International journal of sports physical therapy
Audio Summaries

The Effect of Duration of Supervised Rehabilitation on Outcomes Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Jun 5, 2026

This systematic review aims to determine the impact of the duration of supervised rehabilitation on strength, functional performance, and self-reported outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The findings suggest that longer rehabilitation durations may be associated with better outcomes, although the evidence is limited and varied in quality. Ultimately, the review indicates a need for at least six months of supervised rehabilitation to potentially enhance recovery following ACLR.

Anthropometric and Neuromuscular Characteristics of Breakers Across Different Performance Levels: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Field-Based Study

Jun 5, 2026

This study aimed to explore the anthropometric and neuromuscular characteristics of breakers at different performance levels to assess the feasibility of a field-based testing battery and identify performance differences. The results indicated that elite breakers exhibited distinct advantages in seated height, reactive jump performance, and mobility compared to developmental and recreational athletes, while conventional athletic tests showed limited ability to differentiate performance levels. The authors suggest that breaking-specific tests are necessary to better capture the performance determinants in this dancesport.

Whole Body Kinetic Chain Muscle Activity during selected Rehabilitation Exercises in Healthy and Injured Overhead Throwing Athletes

Jun 5, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the activation levels of key muscles across the kinetic chain in healthy and injured overhead throwing athletes during selected exercises from the Advanced Throwers Ten (ATT) rehabilitation program. The study found minimal differences in muscle activity levels between the two groups, with most exercises resulting in low-to-moderate activation, except for certain prone exercises where injured athletes exhibited higher strengthening activity levels. Overall, the findings suggest that both healthy and injured athletes demonstrate similar muscle activation patterns during the ATT exercises.

Association between Patellofemoral Conditions and the Incidence of ACL Injury: Could Patellofemoral Conditions be a Risk Factor for ACL Injury? A 10-year Population-Based Study

Jun 5, 2026

This study investigates whether a prior diagnosis of patellofemoral conditions (PFC) is associated with an increased risk of subsequent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and other intra-articular knee pathologies. The findings reveal that individuals with PFC have a significantly higher incidence of ACL injuries compared to the general population, suggesting that PFC may serve as a risk factor for later knee injuries and highlighting the need for targeted rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies in this group.

Early Neuromuscular and Co-activation Patterns After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction In Males: A Case-control Exploratory Feasibility Study

Jun 5, 2026

This study aimed to compare early quadriceps activation and hamstring co-activation patterns between males who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and matched healthy controls. The findings revealed that individuals post-ACLR exhibited significantly lower quadriceps activation and increased hamstring co-activation bilaterally, affecting both the operated and non-operated limbs. This suggests that early neuromuscular alterations following ACLR may hinder recovery and rehabilitation outcomes.

Normative H-Test Values in a Cohort of 113 Healthy Soccer and Track-and-Field Athletes at High Risk for Hamstring Injury

Jun 5, 2026

The authors aimed to establish normative values for the H-test kinematic outcomes in healthy competitive track-and-field and soccer athletes, as well as to investigate the effects of sport discipline and limb dominance on H-test performance. They found consistent H-test values across a cohort of 113 athletes, with no significant differences in range of motion and maximal angular velocity between limbs or disciplines, although a minor difference in angle at peak velocity was noted. This study provides baseline data that clinicians can use for interpreting H-test results in the context of hamstring injury risk, particularly in male athletes, while highlighting the need for further research, especially involving female athletes.

Rehabilitation Utilizing Blood Flow Restriction Following Surgical Repair of a Bankart Lesion with a Buford Complex in an Elite High School Football Player: A Case Report

Jun 5, 2026

This case report investigates the integration of early-phase blood flow restriction (BFR) training within a structured rehabilitation program for a high school football player following arthroscopic Bankart repair complicated by a Buford complex. The authors aim to assess the effectiveness of this approach in promoting recovery and return to sport, highlighting improvements in range of motion, strength, and functional performance. The findings suggest that early-phase BFR can be a feasible component of rehabilitation for collision sport athletes, warranting further research into standardized protocols and testing strategies.

Morphological and Compositional Features of Lumbar Multifidus in Athletes with Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Jun 5, 2026

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether there are morphological and compositional differences in the lumbar multifidus muscles between athletes with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) and those without. The analysis, which included 18 studies, found no significant differences in muscle cross-sectional area, thickness, or echo intensity between the two groups, although the authors noted limitations in study quality and methodology. Despite these findings, the use of ultrasound technology for assessing soft tissue in athletes remains promising.

Which Myofascial Alterations Contribute to Functional Limitations and Perceived Performance Deficits in Water Polo Athletes

Jun 5, 2026

This study investigates the relationship between myofascial dysfunction in the shoulder musculature and self-perceived functional capacity in competitive water polo players. The authors found significant negative correlations between the presence of myofascial trigger points and shoulder function, indicating that myofascial dysfunction adversely affects performance in these athletes.

Association Between Individual Functional Movement Screen™ Tasks and Sports Injury Occurrence in University Basketball Players: A Prospective Cohort Study

Jun 5, 2026

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between individual Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) task scores and the incidence of sports injuries among university basketball players over one year. The findings revealed that low scores on specific tasks, particularly the Deep Squat and Hurdle Step, were more predictive of injury risk than the overall FMS™ score, suggesting that item-specific assessments may enhance pre-season screening effectiveness. The authors conclude that while individual task scores show promise for predicting injuries, further research is needed to validate these results.