The Effect of Walking in High Heels on the Activation and Deactivation of Upper Trunk Muscles.

The aim of the study was to investigate how high-heeled walking affects the coordination changes of timing of upper trunk muscle activation, and the possible occurrence of health problems in this part of the body of young women. We used surface electromyography (EMG) for data collection. The research group consisted of 30 women. Statistical significance of the changes in muscle coordination was confirmed when evaluating two of the four upper trunk muscles studied. M. trapezius and m. pectoralis major are not subject to changes in gait in high heels (HH) from the point of view of timing on a statistical level, but HH increase the intensity of muscle contraction of all monitored muscles, and therefore we recommend limiting the wearing of HH in case of health problems related to these muscles.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal hand and wrist disorders in physiotherapists.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the prevalence of hand and wrist symptoms and diagnosed disorders in physiotherapists in Slovakia. The aim was to identify risk factors such as occupational settings type, number of patients treated per day and years of clinical practice, and to determine preferred methods of treatment. METHOD: The group of 107 physiotherapists (28 men and 79 women) participated in the study. All participants completed a questionnaire created for the purpose. It contained demographic data, years of clinical practice and the questions to determine the presence of various symptoms and injuries to the hand and wrist due to a long-lasting overuse of the hand musculoskeletal system. RESULTS: Twelve (11.2%) physiotherapists of the observed group did not show any symptoms of functional impairment, and 32 (29.9%) were without any specific hand or wrist disorders. The results confirmed a significant prevalence of symptoms of functional impairment (mean 2.4) and disorders (mean 1.3) with an increased risk in the physiotherapists working in a combined type of occupational settings (outpatient physical therapy and hospital facilities). The most frequently reported symptoms were hand pain (70%) and reduced muscle strength (45.7%). The most frequently reported diagnosed disorder was hand tendonitis (26.2%). The results confirmed the statistically significant correlation (α = 0.05) between the years of clinical practice and the number of identified symptoms and disorders (p < 0.001) as well as between the number of patients treated per day and the number of symptoms (p = 0.007). Hand immobilization (28.6%) and manual therapy (24.4%) were preferred methods of treatment. Surgical intervention was required in 2.2% of hand injuries. CONCLUSIONS: In physiotherapists, long-term performance of manual techniques indicates the development of musculoskeletal disorders of the hand and wrist.

Comparison of the effect of the McKenzie method and spiral stabilization in patients with low back pain: A prospective, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) causes disability in daily life, and presents not only a health but also a socio-economic problem. New treatment options need to be tested and confirmed. OBJECTIVE: Compare the effect of the McKenzie method and spiral stabilization in patients with LBP. METHODS: Sixty patients with an average age of 47 years, which were included in our prospective, comparative study were randomly divided into two 30-member groups. One group exercised according to the McKenzie method (MDT), the other one according to the Spiral Stabilization Method (SPS). During the initial examination the Aberdeen Back Pain Scale was used to determine the degree of managing with daily activities and functionality, and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire was used to determine the degree of disability. Check- up was performed after 2 and 6 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: In both groups, there was a significant improvement in results after 2 and 6 weeks of treatment (p< 0.05). When comparing the effect of 2 and 6 weeks of treatment of both therapeutic procedures (MDT and SPS), the difference was insignificant (p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: None of these two treatment methods achieved better results, as they both have a comparable effect on reducing disability and improving the management of daily activities and physical functions. Therefore, both are equally effective in patients with LBP.