MSK Pulse — monthly MSK research digest

Issues

›August 202612 itemsCervical radiculopathy recovery phenotypes, optimal hamstring stretching dose, patellofemoral pain education effectiveness and the FEET trial for plantar heel pain

01
Cohort studyRecovery trajectory phenotypes and their baseline predictors following conservative treatment for cervical radiculopathy: A cohort study using latent class growth analysis
Cervical spine/Radiculopathy/Clinical reasoning
Musc Sci Practice
02
Cross-sectionalThe peak and impulse of patellofemoral joint force during running are not associated with pain severity or duration in adolescents with patellofemoral pain: An exploratory cross-sectional study
Knee/Patellofemoral pain
Phys Therapy in Sport
03
Cross-sectionalImpacts of ankle sprain on functional performance in under-20 soccer players: a cross-sectional study
Ankle & foot/Sports injury
Phys Therapy in Sport
04
Meta-analysisEvaluating the utility of melatonin in spine surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Lumbar spine/Post-operative rehabilitation
Spine Journal
05
GuidelineAppraisal of Clinical Practice Guideline: A core set of outcome measures to assess physical function for adults participating in physical therapy treatment in the hospital: a clinical practice guideline
Not region-specific/Outcome measures
J Physiotherapy
06
Cross-sectionalMachine learning-based triage of non-red-flag low back pain in national-level collegiate athletes: A cross-sectional study in Taiwan
Lumbar spine/Clinical reasoning
Ann Phys Rehab Med
07
Meta-analysisOptimal stretching dose for improving range of motion in non-athletes and athletes with hamstring shortening: a dose-response meta-analysis
Hip/Hamstring injury/Strength training
Ann Phys Rehab Med
08
Meta-analysisIs education effective for pain and function in patellofemoral pain or patellofemoral osteoarthritis? A systematic review with meta-analysis
Knee/Patellofemoral pain/Pain education
Ann Phys Rehab Med
09
Cohort studyPhysical activity reduces the risk of osteoporosis in patients with arthritis: A dual-cohort prospective study and mechanistic exploration
Multi-region/Osteoarthritis/Exercise therapy
Musc Sci Practice
10
Randomised trialFoot exercise plus education versus brief advice for the treatment of plantar heel pain (FEET Trial): a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Ankle & foot/Plantar heel pain/Exercise therapy
Musc Sci Practice
11
Randomised trialThe Effect of a Brief Psychologically Informed Education Intervention for Improving Function in Adolescents With Atraumatic Leg Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Knee/Pain education
JOSPT · 1 August 2026
12
Systematic reviewSystematic review found that for adults with stroke, modified constraint induced movement therapy may improve upper-limb function compared to conventional therapy
Not region-specific/Post-operative rehabilitation
PEDro · 24 August 2026

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