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This study investigates electromyography activation and force development differences in key lower limb muscles between female football players with previous anterior cruciate ligament injuries compared with healthy players. Twenty-two semi-professional players were divided into ACL-injured (n = 11) and non-injured groups (n = 11). Participants underwent maximal voluntary isometric contractions while electromyography activation, peak and average, and peak torque of force were measured. Results indicated significant differences in electromyography activation patterns between anterior cruciate ligament players and non-injured players, particularly in biceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscles. These differences were also evident when comparing between limbs within anterior cruciate ligament players. Interestingly, both groups exhibited similar peak torque of force during maximal contractions, suggesting a compensatory neuromuscular strategy that supports a return to sport based on kinetic and kinematic factors. However, these findings underscore persistent muscle integration imbalances potentially contributing to the high rate of anterior cruciate ligament reinjury. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of evaluating electromyography activation alongside force development in understanding neuromuscular adaptations post anterior cruciate ligament injury. These insights emphasize the need for comprehensive rehabilitation strategies that address muscle imbalance to mitigate the risk of recurrent anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female football players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent primary headache. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) reflect the pressure pain sensitivity of the tissues. Women with TTH have showed greater pressure hypersensitivity in some muscles compared to men. The aim of this study was to compare the PPTs from myofascial trigger points in cervical and cranial muscles which might contribute to headaches between men and women with TTH. Methods: An observational and correlation cross-sectional study was performed. PPTs were evaluated bilaterally and compared between men and women in the following muscles: upper trapezius, splenius capitis and cervicis, semispinalis, rectus capitis posterior major, obliquus capitis superior and inferior, occipitofrontalis posterior and anterior, temporalis, masseter, clavicular and sternal head of sternocleidomastoid, zygomaticus major, and levator scapulae. The mean PPT was calculated as well. Results: Significant differences showing lower PPTs in women compared to men were found in the mean PPT (p = 0.000) and in all the points except in the left clavicular head of the sternocleidomastoid (p = 0.093) and in the left masseter (p = 0.069). Conclusions: Lower PPTs from myofascial trigger points in cervical and cranial muscles, which might contribute to headaches, were observed in women compared to men with TTH. The mean PPT was also lower in women than in men, suggesting the need for gender-specific approaches in the treatment of TTH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tension-type headache is the most prevalent type of headache and is commonly associated with myofascial pain syndrome and the presence of active myofascial trigger points. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the impact of dry needling on the total number of active trigger points, pain intensity, and perceived clinical change in tension-type headache subjects. Thirty-two subjects were randomly assigned to the control and dry needling groups. The presence of active trigger points in 15 head and neck muscles, the headache intensity, and the perceived clinical change were evaluated. A single dry needling technique was administered at each active trigger point across three sessions. Significant differences were observed in the post-treatment measures favouring the dry needling group, including reductions in the headache intensity scores (p = 0.034) and the total number of active trigger points (p = 0.039). Moreover, significant differences in the perception of clinical change were found between the control and treatment groups (p = 0.000). Dry needling demonstrated positive effects in reducing the number of active trigger points and improving the short-term headache intensity in tension-type headache patients. A single dry needling session applied in the cranio-cervical area resulted in a self-perceived improvement compared to the control subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]