Contrary to general findings in the attention and memory literature, some studies have shown that performing a secondary cognitive task produces an improvement in balance performance. The purpose of the present experiment was to investigate under what condition such an improvement would occur. Young and older adults were asked to hold as still as possible on a platform that measured sway while performing or not performing the encoding phase of the Brooks' (1967) spatial or non-spatial memory task. The difficulty of maintaining balance was manipulated by varying the availability of visual input and sway-referenced motion of the platform. Sway scores were computed based on the distance between the individual pressure centres and the average centre of pressure during each 20-s trial. The results indicated that both the spatial and non-spatial memory tasks improved balance for older adults under the most difficult balance condition.

Back pain is a common complaint of women during pregnancy. It is frequently dismissed as trivial and inevitable. This article gives an overview of recent research on pregnancy-related back pain that documents the impact of this pain on women's lives, during and beyond the childbearing year. It argues for a more active approach to the prevention and management of back pain during pregnancy. Two common back pain types, lumbar pain and posterior pelvic pain, are described and basic management techniques for the woman and her primary caregiver are suggested. Red flag findings that necessitate specialist referral are also highlighted, as are suggestions for further research.

The KT-1000 arthrometer was evaluated in vitro and in vivo to determine accuracy and quantify effects of potential error sources in clinical application. The KT-1000 arthrometer in vitro accuracy was evaluated by making 30 measurements of 13 known displacements (range, +15 to -15 mm). The effect of applied force on malalignment measurements was evaluated in vitro by making repeated measurements with force applied 5 degrees, 10 degrees, and 15 degrees from the vertical position. The effect of malpositioning the device along the joint line was evaluated in vivo by making repeated measurements 1 cm proximal and 1 cm distal to the joint line. The KT-1000 arthrometer was accurate in vitro (average error, 0.13 mm; SD, 0.12 mm). The range of measurements increased when the angle of force application was increased. Positioning the device 1 cm proximal to the joint line produced larger anterior translation measurements in vivo than those at the joint line (5.8 versus 5.4 mm), while positioning it 1 cm distal produced smaller measurements (4.4 mm). The KT-1000 arthrometer's accuracy indicates great potential for clinical application, but one must ensure that the displacing force is directed properly and the device is positioned accurately over the joint line.

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Study design: Clinical case report. Objectives: To educate clinicians about fabella syndrome as a possible cause for posterolateral knee pain and dysfunction. Also to describe a physical therapy intervention strategy for posterolateral knee pain secondary to hypomobility or malposition of a fabella. Background: A 44-year-old, physically fit, Caucasian male with a 10-year history of left posterolateral knee pain and functional limitations during athletic activities, walking, and activities of daily living presented for evaluation and treatment. He had previously experienced relief of symptoms after experimenting with a mechanical maneuver administered by his wife. Methods and Measures: A thorough examination for strength, range of motion, and accessory motions was performed. A fabella was palpable in the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle and a provisional diagnosis of fabella syndrome was made. While in a prone position, the patient received soft tissue mobilization of the lateral gastrocnemius, followed by medial, lateral, and inferior glides of the fabella. Results: The patient reported an immediate reduction in posterolateral knee pain and demonstrated a 30°increase in active knee flexion. Conclusions: Physical therapists may be unaware that fabella syndrome is a possible source of posterolateral knee pain and dysfunction. This simple manual therapy intervention was effective in reducing symptoms of pain and increasing tolerance for activities involving knee flexion, extension, and rotation. Physical therapists may wish to add this diagnosis and the corresponding examination and intervention techniques to their management strategy for patients with fabella syndrome.