Scott W. Cheatham

California State University, Dominguez Hills | CSUDH · Division of Kinesiology

Balance Exercise on Unstable Objects: A Descriptive Survey of Practice Patterns Among Healthcare Professionals Context: Balance training on unstable objects is a popular intervention used by healthcare professionals for a variety of purposes such as sport performance, injury or fall prevention, fitness, and rehabilitation. The research is mixed wi...

Context: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a popular myofascial treatment utilized by health care professionals. Currently, there is a lack of research on the effects of a light pressure IASTM treatment on the forearm region. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a light pressure IASTM technique at different...

Background Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), HOOS-Joint Replacement (JR), HOOS Physical Function (PS), and HOOS-12 item scale have been suggested as reliable and valid instruments for assessing hip disability. However, factorial validity, invariance across subgroups, and repeated measures of the scale across different populati...

Background Meniscal pathologies are common knee injuries and arthroscopic surgery is the current accepted gold standard for treatment. However, there is evidence to support the use of the Mulligan Concept (MC) Mobilization with Movement (MWM) for meniscal pathologies including the ‘Squeeze’ technique, tibial internal rotation (IR), and tibial exter...

Background Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a commonly utilized intervention for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. However, little is known regarding the reliability of forces applied by clinicians of different experience levels during an IASTM intervention. Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to assess intra-cli...

Clinicians utilize instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) to identify and treat myofascial dysfunction or pathology. Currently, little is known regarding the ability of clinicians to provide similar IASTM forces across treatment sessions. The authors’ purpose was to quantify clinician reliability of force application during a simulate...

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a common intervention among clinicians. Despite the popularity, little is known about the forces applied by the clinician with the instruments during treatment. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the forces applied by trained clinicians using IASTM instruments during a simulated...

Context: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a popular myofascial intervention used by health care professionals. Objective: To document IASTM clinical practice patterns among health care professionals in the United States. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey. Patients or other participants: A total of...

Background: The existing body of kinesiology tape (KT) research reveals inconsistent results which challenges the efficacy of the intervention. Understanding professional beliefs and KT clinical application might provide insight for future research and development of evidence-based guidelines. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to survey and...

# Background Mechanical percussion devices have become popular among sports medicine professionals. These devices provide a similar effect as manual percussion or tapotement used in therapeutic massage. To date, there are few published studies or evidence-based guidelines for these devices. There is a need to understand what professionals believe...

Context: Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a therapeutic intervention used by clinicians to identify and treat myofascial dysfunction or pathology. However, little is known about the amount of force used by clinicians during an IASTM treatment and how it compares to reports of force in the current literature. Objective: To...

Back-off sets or down sets are a training paradigm that use an initial heavy loaded set followed by a subsequent rest period and a planned load reduction. Back-off sets are a way to maintain or increase training volume through a load reduction for subsequent sets. By reducing load, a desired number of repetitions can be achieved as opposed to a red...

Focused Clinical Question : What are the immediate effects of instrumented-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) application on measures of lower extremity range of motion, muscular power, and strength in physically active adults not currently suffering from a musculoskeletal injury? Clinical Bottom Line : Grade 1 evidence supports immediate im...

Background: Sports rehabilitation professionals often prescribe unstable objects for balance training. Unfortunately, there is a lack of measurement of balance confidence when incorporating these objects. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal balance confidence measure or proposed progression of unstable objects. Understanding the influe...

Myofascial compression interventions have become popular in rehabilitation and fitness. To date, no studies have directly compared foam rolling, instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization, and floss band among unexperienced individuals. The primary purpose of this investigation was to compare the immediate post intervention effects of foam rollin...

Results Discussion Possible Rolling ROM Mechanisms Methods Muscle, fascia and skin are densely innervated by sensory neurons (Merkel, Ruffini, Meissner, Pacinian, interstitial type III and IV, which can affect sympathetic and parasympathetic systems contributing to a more relaxed muscle. Increased stretch tolerance. Thixotropic effects decreasing t...

Behm, DG, Alizadeh, S, Hadjizadeh Anvar, S, Mahmoud, MMI, Ramsay, E, Hanlon, C, and Cheatham, S. Foam rolling prescription: a clinical commentary. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-Although the foam rolling and roller massage literature generally reports acute increases in range of motion (ROM) with either trivial or small performance improv...

Tendon pathology has been studied across healthcare professions but remains poorly understood. Imaging and clinical findings have been used to diagnose tendon pathology, but these findings are discrepant. It is vital that clinicians use sound clinical judgment to determine the most accurate clinical diagnosis and treatment options given documented...

Background/purpose: Hamstring strain (HS), a common condition found among the injured physically active population, is often treated with rest, stretching, and modalities. Primal Reflex Release Technique™ (PRRT™) is a manual therapy technique used to treat pain caused by over-stimulation of the body's primal reflexes. The purpose of this case seri...

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is important to assess in patient care. Researchers have previously claimed validity of the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) across multiple samples of individuals, but close inspection of results suggest further psychometric investigation of the instrument is warranted. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to:...

Context: Kinesiology tape (KT) is a therapeutic intervention used to treat different musculoskeletal conditions and to enhance sports performance. The evidence is inconclusive with researchers attributing the variable outcomes to different manufactured KT used in the research. Researchers have begun to measure and document the mechanical properties...

The aims of this study were to (1) compare the immediate post-treatment effects of an instructional video versus a self-preferred program on the hip range of motion and a pressure pain threshold using two different density roller balls, and (2) compare the effects of the two roller balls on those variables. Forty adults were randomly allocated into...

Introduction: Patients classified with ankle sprains are commonly treated with a multimode intervention approach. Currently, protection and tissue healing are the most accepted forms of care for these patients. Case presentation: Six patients (4 male, 2 female) 20.2 ± 1.3 years of age were classified with acute grade I lateral ankle sprains (LAS...

Instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) has become a popular myofascial intervention for sports medicine professionals. Despite the widespread use and emerging research, a consensus on c linical standards, such as a d escribing the intervention, indications, precautions, contraindications, tool hygiene, safe treatment, and assessment,...

Medial epicondylitis, or inflammation of the medial elbow most often occurring at the origin of the wrist flexor tendons, is used for a diagnostic classification for medial elbow pain. Medial elbow pain is common in throwing athletes due to the load placed on the elbow during the cocking and acceleration phase of throwing. The current case review d...

This investigation measured the effects of a light pressure instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) technique on tactile discrimination and pain perception in individuals after strenuous exercise. Twenty-three subjects underwent three different testing sessions: baseline measures and exercise, 24-hours (post) treatment and measures, an...

Context: Floss bands are a popular intervention used by sports medicine professionals to enhance myofascial function and mobility. The bands are often wrapped around a region of the body in an overlapping fashion (e.g. 50%) and then tensioned by stretching the band to a desired length (e.g. 50%). To date, no research has investigated the stretch f...

In the current case series, three male patients aged 19–21 years, all participating in basketball activities during their competitive season, were evaluated and classified with patella tendinopathy. A combination of positional release therapy (PRT) treatment with therapeutic exercises was used to decrease pain and improve function. Over the course...

This investigation measured the reliability of the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) for roller massage (RM) over two sessions and compared it to pressure pain threshold (PPT) during a third session. Twenty-five subjects participated. Session one, subjects rolled on 3 different rollers and filled out the NPRS for each roller then chose their preferr...

Context: Roller massage (RM) is a popular myofascial intervention. To date, no research has investigated the effects of RM on experienced and nonexperienced individuals and if there are differences between a prescribed RM program and a self-preferred program. Objective: The main objective was to measure the effects of a prescribed RM program wit...

Roller massage (RM) has become a popular intervention used by rehabilitation professionals and active individuals. The emerging popularity has resulted in the production of various types of rollers and a growing body of research on the therapeutic effects and science behind RM. Despite the growing popularity and research, there is no consensus on c...

Background: Roller massage (RM) has become a popular intervention prescribed by physical therapy (PT) professionals. While this popularity has stimulated an increase in research and product development, the trends in the use of RM among PT professionals remain undocumented. It is unknown how professionals are using RM and integrating the research...

Background: Foam rolling is a popular form of roller massage. To date, no studies have examined the therapeutic effects of different density type rollers. Understanding the different densities may provide clinicians with the knowledge to accurately prescribe a particular foam roller and safely progress the client. Purpose: The purpose of this st...

Background: In sports medicine, the interprofessional care of athletes has become a frequent practice. This type of care often involves different interventions used among professionals. One common intervention prescribed is roller massage (RM) or self-myofascial release. The trends in the use of RM among allied health professionals is non-existent...

Background University and collegiate education of the human myofascial system is commonly taught in basic science courses such as anatomy. Allied health programs may expand upon these concepts by teaching interventions such as myofascial release in clinical education courses. Self-myofascial release (SMR) with a device such as a foam roller is an e...

Background Foam rolling has become a popular form of self-myofascial release or roller massage among health and fitness professionals. Due to this popularity, foam roller devices can be found in many clinical and fitness settings. Despite the popularity, there are still several unknowns regarding foam rolling such the optimal technique. Specificall...

ROTATOR CUFF TENDINOPATHY IS A PREVALENT CONDITION AMONG BOTH THE GENERAL AND ATHLETIC POPULATIONS, WITH MANY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS SEEKING CONSERVATIVE CARE AT SOME POINT. THE UNDERSTANDING OF TENDINOPATHIES HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY OVER THE PAST DECADE, AS HAVE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS. THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW OF CURRENT TRENDS IN THE UNDERSTA...

Background: The surveillance of hip injuries and risk factors have become an emerging focus in sports medicine due to the increased recognition of hip pathologies. Researchers suggest that decreased hip range of motion (ROM) is a risk factor for injury in various athletic activities. One under reported population that has potential for hip injurie...

Background: Manual pressure palpation is an examination technique used in the classification of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and fibromyalgia (FM). Currently, there are no validated systems for classifying results. A valid and reliable pressure pain threshold scale (PPTS) may provide a means for clinicians to grade, document, and report findings....

Background: The use of foam rollers to provide soft-tissue massage has become a common intervention among health and fitness professionals. Recently, manufacturers have merged the science of vibration therapy and foam rolling with the development of vibrating foam rollers. To date, no peer reviewed investigations have been published on this techno...

Osteoporosis is a metabolic skeletal disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density that effects both sexes. an estimated 200 million people worldwide have osteoporosis, which includes 54 million people ages 50 years or older in the United States. Over the past few decades, knowledge of this condition has grown and successful management stra...

The squat is a fundamental movement for weight lifting and sport performance. Beyond performance, both unilateral and bilateral squats are used to assess dynamic lower extremity control, and they may be of value for assessing injury risk and functional independence. The purpose of this column is to present an evidence-based discussion of the influe...

Background Rehabilitation professionals often prescribe foam rolling as an intervention to augment other manual therapies or as a warm-up or recovery after athletic activity. Currently, there is a gap in the literature regarding how foam rolling effects the pressure pain threshold (PPT) among men and women. Purpose The purpose of this study was to...

Introduction: The world obesity rate has increased over the past two decades. This problem has been linked to inactivity and lack of exercise among individuals which prompted the development of wearable activity tracking technology. This technology is commonly offered as a bracelet, watch, or pendent that provides feedback of daily activity such a...

Objective Clinicians and researchers often use the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and visual analog scale (VAS) to measure and track pain in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and fibromyalgia (FM). The VAS is often used as a reference standard in chronic pain research. To date, no studies have specifically measured the concurrent va...

Background: The use of foam rollers to provide tissue massage is a commonly used intervention by rehabilitation professionals for their patients and clients. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal foam rolling treatment approach. Of particular interest are the effects of different instructional methods of foam rolling, as individuals ulti...

Introduction: Myofascial pain is a common impairment treated with various manual interventions including spinal thrust manipulation and stretching; however, the comparative efficacy of each intervention is uncertain. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate thrust manipulation targeting the cervicothoracic junction compared to...

Context: The squat is a fundamental movement for weight lifting and sports performance. Both unilateral and bilateral squats are also used to assess transitional and dynamic lower extremity control. Common lower extremity conditions can have an influence on squat performance. Of interest, are the effects of hip musculoskeletal conditions and assoc...

Context: Foam rolling is a popular intervention used by allied health professionals and the general population. Current research suggests that foam rolling may have an effect on the ipsilateral antagonist muscle group and produce a cross-over effect in the muscles of the contralateral limb. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effect...

Background: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a non-invasive therapeutic technique used to theoretically aid in scar tissue breakdown and absorption, fascial mobilization, and improved tissue healing. Researchers have hypothesized that utilizing IASTM will improve muscular efficiency and performance; yet previous Investigatio...

The purpose of this study was to measure passive hip internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) range of motion (ROM) in collegiate baseball pitchers and compare to published youth and professional values. Measures were taken on the bilateral hips of 29 participants (mean age 20.0±1.4, range 18-22 years). Results identified no significant differences...

Background: Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a popular treatment for myofascial restriction. IASTM uses specially designed instruments to provide a mobilizing effect to scar tissue and myofascial adhesions. Several IASTM tools and techniques are available such as the Graston® technique. Currently, there are no systematic rev...

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) will affect approximately 25% of the population at some point in their lifetime. Although the etiology of hip oa is multifactorial, risk factors seem to have a role in both the incidence and escalation of signs and symptoms. This article presents an overview of risk factors associated with hip oa. Evidence underpinning and r...

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) has been reported as an etiological source of shoulder pain among weight-training (WT) participants; however, a paucity of evidence exists to describe intrinsic risk factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate specific risk-related joint and muscle adaptations among WT participants identified as havi...

Clinical scenario: Hamstring tightness is a common condition leading to dysfunctional or restricted movement that is often treated with stretching. Neurodynamics has been proposed as an alternative to stretching by targeting the neural system rather than muscle tissue. Focused Clinical Question: In an active population, what is the effect of using...

There is growing subgroup of patients with poor outcomes after hip arthroscopy for intra-articular pathology suggesting unrecognized cause(s) of impingement may exist. Extra-articular hip impingement (EHI) is an emerging group of conditions that have been associated with intra-articular causes of impingement and may be an unrecognized source of pai...

SNAPPING HIP SYNDROME (SHS) IS A MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITION CHARACTERIZED BY A PALPABLE OR AUDIBLE “SNAPPING” THAT OCCURS AROUND THE HIP WITH MOVEMENT. SHS IS FURTHER CLASSIFIED INTO INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VARIANTS. BECAUSE OF THE PREVALENCE OF SHS AMONG ACTIVE INDIVIDUALS, IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROFESSIONAL TO HAVE A BASI...

Femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) has emerged as one of the more commonly recognized intraarticular hip pathologies and is often accompanied with a labral tear. The understanding of the clinical characteristics of individuals with symptomatic FAI has evolved over the past several years due to emerging research. As research progresses, there is o...

Background: Hip arthroscopy is a common surgical technique for the correction of intraarticular pathology. While surgical success is often determined by anatomical correction, post-operative rehabilitation serves an essential role in restoring pre-morbid activity levels. A paucity of long-term post-operative rehabilitation outcomes exists in the l...

FEMORAL ACETABULAR IMPINGEMENT (FAI) IS A CONDITION WHEREBY INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCE PAIN AND IMPAIRMENTS AS A RESULT OF ABNORMAL CONTACT BETWEEN THE ACETABULUM AND PROXIMAL FEMUR. THIS IS OFTEN CAUSED BY AN ABNORMALLY SHAPED FEMORAL HEAD OR ACETABULAR RIM. BECAUSE OF THIS STRUCTURAL ABNORMALITY, CERTAIN LOWER EXTREMITY EXERCISES MAY PERPETUATE SYMPT...

Clinical question: Is there evidence to suggest that non-operative rehabilitation programs for osteitis pubis are effective at returning athletes to their pre-injury levels of participation? Summary of Key Findings: Four studies met the inclusion criteria. Only level 4 evidence was found. All studies reported using a structured non-operative rehab...

The assessment of thoracolumbar muscle endurance (TLME) is common among strength and conditioning professionals as well as clinicians desiring to quantify baseline muscle performance and determine injury risk. Reference values for such assessments are documented in the literature; however, their utility may be of limited value due to heterogeneous...

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA) IS A CHRONIC SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE THAT AFFECTS THE JOINTS OF THE BODY CAUSING DEFORMITY AND FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENTS. RA AFFECTS APPROXIMATELY 1.3 MILLION AMERICANS WITH WOMEN BEING AFFECTED MORE THAN MEN. BECAUSE OF THE PREVALENCE OF THIS CONDITION, IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROFESSIONAL TO...