tape on skin temperature and cutaneous blood flow in the unilateral erector spinae muscle. The results showed that the application of the tape significantly increased both skin temperature and red blood cell flux compared to the non-taped side, with effects persisting even after tape removal. However, the clinical significance of these findings remains uncertain.

Defining the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), and Maximal Outcome Improvement (MOI) values for individuals with acetabular dysplasia (AD) undergoing non-operative management

Aug 4, 2026

The authors aimed to define key clinically important outcome values for the International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12) in individuals with acetabular dysplasia undergoing physiotherapy. They established the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) as 8.5 points, a patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) change score of 15.2, an absolute PASS threshold score of 62, and a maximal outcome improvement (MOI) threshold of 22.9%. Despite reporting symptom improvement, only half of the participants expressed satisfaction with their functional status after treatment.