Academy of Physiotherapy in Wrocław

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess spinal mobility in elite table tennis players compared to non-athletes.METHODS: The research was conducted on a group of 20 table tennis players from Polish Ekstraklasa league clubs (study group). The control group consisted of 20 students, who did not practice any sport. Cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine mobility in the sagittal and transverse planes was measured using a Saunders inclinometer (Saunders Group Ltd, Tbilisi, Georgia). The author’s questionnaire was also used to examine whether physical activity can have an effect on the prevalence of spinal pain, and body position and region in which the pain occurs.RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between the groups were observed in flexion and extension of the intervertebral disc space between the spinous processes of the twelfth thoracic vertebra and the first lumbar vertebra and extension of the intervertebral disc space between the spinous processes of the seventh cervical vertebra and the first thoracic vertebra and the midpoint of the sacral bone.CONCLUSIONS: The study group of young table tennis players of the Polish Ekstraklasa League had better ranges of motion in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine in the sagittal and transverse planes compared to their non-athlete peers. Further research is needed to determine whether table tennis can alter spinal mobility in other spinal segments and planes of motion.

The aim of this study in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) patients was to assess the effect of six months of supervised physiotherapy with a higher number of visits (SPHNV) compared to supervised physiotherapy with a lower number of visits (SPLNV) on the maximal peak torque (PT) and isometric torque (IT) of values obtained for hamstring (H) and quadriceps (Q) muscles of the knee joints under isokinetic and isometric conditions. Hypothesis: SPHNV improves IT and PT more than SPLNV. Group I had ACLR with a higher number of visits (n = 20), Group II had ACLR with a lower number of visits (n = 20), and Group III served as the control (n = 20). In Groups I and II, IT values were measured for quadriceps and hamstring muscles of the knee joints in the 13th and 24th weeks and for PT in the 18th and 24th weeks after ACLR (60 and 180 °/s). In group III, the measurements were taken once. The isometric torque and isokinetic peak torque values were measured in N*m and they were normalized to body mass as relative IT (RIT) and relative PT (RPT) were expressed in N*m/kg. Results: In both ACLR groups, the RIT and RPT values obtained from the operated knee joints significantly increased in the 24 weeks following ACLR compared to the uninvolved side. Group II had significantly lower RIT and RPT values for quadriceps and hamstring muscles of the operated limbs compared with the uninvolved limbs (p = 0.008, p = 0.001). In group I, the larger number of visits positively correlated with the higher PT for quadriceps and hamstring muscles of the operated and uninvolved knees (from r = 0.506; p = 0.023 too r = 0.566; p = 0.009), respectively. Six months of SPHNV positively correlated with and improved the IT and PT values in patients after ACLR much more significantly than six months of SPLNV.

Admission. Seniors are becoming an increasingly larger social group in developed countries. Physical activity affects the overall health state and allows to improve the quality of their life. Aim. The aim of this research work is to show seniors’ self-evaluation oriented on various elements of their lifestyle and to describe phenomenon associated with the improvement or deterioration of their health. Material and research methods. The research was conducted in a group of 53 people, representing the age range from 60 to 86 years old. The diagnostic survey method was used and the survey technique for which the original questionnaire was made. Results. During the research, themajority of respondents were in a relationship with another person and had a secondary education (47.2% each), and their current economic situation was satisfactory (79.2%). The higher level of current physical fitness was declared by the respondents, the better they perceive their own fitness against the background of the same-sex peers (and vice versa (the worse fitness of the respondents, the worse perception against the background of the peers). Most respondents prefer passive rest (52.8%), as well as the majority use rehabilitation, and the largest percentage participated in a classic massage (39.6%).

BackgroundThe observational cohort study investigated whether the flexor muscles peak torque (PT) angle shifting towards extension observed in the involved knee in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using semitendinosus and gracilis tendon (STGR) autograft is associated with the postoperative physiotherapy supervision duration.MethodsFrom 230 ACL-reconstructed males, we identified patients after ACLR utilizing STGR autograft and divided them into those who completed supervised physiotherapy <6 months (Group I; n = 77) and those who completed supervised physiotherapy ≥6 months (Group II; n = 66). The mean follow-up time was 6.84 ± 1.47 months. The ACL-reconstructed patients were compared to 98 controls (Group III). Bilateral knee flexor muscle PT measurements were performed. The relative PT at 180°/s (RPT), PT angle at 180°/s, and range of motion at 180°/s were analysed. The RPT limb symmetry index (LSI) was calculated. Tests for dependent samples, one-way analysis of variance, post hoc test, and linear Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) calculations were performed.ResultsThe shift towards extension was noted when comparing the ACL-reconstructed limb to the uninvolved limb (Group I, p ≤ 0.001; Group II, p ≤ 0.001) and to Group III (p ≤ 0.001), but it was not correlated with physiotherapy supervision duration (r = -0.037, p = 0.662). In ACL-reconstructed patients, there was a moderate association of supervision duration and knee flexor LSI (r = 0.587, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe ACL-reconstructed knee flexors PT angle shift towards extension was observed regardless of the duration of postoperative physiotherapy supervision. However, the analysis revealed that the duration of supervised physiotherapy positively influenced the RPT and LSI in patients after the ACLR.

Quadriceps tendon rupture is a severe and demanding problem in knee surgery, especially when it is recurrent and when elderly patients are involved. It can have a devastating impact when it is a complication following knee arthroplasty. There are many procedures for dealing with this problem, but none of them offer reliable results. The most popular methods of treatment are traditional transosseous sutures and suture anchors, often in combination with semitendinosus augmentation. In cases of osteoporotic bone or hamstring insufficiency, these solutions are not appropriate. One way to manage quadriceps tendon rupture is to use polyethylene terephthalate tape (poly tape) as scaffolding for tissue ingrowth. Because of its structure, poly tape provides adequate strength and allows early mobilization. Besides being durable, multifilament high tenacity polyethylene terephthalate is flexible. Poly tape augmentation is particularly recommended in the following cases: recurrent rupture of the quadriceps tendon; extensor apparatus damage following total knee arthroplasty (TKA); delayed diagnosis of quadriceps tendon rupture; and in elderly patients (with weak bones and poor ligament quality). The surgical technique is simple and the procedure has a low complication rate. There have been many studies confirming the security of polyethylene terephthalate use in the human body. There is also a great deal of evidence concerning tissue ingrowth in the mesh structure of poly tape. Allergic reactions and inflammatory responses are rare.

The second half of the nineteenth century was the time of wide research in subject of artificial baths giving the effects similar to the natural treatments with healing waters. The first gaseous factor used in the baths was CO2. Intensive experiments to put upon other gases to the baths concured to invention and distinct the baths with the atmospheric gases usage. During the more than centennial history of the pearl baths, the most significant development concerns the evolution of equipment related to technological progress.

Background:Pregnancy is a period of time when women tend to suffer from the weakening of their psychophysical fitness. This research evaluated several selected elements of the lifestyle of pregnant women compared to those of non-pregnant women.Methods:Overall, 482 women attended to the Childbirth School in Gynecological-Obstetric Hospital “Inflancka” in Warsaw, Poland, in the years 2011–2013; Group 1 contained 214 pregnant, and Group 2 contained 268 non-pregnant completed a survey inquiry. The research tool applied was Juczyński’s “Inventory of Health Behaviour” (Inwentarz Zachowań Zdrowotnych). In this tool, the author evaluates health behaviors through four separate categories: dietary habits, prophylactic behaviors, mental attitude, and health behaviors. The differences between the data were defined through the Student’s t-test for independent groups, with a minimal level of significance set at P ≤ 0.05.Results:Pregnant women take care of following a healthy lifestyle. The general health behaviour index figure was significantly higher in Group 1 as compared with the Group 2 (P<0.001). A higher level (P<0.001) of healthy behaviour was typical of physically-active individuals, regardless of their Group (1 & 2).Conclusion:Pregnancy might cause women to increase their interest in matters of their own health and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Physical activity can influence other health-related practices.

People working at computers often suffer from overload-related muscle pain, and physical and mental discomfort. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chair massage, conducted in the workplace among white-collar workers, in relieving symptoms of musculoskeletal strain related to prolonged sitting posture. The study was conducted in 124 white-collar workers, 55 women and 69 men, aged 33.7 ± 7.6 years. Subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: chair massage program, relaxing music sessions, and a control group, each of four-week duration. Each group was evaluated before and after the program completion. Pain perception was assessed algometrically as a threshold for compression pain of neck muscles, measured in kg/cm2. The relaxation level was assessed from the heart rate variability. We found that the chair massage increased both the pain threshold in all tested muscles (p < 0.001) and the relaxation level from 31.9% to 41.6% (p < 0.05). In the group with music sessions, muscle pain threshold remained unchanged, except for the trapezoid muscle where it decreased (p < 0.05), while the relaxation level increased from 26.0% to 33.3% (p < 0.05). In both massage and relaxing music groups, there was a significant decrease in muscle tension (p < 0.01). Changes in the control group were inappreciable. We conclude that the chair massage performed in the workplace is an effective method for prevention of musculoskeletal overstrain related to prolonged sitting posture. The program seems worth implementing in various occupational environments.

Various surgical techniques for treating distal biceps brachii tendon injury have been described, and to date there is no consensus regarding the preferred fixation method for the anatomic reinsertion of the ruptured tendon. The aim of the study was to clinically and functionally evaluate the upper limb after surgical anatomic reinsertion of the distal biceps brachii tendon using an ACL TightRope® RT with a titanium cortical button and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture, and to assess postoperative complications. The sample comprised 3 patients. Clinical examination (history, measurements of the active range of forearm motion, arm circumference, the maximum isometric forearm supination and flexion muscle torque), pain evaluation (on a visual analogue scale [VAS]) and functional assessment (the Mayo Elbow Performance Index [MEPI] and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH]) were carried out. Complications were documented. The results of the range of motion measurements, arm circumferences and normalized isometric torque values of the muscle groups being studied were comparable in the involved and uninvolved limbs. The MEPI (x = 95.00 ± 10.42) and Quick DASH (x = 8.66 ± 18.04) scores revealed very good results. The VAS results were close to no pain (x = 3.33 ± 5.77 mm). No complications were noted. The preliminary comprehensive clinical and functional assessment of the upper limb justify the clinical use of the ACL TightRope® RT with a titanium cortical button and UHMWPE suture in surgical anatomic reinsertion of the distal biceps brachii tendon. The early results with a small sample were encouraging, but studies with a larger number of cases and longer follow-up are needed.

BackgroundTreatment efficacy for the increasing prevalence of back pain is a great challenge for both health care providers and individuals coping with this problem. This study aimed to evaluate pain coping strategies used by primary care patients with chronic lower back pain (CLBP) as a supplementation of medical diagnosis before a physiotherapy programme.Material/MethodsA total of 88 people were divided into 3 age groups: young adults (21–40 years old), middle-aged adults (41–60 years old), and the elderly (over 60 years old). Data was gathered from rehabilitation centers and primary medical care facilities. A cross-sectional design was used. The Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) was completed before the physiotherapy course.ResultsPatients complained of CLBP for 11.32±6.81 years on average. The most common strategies to cope with back pain included declaring that the pain is manageable, praying and hoping, as well as increased behavioral activity. Statistically significant differences in coping strategies were found between age groups. The elderly patients were more likely to “declare coping with pain” in comparison to the younger age groups (p<0.01). People over 60 years of age were more likely to declare active coping with pain, while young people reported catastrophizing.ConclusionsPatients in different age groups had various difficulties in pain coping. Most of them required support in self-management of pain in addition to physiotherapy. The basic assessment of pain coping strategies should be consistently taken into account and included in rehabilitation protocols in chronic pain treatment.