Author(s): JAIHARN, O., SINSURIN, K.2, KHONGPRASERT, S.1, Institution: CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY, Country: THAILAND, Abstract-ID: 883

INTRODUCTION:
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most common overuses running-related injury (1). One of the contributing factors to ITBS is indeed irregular kinematics of the hip and knee, particularly between legs (2). Biomechanical studies have revealed that Gluteus medius (Gmed) strength impairment is accountable for an increased risk of knee injuries (3-5) since it responsible for stabilizing the pelvis in the frontal plane and maintaining a stable base of support during activities of the single leg. However, there are only a few reports on balance control in ITBS runners. This study aimed to investigate the balance of the single leg. In addition to determine the relationship between Gmed muscle thickness and dynamic balance control.
METHODS:
Eight cases of ITBS leg in female runners (Age 35.38±8.20 years) performed single leg dynamic balance using Biodex and the Y-Balance test. While the contralateral leg acted as a control. Bilateral static ultrasound images of the Gmed were obtained over 3 trials to investigate muscle thickness. Differences between legs were examined using paired t-tests. Pearsons correlations were used to analyze the relationships between muscle thickness and dynamic balance tests.
RESULTS:
The ITBS leg showed a smaller thickness of Gmed (0.10±0.29 cm) and demonstrated a higher overall stability index (Firm: 1.34±2.37; Foam: 0.65±11.40) compared to the control leg. There is a moderate negative correlation between the thickness of Gmed and the direction of posterolateral reach (r = -0.55, p=0.026). Additionally, a high positive correlation was found between anterior reach and posteromedial reach direction (r = 0.75, p = 0.001).
CONCLUSION:
Although there was no significant difference between Gmed thickness and dynamic balance. ITBS leg was likely to diminish single leg stability. Thus, asymmetrical assessments between legs should be taken into account in ITBS runners.

REFERENCES:
(1) Nicolas Kakouris et al., J Sport Health Sci, 2021
(2) Reed Ferber et al., J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 2010
(3) Christopher M Powers, J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 2010
(4) Eric Foch et al., Gait Posture, 2015
(5) Karrie L Hamstra-Wright et al., Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon), 2020