Ebbing Strength, Fading Power: Unveiling the Impact of Persistent Fatigue on Muscle Performance in COVID-19 Survivors.

The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection is over 621 million. Post-COVID-19 syndrome, also known as long COVID or long-haul COVID, refers to a persistent condition where individuals experience symptoms and health issues after the acute phase of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to assess the strength and fatigue of skeletal muscles in people recovered from COVID-19. A total of 94 individuals took part in this cross-sectional study, with 45 participants (referred to as the Post-COVID Cohort, PCC) and 49 healthy age-matched volunteers (Healthy Control Cohort, HCC). This research article uses the direct dynamometry method to provide a detailed analysis of post-COVID survivors' strength and power characteristics. The Biodex System 4 Pro was utilized to evaluate muscle strength characteristics during the fatigue test. The fatigue work in extensors and flexors was significantly higher in the PCC. The PCC also showed significantly less power in both extensors and flexors compared to the HCC. In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidence of the impact of post-COVID-19 fatigue on muscle performance, highlighting the importance of considering these effects in the rehabilitation and care of individuals recovering from the virus. PCC achieved lower muscle strength values than HCC.

Jumping Motor Skills in Typically Developing Preschool Children Assessed Using a Battery of Tests.

The preschool period is characterised by the improvement in motor skills. One of the developmental tasks in children is the ability to jump. Jumping plays an important role in the development of leg strength and balance. It is the gateway to more complex movements. In the physiotherapy clinic, we see a lot of difficulties in jumping performance in 5-7-year-old children. The aim of this study is to present the jumping ability, assessed by the Motor Proficiency Test (MOT) and the G-sensor examination of the vertical countermovement jump (CMJ) and countermovement jump with arms thrust (CMJAT) parameters. A total of 47 children (14 boys and 33 girls) were randomly recruited. The mean age was 5.5 years. The mean height was 113 cm and the mean weight was 19.7 kg. The children were divided into two groups according to their results. Children with low basic motor skills have the greatest difficulty with jumping tasks. In the CMJ jump, the take-off force was lower than in the CMJAT (p = 0.04). Most CMJAT parameters correlate with age, weight, and height. Height correlates most with children's jumping performance. This study may be useful for sport educators and developmental researchers. The topic should be further explored and the CMJ and CMJAT parameters may be established as a basis.

Comparative Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Cervical Fascial Infiltration versus Periarticular Administration of Autologous Conditioned Serum (Orthokine) for Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol Description.

BACKGROUND Neck pain is a prevalent and burdensome health issue, with autologous conditioned serum (ACS), like Orthokine, being a recognized treatment for musculoskeletal conditions due to its anti-inflammatory effects. However, the optimal ACS administration method for neck pain remains unclear. The existing literature lacks robust evidence, especially for different injection techniques. This study aimed to compare ACS infiltration into cervical fascia with periarticular administration to determine if the former is as effective in alleviating neck pain, offering a novel approach to its management. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our study is designed to be a single-center, prospective, randomized trial involving 100 patients. Group A (n=50) will receive ACS through fascial infiltration at tender points under ultrasound guidance, with 4 doses administered every 3 days. Group B (n=50) will receive ACS injections in the articular column (facet joints) using the same dosing schedule. We will collect data at T0 (before therapy), T1 (6 weeks after therapy), and T2 (12 weeks after therapy), assessing outcomes with the Numerical Pain Scale (NRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Dynamic Proprioception Test (DPT). RESULTS Enrollment begins in August 2023, and the study is set to conclude in July 2024. If data analysis, manuscript preparation, and peer review proceed smoothly, we anticipate publishing the results in late 2024 or early 2025. CONCLUSIONS If fascial infiltration with ACS proves equally effective as the standard periarticular method, it offers promise for patients on long-term anticoagulant treatment. Paravertebral injections in such cases carry a significant risk of bleeding, making ACS infiltration a potentially safer alternative for managing neck pain in these individuals.

The effects of one-time soft tissue therapy on pelvic floor muscle electromyographic signals in women with urinary incontinence: A randomized intervention trial.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of one-time soft tissue therapy (STT) on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) electromyographic signals in women with stress and/or mixed urinary incontinence. METHODS: An intervention study conducted with 63 women with stress and/or mixed urinary incontinence. Participants were randomly assigned to either the one-time STT group (experimental group) or the control group. The same teaching model for voluntary contraction and relaxation of the PFM was used for all participants. Electromyographic signals from the PFM during functional tasks were the primary clinical outcome measures at baseline and immediately after the intervention. Electromyographic signals were analyzed using root mean square amplitude. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups in electromyographic PFM signals in prebaseline rest (mean difference: -0.146 [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.44 to 0.148; p = 0.470]), phasic contractions (mean difference: 0.807 [95% CI: 0.123-1.491; p = 0.459]), tonic contractions (mean difference: 1.06 [95% CI: 0.255-1.865; p = 0.302]), endurance contractions (mean difference: 0.896 [95% CI: 0.057-1.735; p = 0.352]) and postbaseline rest (mean difference: -0.123 [95% CI: -0.406 to 0.16; p = 0.591]) immediately after the one-time STT intervention. CONCLUSION: A one-time STT intervention does not appear to effectively alter electromyographic signal of the PFM in women with urinary incontinence. Due to the limitations of the study, further research is needed to confirm these results.

Quality of Life, Disability Level, and Pain Intensity among Patients after Lumbar Disc Surgery: An Observational Three-Month Follow-Up Study.

The prevalence of intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar region resulting in low back pain is high. One of the treatment options is neurosurgery. Previous studies and systematic reviews demonstrate the need to identify factors that affect the health-related quality of life of patients undergoing surgery. This study aimed to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors that affect the quality of life of patients undergoing lumbar disc surgery. A group of 128 patients was assessed for eligibility and qualified by radiological examinations for lumbar disc surgery by a neurosurgeon in the outpatient clinic. Finally, 110 patients were studied and evaluated 24 h and 3 months after surgery. Health-related quality of life (36-Item Short Form Survey, SF-36), disability level (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI), and pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) were assessed. The mean pain intensity before surgery was 7.8 ± 2.3 pts and decreased significantly 24 h after surgery, with a mean score of 3.8 ± 2.4 pts (p = 0.0000). After three months, the increase in pain intensity was at 4.8 ± 2.4 pts, but the score was still significantly better than before surgery (p = 0.0024). The mean ODI score before surgery was 29.3 ± 8.4 pts (slight disability), and three months after surgery, there was an insignificant increase to a mean value of 31.5 ± 10.4 pts (p = 0.0834). There was a statistically significant increase in quality-of-life scores at three months after surgery in the following domains: physical functioning (8.7%; p = 0.0176), bodily pain (26.2%; p = 0.0000), vitality (5.8%; p = 0.0132) and mental health (6.2%; p = 0.0163), and a decrease in role limitations due to physical problems (3.8; p = 0.0013) and general health perception (6.7%; p = 0.0112). In conclusion, the surgical procedure plays an important role in improving the quality of life of patients operated on for intervertebral disc degeneration. It was effective in reducing the pain level, especially 24 h after surgery; however, surgery did not affect the disability level.

Comparative Analysis of Early and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disease Using the DIAM Stabilizer and Standard Rehabilitation Program: A Preliminary Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial with 1-Year Follow-Up.

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability and work absenteeism. The cause of LBP may be degeneration of the intervertebral disc. LBP is characterized by considerable variability and tends to develop into chronic pain. Treatment of LBP includes conservative and rehabilitative treatments, surgery, and so-called minimally invasive treatment. One of the most commonly performed procedures is interspinous stabilization using a dynamic interspinous DIAM (device for intervertebral assisted motion) stabilizer. There is still no clear, strong evidence for the effectiveness and superiority of surgical treatment over conservative treatment. This study aimed to compare the early and long-term outcomes of patients with LBP using the DIAM interspinous stabilizer in relation to patients treated conservatively. A group of 86 patients was prospectively randomized into two comparison groups: A (n = 43), treated with the DIAM dynamic stabilizer for degenerative lumbar spine disease (mean age = 43.4 years ± SD = 10.8 years), and B (n = 43), treated conservatively. Pain severity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), whereas disability was assessed using the Oswestry disability index (ODI). The difference in preoperative and postoperative ODI scores ≥ 15 points was used as a criterion for treatment effectiveness, and the difference in VAS scores ≥ 1 point was used as a criterion for pain reduction. In patients under general anesthesia, the procedure only included implantation of the DIAM system. Patients in the control group underwent conservative treatment, which included rehabilitation, a bed regimen, analgesic drug treatment and periarticular spinal injections of anti-inflammatory drugs. It was found that all patients (n = 43) continued to experience LBP after DIAM implantation (mean VAS score of 4.2). Of the 36 patients who experienced LBP with sciatica before the procedure, 80.5% (n = 29) experienced a reduction in pain. As for the level of fitness, the average ODI score was 19.3 ± 10.3 points. As for the difference in ODI scores in the pre-treatment results vs. after treatment, the average score was 9.1 ± 10.6. None of the patients required reoperation at 12 months after surgery. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in either early (p = 0.45) or long-term outcomes (p = 0.37). In conclusion, neurosurgical treatment with the DIAM interspinous stabilizer was as effective as conservative treatment and rehabilitation during the one-year follow-up period.

Effect of COVID-19 on Musculoskeletal Performance in Gait and the Timed-Up and Go Test.

INTRODUCTION: The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection is over 621 million in the world. In approximately 63% of cases, the patient still experiences persistent symptoms 30 days after the onset of symptoms or hospitalisation, and 45.9% of patients have experienced or will experience symptoms for at least three months. Despite the prevalence of chronic symptoms and pathological changes that may affect gait and functional mobility in people with a history of COVID-19, there are few publications investigating the impact of these abnormalities. This study aims to determine the long-term effects of COVID-19 on gait and the Timed-Up and Go Task. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 individuals took part in the experiment. The subjects in the study group were infected with the COVID-19 virus and required hospital treatment. Prior to the study, the subjects had no chronic diseases or other conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. The non-infected by COVID-19 group was a healthy population with no history of COVID-19 disease. The study used the inertial system wireless motion analysis system based on 15 inertial sensors (inertial measurement units, IMUs). IMU sensors were placed on the following body segments: head, sternum, middle and lower spine, shoulder, arm, forearm, hand, shank, for the left and right limb. Movement task reports generated from the recording were created using myoRESEARCH 3.10. The subjects in the study group were asked to perform a movement task test-the Timed-Up and Go Test (TUG): sit-to-stand, walk (3 m) without change in direction, walk termination, and stand-to-sit. RESULTS: It took 46% longer for those infected by COVID-19 (participants) to complete the entire movement task compared to those in the not-infected by COVID-19 group. Sit-to-Stand Time [s] was greater in the infected by COVID-19 group and was 2.1 ± 0.7. Mean Walking Speed [m/s] was lower than in the not-infected by COVID-19 group and was 0.26 ± 0.07. Walking cadence [steps/min] was lower and was 21.2 ± 1.2. Infected by COVID-19 participants achieved a smaller anterior pelvic tilt angle (p < 0.001) and a smaller hip flexion angle (p = 0.025), with an increase in knee (p < 0.001) and ankle (p < 0.001) flexion angles. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals in the infected by COVID-19 group present changes in the ranges of motion and the time to complete the TUG task, despite the fact that at least eight weeks passed after hospital discharge.

Symmetry Function: The Differences between Active and Non-Active Above-the-Knee Amputees.

The number of patients with unilateral above-knee amputation (AKA) due to non-vascular causes has remained stable over the years, at 0.92 per 1000 people per year. Post-AKA individuals are at risk of experiencing a higher incidence of chronic pain. Post rehabilitation, it is estimated that between 16−62% of patients with musculoskeletal disabilities fail to meet the minimum criteria for physical activity in comparison to a healthy population. The current study included 14 participants (11 men and 3 women) with a mean age of 46.1 ± 14.2 years, body height of 1.76 ± 0.09 m, and weight of 79.6 ± 18.3 kg, who were all post-unilateral above-the-knee amputees. Patients in the study were divided into two groups: active (AC) and non-active (NAC). This study was conducted in a certified Laboratory of Biomechanical Analysis using the BTS Smart-E system (BTS Bioengineering). In order to investigate the symmetry function (SF) of gait, the only measurements included were the time series assessment of gait variables defining pelvic and lower limb joint motion and ground reaction forces (GRF). Both groups had an asymmetrical gait pattern with a different magnitude and relative position in the gait cycle, which was revealed by SF. The differences in terms of median, minimum, and maximum were statistically significant (p < 0.05), with SF ranging from −25 to 24% for the AC group and from 43 to 77% (59% on average) for the NAC group. The AC's pattern was more symmetrical compared to the NAC's pattern, especially in the case of pelvic and hip joint motion.

Primitive Reflex Factors Influence Walking Gait in Young Children: An Observational Study.

Background: Primitive reflexes (PRs) are observed as an automatic response to a specific stimulus. They are vivid from intrauterine life to 6 months postnatal. The reactions are inhibited with the growing maturation of the central nervous system (CNS). In some cases, when the natural process of development is incorrect, PRs manifest later. The analysis of differentiation in gait parameters in children with persistent PRs is important for better understanding their specific behaviour and movement. This study's aim was to investigate the influence of active PRs on the gait parameters of preschool children. Methods: There were 50 children examined, 30 girls and 20 boys. They were 3.5−6 years old. The children had persistent PRs in the trace form. Each child was examined by S. Goddard's Battery Test. The acquisition of the spatial-temporal gait parameters was performed using a BTS G-SENSOR measurement instrument. Participants walked barefoot, in the most natural way for them, at a self-selected speed on a 5 m walkway, then turned around and went back. They performed this twice. Results: The reflex activity influences gait cycle duration (p = 0.0099), the left step length (p = 0.0002), the left double support phase (p = 0.0024), the right double support phase (p = 0.0258) and the right single phase. Difficulties in recreating the crawling pattern and GRASP reflex influence gait cadence (p < 0.05). The left GRASP reflex corresponds to step length (p < 0.05). The activeness of the symmetrical tonic neck reflex correlates with the right single support (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The presence of PRs affect walking gait in preschool children.

Assessment of the Elastographic and Electromyographic of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Postmenopausal Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Shear wave elastography is an effective method for studying the condition of various musculoskeletal soft tissues. The primary aim of this study was the objective elastographic and electromyographic assessment of the pelvic floor during the rest and contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study that was carried out at the University Hospital in Wroclaw, Poland, between January 2017 and December 2019. PATIENTS: The target group of the study included postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence. The primary outcomes were the features of the elastographic assessment of the pelvic floor during rest and contraction of the PFM obtained using shear wave elastography. RESULTS: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study, 14 patients took part in the measurements. There was a significant difference between the elastographic assessment of the pelvic floor during rest and contraction of the PFM at all locations in front of the urethra. No statistically significant correlation was found between the results of elastography and the bioelectrical activity of PFM. CONCLUSION: The elasticity of the periurethral structures is higher during active pelvic floor muscle contraction than at rest, it seems that shear wave elastography is an effective test that objectively assesses the strength of PFM contraction.

Immediate Effects of Kinesio Taping on Rectus Abdominis Diastasis in Postpartum Women-Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) is an excessive divarication of the rectus abdominis muscle with concurrent stretching and thinning of the linea alba, which occurs due to mechanical and functional disturbances in the anterior abdominal wall and the whole body. The primary objective of this study is a palpation assessment of RAD in postpartum women before and after the application of KT tapes and a subsequent comparison of the results with those from a sham intervention group. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in the Physical Therapy Department at Wroclaw Medical University. The participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the KT group (intervention), in which KT tapes were applied (48 h intervention) and the sham KT group (control, sham intervention), in which non-stretch tapes were used (cloth surgical tape, 48 h intervention). In all participants, a palpation assessment of RAD was conducted and the inter-recti distance was measured using a digital caliper at three sites: at the umbilicus and 4.5 cm above and below it. Measurements were taken before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The gathered results show a statistically significant reduction in rectus abdominis diastasis at each of the observed sites after the application of KT tapes in the intervention group (p < 0.05). In the intergroup comparison, a statistically significantly lower RAD (at umbilicus) was found after the intervention (p = 0.005) in KT group. CONCLUSIONS: the application of KT tapes using the corrective technique can contribute to reducing RAD in women up to 12 months after delivery.

Gait Parameters in Healthy Preschool and School Children Assessed Using Wireless Inertial Sensor.

BACKGROUND: The objective gait assessment in children has become more popular. Basis parameters for comparison during the examination are advisable. OBJECTIVES: The study aim was to investigate the typical gait parameters of healthy preschool and school children, using a wireless inertial sensor as the reference for atypical gait. The additional aim was to compare the specific gait parameters in the younger and older group of children. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-one children's gait parameters were evaluated by a G-Walk BTS G-SENSOR smart analyzer. The children were walking barefoot, at a self-selected speed, on a five-meter walkway, and they turned around and go back twice. RESULTS: Age significantly influences most of the spatiotemporal parameters. The support phase becomes shorter with age. Accordingly, the swing phase becomes longer with age. The results also show that older children need shorter double support and have longer single support. Moreover, the pelvic tilt symmetry index is higher with increasing age. In each age division, the smallest variation in all gait parameters within the oldest group of examined children was observed. A comparison between the left and right side gait parameters shows the higher difference in boys than in girls. A significant difference was calculated in the pelvic obliquity symmetry index. Girls had significantly more symmetrical obliquity than boys. CONCLUSIONS: the research indicates the basic parameters of typical children's gait, which may be a reference to atypical gait in the case of trauma or disability.

Primitive Reflex Activity in Relation to Motor Skills in Healthy Preschool Children.

Psychomotor development in the first year of life is possible due to activity and then integration of primitive (neonatal) reflexes. The presence of active primitive reflexes (APRs) in preschool and school-aged children indicates neuromotor immaturity. Studies show dependencies between the preserved activity of primary reflexes and developmental problems such as learning difficulties (problems with reading, writing, reduced mathematics skills, and dyslexia), difficulties with coordination, and attention deficit. The primary purpose of this study is to present the activity of three tonic reflexes in a sample of 112 Polish children aged 4-6 in relation to their motor skills. The children were examined for the presence of the asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR), symmetric tonic neck reflex (STNR), and tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR). Motor performance was examined with the MOT 4-6. Statistical analysis shows an inverse correlation between the score in the test of reflexes and motor efficiency (MOT 4-6) at p < 0.05 (-0.33). Children with increased reflex activity presented a lower level of motor efficiency. The multiple regression model showed that with the older age of the child and the decrease in the level of reflex activity, the motor skills of children improve. Thus, there is a need for early screening of primitive reflexes in children. Properly selected exercises and therapeutic activities aimed at integrating APRs in children with developmental difficulties can improve their motor skills, perceptual abilities, and emotional behavior.

Influence of Physical Activity and Socio-Economic Status on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Patients after Stroke.

Stroke is a high-risk factor for depression. Neurological rehabilitation is greatly difficult and often does not include treatment of depression. The post-stroke depression plays an important role in the progress of treatment, health, and the life of the patient. The appropriate treatment of depression could improve the quality of life of the patient and their family. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity and socio-economic status of the patient on the effectiveness of recovery from depression and the severity of the symptoms of depression. The study was conducted with 40 patients after stroke aged 42-82 years, and included 10 women and 30 men who were hospitalized for two weeks. The severity of depression/anxiety (D/A) symptoms were evaluated two times; at admission and after two weeks of physical therapy. The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) questionnaire was used for this purpose. Socio-economic status was evaluated by several simple questions. It was revealed that physical therapy has a positive influence on mental state. The severity of D/A symptoms after stroke is related to the financial status of the patients (χ2 = 11.198, p = 0.024). The state of health (χ2 = 20.57, p = 0.022) and physical fitness (χ2 = 12.95, p = 0.044) changed the severity of symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders. The kinesiotherapy in the group of patients with post-stroke depression had positive effects; however, economic and health conditions may influence the prognosis of the disease.

BDNF Impact on Biological Markers of Depression-Role of Physical Exercise and Training.

Depression is the most common and devastating psychiatric disorder in the world. Its symptoms, especially during the pandemic, are observed in all age groups. Exercise training (ET) is well known as a non-pharmacological strategy to alleviate clinical depression. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the biological factors whose expression and secretion are intensified in response to ET. BDNF is also secreted by contracted skeletal muscle that likely exerts para-, auto- and endocrine effects, supporting the crosstalk between skeletal muscle and other distant organs/tissues, such as the nervous system. This finding suggests that they communicate and work together to induce improvements on mood, cognition, and learning processes as BDNF is the main player in the neurogenesis, growth, and survival of neurons. Therefore, BDNF has been recognized as a therapeutic factor in clinical depression, especially in response to ET. The underlying mechanisms through which ET impacts depression are varied. The aim of this review was to provide information of the biological markers of depression such as monoamines, tryptophan, endocannabinoids, markers of inflammatory processes (oxidative stress and cytokines) stress and sex hormones and their relationship to BDNF. In addition, we reviewed the effects of ET on BNDF expression and how it impacts depression as well as the potential mechanisms mediating this process, providing a better understanding of underlying ET-related mechanisms in depression.

Lack of evidence of the correlation between plasma Asymmetrical Dimethylarginine correlation and IMT in type 2 diabetic patients with chronic vascular complication.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with type 2 diabetes represent 50% of all sudden cardiac deaths. Disseminated arteriosclerotic lesions are the cause of vascular incidents that cause permanent disability resulting from lower limb amputations. OBJECTIVES: Our study was designed to investigate the relationship between asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) plasma concentration and intima-media thickness (IMT) in subjects with diabetes mellitus without vascular complications (group A) and a group of diabetic patients diagnosed with diabetes micro- and macroangiopathy (group B). PATIENTS AND METHOD: The experimental groups included 42 diabetic patients. Group A - 22 patients (9 W and 13 M), free from vascular complications (mean age 55.83±7.37 years), group B - 20 patients (6 W, 14 M) with accompanying micro- and macropathic changes (mean age 63.80±8.79 years). Group C (n=22), the control group, consisted of healthy volunteers (12 W and 10 M), between the ages of 40 to 60 (mean age 51.16±6.39), selected in reference to the age and sex of the research group. The carotid artery intima-media complex thickness (IMT) was evaluated with the use of a duplex ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: There was no correlation between ADMA and the maximal or mean intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA). We demonstrated a correlation between symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentration and CCA IMT. The results suggest that ICA IMT may serve as a marker of vascular complication among patients with diabetes.

Symmetry function in gait pattern analysis in patients after unilateral transfemoral amputation using a mechanical or microprocessor prosthetic knee.

BACKGROUND: Above-knee amputations (AKAs) contribute to gait asymmetry. The level of asymmetry is affected by the type of knee prosthetic module. There is limited evidence suggesting that more technically advanced solutions (microprocessor modules; MicPK) are superior to less advanced ones (mechanical modules; MechPK). The study aimed to evaluate the variable range of hip and pelvic joint movements during gait and look for differentiating areas with an increased level of asymmetry of the gait cycle in individuals who underwent an AKA and are equipped with MicPK or MechPK. METHODS: Twenty-eight individuals participated in the study; 14 were assigned to a study group of individuals who underwent a unilateral AKA, and the other 14 were healthy participants as a control group. The movement task was recorded using the optoelectronic SMART-E system following the standard Davis protocol (the Newington model). A new method of quantifying gait symmetry using the symmetry function (SF) is proposed. SF is an integral measure of absolute differences in time-standardized signals between sides throughout the whole cycle of motion variability. RESULTS: In the frontal plane, there were significant differences between groups in the asymmetry of the range of movement in the hip joint of the intact limb. In the middle of the support phase, the intact limb was more adducted in individuals with MicPK and less abducted in people with MechPK (differences in mean 180%, p < 0.000; max 63%, p < 0.000; min 65%, p < 0.000). In the sagittal plane, the range of asymmetry of the flexion and thigh extension of the intact limb was similar to and only slightly different from the physiological gait. In the transverse plane, higher asymmetry values were noted for individuals with MicPK. In the final stage of the swing phase, the thigh was more rotated both externally and internally. The size of the asymmetry, when compared to gait of healthy individuals, reached 50% (differences in mean 115%, p < 0.232; max 62% p < 0.26; min 50, p < 0.154). CONCLUSIONS: In the study group, the assessed ranges of pelvic and thigh movement in the hip joint differed only in the frontal plane. Individuals who underwent a unilateral above-knee amputation may gain less from using MicPK than anticipated.

Primitive Reflex Activity in Relation to the Sensory Profile in Healthy Preschool Children.

The presence of active primitive reflexes (APRs) in healthy preschool children can be an expression of immaturity in the functioning of the nervous system. Their trace presence may not significantly affect the quality of child functioning. They may also undergo spontaneous and complete integration within the stages of child development. However, a higher level of active reflexes and their significant number can disturb sensory-motor development and lead to additional problems in a child's motor activities, social life, and education. The main purpose of this study was to examine the types of sensory disorders noticed by parents of children, if any, that accompany the presence of active primitive reflexes. The study was conducted in a group of 44 preschool children (aged 4-6 years). The sensory profile of children was determined using Child Sensory Profile Cards, and Sally Goddard-Blythe tests were used to measure their primitive reflexes. The coefficient of determination (R-squared) indicated that the level of reflex activity was most strongly associated with sensory disorders such as dyspraxia, sensory-vestibular disorders, and postural disorders, at a level of p < 0.005. The obtained research results show that the examination of non-integrated reflexes might be a screening tool for children of preschool age. Knowledge of the subject of reflexes and their impact on sensory-motor functions may contribute to more accurate diagnoses of the causes of problems and higher effectiveness of possible therapy.

Assessment of Changes in the Hemoglobin Level under the Influence of Comprehensive Spa Therapy Using Therapeutic Radon-Sulfur Waters and Its Correlation with Free Radical Reactions.

INTRODUCTION: Hemoglobin is a protein present in erythrocytes of higher organisms. Its main function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs. Hemoglobin contains Fe2+, catalyzes free radical reactions, and may initiate oxidation reactions by enzymatic and nonenzymatic degradation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of balneophysiotherapy on the hemoglobin level in osteoarthritis patients and to try to assess the association of those metabolic changes with free radical reactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in Przerzeczyn-Zdrój spa resort. It included patients receiving spa treatment over 21-day sessions. The studied group consisted of n = 122 patients with joint and back pain due to osteoarthritis or disc herniation. Their age ranged between 32 and 67 years with a mean age of 53.5. Blood samples were collected before treatment and after 21 days at the spa. Standard tests were used. The results were statistically analyzed using the sign test and the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: In the study group, we observed a drop in the hemoglobin level following spa treatment. Before treatment, the mean hemoglobin level was 14.1549 g%, and after treatment, it was 14.0008 g%. CONCLUSIONS: (1) In the study, we concluded that balneophysiotherapy in osteoarthritis patients resulted in a decrease in the mean hemoglobin level. (2) The decrease in the mean hemoglobin level in osteoarthritis patients treated at the spa resort may indicate an association with free radical reactions. This trial was registered with NCT03405350.

Analysis of Selected Body Composition Parameters and Ergonomic Safety among Professionally Active Nurses in Poland: A Preliminary Prospective Monocentric and Observational Study.

Nurses consist of an occupational group that is particularly exposed to harmful work-related factors such as prolonged working hours, severe stress, fatigue, and excessive strain on the musculoskeletal system. According to nurses, the limitation of the application of ergonomic principles of work may contribute to the occurrence of numerous dangerous behaviors, improper eating habits, or deficiency of systematic physical activity. The most common consequences are nutritional disorders and musculoskeletal system dysfunctions. This prospective observational study was aimed at evaluating selected parameters of the body composition of professionally active nurses and at determining work-related risks during nursing activities. The study group consisted of 37 active nurses (38.38 ± 11.33 years). The research tool was a device for bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). A questionnaire designed by the authors was also implemented, which covered ergonomic principles, musculoskeletal injuries, and nutritional habits. In the present study, it was shown that all average values of the tested nurses' body composition parameters were within the normal range. The majority of respondents (97.3%) reached a high level of body water. A statistically significant correlation was found between the knowledge of the workplace ergonomic principles and body mass index. In conclusion, musculoskeletal pain and lack of implementation of ergonomic behaviors are a significant problem among nurses, which may be the cause of overweight or obesity in this occupational group.