Authors: Brian Noehren, PT, PhD1, Anne Schmitz, PhD1, Ross Hempel, BS1, Carolyn Westlake, MS1, William Black, MD2
AFFILIATIONS:
The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Kentucky. Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under award number K23AR062069. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. The authors certify that they have no affiliations with or financial involvement in any organization or entity with a direct financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in the article.
Address correspondence to Brian Noehren, 204D Wethington Building, 900 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40536. E-mail: b.
Study Design
Cross-sectional laboratory study.
Objectives
To assess differences in hip strength, iliotibial band length, and hip and knee mechanics during running between male runners with iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) and healthy controls.
Background
Flexibility, strength, and running mechanics are commonly assessed in patients with ITBS. However, these variables have not been evaluated concurrently in this population.
Methods
Thirty-four men participated (17 healthy, 17 ITBS). Hip strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer, and iliotibial band length was assessed using an inclinometer while performing the Ober test. Kinetic and 3-D kinematic data were obtained during running. Kinematic variables of interest included frontal and transverse plane hip and knee joint angles during early stance. Independent-samples t tests, as well as effect sizes, were used to assess group differences.
Results
Compared to the control group, persons with ITBS had a significantly lower Ober measurement (1.2°), weaker hip external rotators (1.2 Nm/kg), greater hip internal rotation (3.7°), and greater knee adduction (3.6°). However, only hip internal rotation and knee adduction exceeded the minimal detectable difference value.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that intervention strategies that target neuromuscular control of the hip and knee may be indicated for males with ITBS.
J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(3):217–222. Epub 22 January 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.4991