Background: Celiac disease (CD) is a common gastrointestinal pathology; however, prevalence and comorbidities are unknown in collegiate athletics. Hypotheses: (1) Athletes will have similar odds of CD as general population estimates (approximately 1 in 141) based on self-report and signs and symptoms, (2) athletes scoring higher on the Celiac Symptom Index (CSI) will have lower self-reported quality of life (QoL), (3) athletes scoring higher on the CSI will have higher depression scores, and (4) athletes scoring higher on the CSI will have higher perceived stress scores. Study Design: Epidemiological cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: The CSI, WHO Quality of Life-BREF, Beck Depression Inventory, and Perceived Stress Scale were used to assess patients’ signs and symptoms of CD and psychosocial measures/QoL in male and female National Collegiate Athletic Association (all divisions) athletes (N = 141). Participants also self-reported a formal diagnosis of CD. Chi-square analyses determined CD prevalence. Odds ratios determined risk for either being diagnosed with CD or reporting more symptoms than the general population. Correlational analyses determined whether symptoms correlated with QoL and psychosocial measures. Results: Athletes were 3.85 times (95% CI, 0.42-34.89) more likely to report a CD diagnosis and were 18.36 times (95% CI, 2.40-140.48) more likely to report a high degree of CD symptoms than the general population. Athletes with more symptoms had worse physical, psychological, social, and environmental QoL indicators and higher depression and perceived stress scores. Conclusion: Athletes may be a higher risk population for experiencing CD and report greater signs/symptoms compared with general population estimates. Additionally, athletes with higher CD symptom scores also reported poorer QoL. Clinical Relevance: Allied health care professionals should be aware of the diversity of CD symptoms and be prepared to refer athletes when gastrointestinal symptoms persist to ensure proper care and unhampered performance.

Clinical Scenario: Many therapeutic modalities have been used to treat the pain and inflammation commonly associated with tendinopathies. One modality that has been used to treat patients with tendinopathies is diathermy. Focused Clinical Question: Is there evidence to suggest that diathermy is more or equally as effective at reducing pain in patients with tendinopathy when compared with ultrasound or corticosteroid treatments? Summary of Search, "Best Evidence" Appraised, and Key Findings: The literature was searched for randomized control trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of diathermy treatments in comparison with ultrasound or corticosteroid treatments on pain in patients with tendinopathy. Three RCTs were selected from the search results and included in this critically appraised topic. Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate evidence to support that diathermy is more effective at reducing pain in patients with tendinopathy than ultrasound and equally as effective as corticosteroid treatments. Strength of Recommendation: There is grade B evidence to support that diathermy is more effective at reducing pain in patients with tendinopathy than ultrasound and equally effective at reducing pain as corticosteroid treatments.

No abstract

No abstract

Clinical Scenario: Plantar fasciitis is a very common pathology experienced by a wide array of individuals in the United States. Patients most commonly experience tightness and pain along the plantar aspect of their foot and on the medial side of the heel. A variety of treatment methods have been used to improve the pain levels and function of patients with plantar fasciitis. An emerging treatment method for plantar fasciitis is dry cupping, where negative pressure is created to increase blood flow to the injured area and facilitate the healing process. Clinical Question: Is there evidence to suggest dry cupping is effective at improving pain and function for patients experiencing plantar fasciitis when compared with therapeutic exercise or electrical stimulation? Summary of Key Findings: Three studies examining the effectiveness of dry cupping for the treatment of plantar fasciitis were included in this review. Two studies compared dry cupping to therapeutic exercises and stretching, and 1 study used electrical stimulation. Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate evidence to support the use of dry cupping to improve pain and function in patients with plantar fasciitis. Strength of Recommendation: There is level B evidence to support dry cupping as an effective treatment method for improving pain and function in patients with plantar fasciitis as compared with therapeutic exercise and electrical stimulation.