Changes in the scar tissue structure after cesarean section as a result of manual therapy.

BACKGROUND: Available statistical data from 2015 show that 28% of pregnancies in developed countries end in cesarean section (CC). Discomfort associated with the scar after surgery is a common complication. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the structure of the cesarean scar after the application of a scheme of manual therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 15 women in the treatment group (TG) and 15 in the control group (CG). The scars were evaluated twice at 5-week intervals with the use of quantitative scales: the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). During each examination, the scar was compared, using the specified criteria, to the physiological skin, i.e., the tissues directly bordering the incision. During therapy, 8 manual techniques were used during a 4-week program consisting of 30-minute sessions 3 times per week. RESULTS: Patients in the TG showed a statistically significant improvement in all of the analyzed characteristics of the scar. A statistically significant difference was also observed between the results obtained during the 2nd examination (after the therapy) in the TG and the CG. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the therapy, the condition of the scar in the TG significantly improved. Onerous scar-related symptoms were alleviated. The vascularity, hyperpigmentation and distortion of the scar were reduced. The elasticity and pliability of the scar increased, and the height of the scar decreased. The texture, finish and contour of the scar improved. Obtained results suggest that manual therapy of the scar after CC should be a part of the treatment in women during the postpartum period.

Assessment of the Level of Physical Activity and Mood in Students after a Year of Study in a Mixed Mode in the Conditions of Restrictions Resulting from the Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced social isolation affecting all areas of life. It also affected the functioning of schools and universities. Many countries have introduced full or partial distance learning. The aim of the study was to assess the level of physical activity and student mood of the Faculty of Physiotherapy of the Academy of Physical Education in Wroclaw (Poland) and students of the Faculty of Health of the ODISSE University in Brussels (Belgium) after a year of the study conducted in a mixed mode due to contact restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and checking which of the analyzed factors increases the risk of depression to the greatest extent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 297 students from the 2nd to 4th year of full-time studies took part in the observation. The academic year 2020/2021 was assessed. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) recommended for this type of analysis by WHO. The GPAQ questionnaire enables the assessment of activity performed at work, movement, and leisure time and assesses the time of sitting or resting in a supine position. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess mental health. The subjects also completed a questionnaire concerning selected somatic features and describing their living conditions in the previous year. RESULTS: In the group of Polish students, classes conducted in a completely remote mode accounted for about 50%, while in the group of Belgian students, about 75%. In the described period, 19% of students from Poland and 22% of students from Belgium were infected with COVID-19. The median of the results of the Beck Depression Scale in both groups was lower than 12 points (7 points in the AWF group and 8 points in the ODISSE group, respectively). A detailed analysis showed that in both study groups, more than 30% of students received results showing a depressed mood. A total of 19% of the surveyed students of the University of Physical Education and 27% of the ODISSE students were characterized by a result indicating mild depression. The results of the GPAQ questionnaire show that the total physical activity, including work/study, recreation, and mobility was 16.5 h a week for students from Poland and 7.4 h a week for students from Belgium. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups of subjects reached all the thresholds recommended by the WHO as a sufficient level of weekly physical activity. A group of students of the Faculty of Physiotherapy of the University of Physical Education in Wroclaw was characterized by more than twice as high (statistically significant) level of weekly physical activity as compared to the group of participants from the ODISSE University in Brussels. In both study groups, more than 30% of students experienced a lowered mood of varying intensity. It is necessary to monitor the mental state of students and, in the event of obtaining control results at a similar level, to implement psychological assistance for willing participants.

Thermographic of the Microcirculation in Healthy Children Aged 3-10 Months as an Objective and Noninvasive Method of Assessment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess if thermography as an objective and non-invasive research tool is capable of identifying the changes in the surface temperature of the body as a response to muscle stimulation in Vojta therapy. The research group consisted of children aged 3-10 months with slight abnormalities of the motor pattern, subjected to individually selected stimulation elements according to Vojta. METHODS: The Vojta method of spontaneous motor assessment and the thermovision method of assessing the microcirculation properties of muscles were used for the evaluation. RESULTS: In the study group, changes in the microcirculation parameters of the extensor muscles of the back occurred immediately after the therapy at the first examination. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis featuring an objective assessment allows physiotherapists to diagnose local temperature changes based on the effect of microcirculation parameters in the musculofascial structures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The research was conducted as a pilot study for a scientific project approved by the Commission for Scientific Research of the University of Health and Sport Sciences in Wroclaw No 24/2021. The study is currently in the registration process with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.

Assessment of Viscoelastic Parameters of Muscles in Children Aged 4-9 Months with Minor Qualitative Impairment of the Motor Pattern after Vojta Therapy Implementation.

The aim of this study was to assess if there are any objective changes in the viscoelastic parameters of the erector spinae muscle after Vojta stimulation. The study involved 22 healthy children at an average age of 7 months and with an Apgar score of 8-10 points, who were referred for rehabilitation due to a slight delay in the phases of psychomotor development. The first group consisted of 11 children with increased muscle tone (IMT) and the second group consisted of 11 children with non-increased muscle tone (nonIMT). All study participants received a one-time Vojta therapy session, which was continued for 4 weeks by parents at home. The viscoelastic parameters of the dorsal extensor muscle were measured three times. In the first study group, changes in the viscoelastic parameters of the extensor muscles of the back occurred immediately after the therapy at the first examination, whereas changes in the supporting and extensor function of the limbs occurred in both groups at the second examination. Analysis featuring an objective assessment allows physiotherapists to diagnose local changes in the viscoelastic parameters after the implementation of therapy. These studies are the first pilot studies to be continued with a 30- or 60-day follow-up.

The Occurrence of the Sensory Processing Disorder in Children Depending on the Type and Time of Delivery: A Pilot Study.

Over recent years, the concept of Sensory Integration has become more popular. Knowledge about Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) also has grown, and it is often discussed in scientific research. Sensory disturbances can cause problems in learning and behaviour of children in whom no medical diagnosis has been made. These are healthy children regarding the environment, but their behaviour is often described as strange in the meaning not appropriate/not adequate to the situation. The aim of the study was to analyse if there is a correlation between occurrence of SPD and the time or the way of delivery. Participants were 75 children, ages 5-9 years old. Children born prematurely (n = 25), and children delivered by caesarean section (C-section) (n = 25) were compared to the ones born on time by natural means (n = 25). Research was based on a questionnaire filled by children's parents. Descriptive results and percentage calculations were compared. SPD were detected among 84% of pre-borns and among 80% of children delivered by C-section and it is statistically significant. Both groups are at higher risk of Sensory Processing Disorder than those delivered on time by vaginal birth. Due to the results, the time and the way of the delivery are the factors that affect Sensory Processing Disorder.

Inclusiveness of Urban Space and Tools for the Assessment of the Quality of Urban Life-A Critical Approach.

This article aims to compare the international tools assessing the quality of life and to carry out their multifaceted qualitative analysis, emphasizing spatial aspects (architecture, urban planning) and demographic changes. Comparative analysis of three guidelines and 13 rankings includes a comparison of a wide range of domains (2-15), criteria (4-66), and indices (22-223). The already observed worldwide trends of aging societies and increasing urban populations have largely drawn the attention of researchers to the urban life quality. Since the early 1990s, many international tools have been developed for that purpose. Although urban practitioners progressively rely on instruments measuring urban quality of life, in the development of urban policy, there is still little research comparing the already available appraisal instruments in view of their measurement criteria. The results of the research on the global tools show that there are major differences between them, either in view of the purpose, the contracting authorities, research focus group, scale, or in view of the importance of spatial and demographic factors. Such findings can contribute to the development of local guidelines and recommendations for self-government authorities and communities, in this the seniors and future generations, in view of improving the urban life quality.

The comparison study of bioactivity between composites containing synthetic non-substituted and carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite.

Apatite forming ability of hydroxyapatite (HAP) and carbonate hydroxyapatite (CHAP) containing composites was compared. Two composite materials, intended for filling bone defects, were made of polysaccharide polymer and one of two types of hydroxyapatite. The bioactivity of the composites was evaluated in vitro by soaking in a simulated body fluid (SBF), and the formation of the apatite layer was determined by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometer and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that both the composites induced the formation of apatite layer on their surface after soaking in SBF. In addition, the sample weight changes and the ion concentration of the SBF were scrutinized. The results showed the weight increase for both materials after SBF treatment, higher weight gain and higher uptake of calcium ions by HAP containing scaffolds. SBF solution analysis indicated loss of calcium and phosphorus ions during experiment. All these results indicate apatite forming ability of both biomaterials and suggest comparable bioactive properties of composite containing pure hydroxyapatite and carbonate-substituted one.

The use of ALS, botanical, and soil data to monitor the environmental hazards and regeneration capacity of areas devastated by highway construction.

The impact of viaduct construction on the vegetation of a river valley was studied in Central Poland (Natura 2000 site PLH100006). The research aimed at assessing the suitability of ALS (airborne laser scanning), soil, and botanical data for monitoring the environmental effects of right-of-way reclamation 1 year after the road construction. Based on the data mentioned above, the following problems were identified: changes in topography and hydrological conditions of the valley as a result of improper land levelling, the use of inadequate soil for reclamation, no spontaneous regeneration of natural vegetation along the entire right-of-way, as well as the abundant occurrence of invasive species. The results of analysis were used to define strategies for mitigation of adverse impacts of the viaduct construction.