The influence of motor ability rehabilitation on temporal-spatial parameters of gait in Huntington's disease patients on the basis of a three-dimensional motion analysis system: An experimental trial.

OBJECTIVE: There is no existing standard, evidence-based, scientific model for motor ability improvement in Huntington's Disease (HD) patients aimed at maintaining independent gait for as long as possible, or performing activities of daily living, the effectiveness of which would be supported by the results of studies using objective research tools. Under these circumstances, the aim of this study was to analyze the influence of motor ability rehabilitation on the spatial-temporal parameters of gait in HD patients. DESIGN: It was an experimental trial. The studied group consisted of 30 patients (17 women and 13 men) with HD. In hospital conditions, the patients participated in the 3-week motor ability l rehabilitation programme tailored to individual needs. The study group was tested using the Vicon 250 three-dimensional gait analysis system before and after the physical exercise programme. RESULTS: Walking speed after therapy increased for the left lower limb from 1.06 (SD 0.24) [m/s] to 1.21 (SD 0.23) [m/s], and for the right lower limb from 1.07 (SD 0.25) [m/s] to 1.20 (SD 0.25) [m/s]. The cycle length increased after the applied therapy for the left lower limb from 1.17 (SD 0.20) [m] to 1.23 (SD 0.19) [m]. CONCLUSION: The three-week motor ability rehabilitation programme positively influences spatial-temporal gait parameters in HD patients.

Evaluation of the Accuracy of the Postural Stability Measurement with the Y-Balance Test Based on the Levels of the Biomechanical Parameters of 14-Year-Old Girls.

Background: Dynamic balance monitoring involves the assessment of the muscular control during changes of the centre of gravity location in space above the supporting plane. We aimed to determine the structure of the Y-Balance Test and its accuracy based on measurements of strength and resistance to fatigue of muscles acting on the knee joint under static conditions, as well as joint motion ranges and static balance in girls aged 14 years. Methods: The study included 40 girls aged 14, who attended Gymnasium No. 2 in Cracow (Poland). The research was conducted in October 2020. Postural stability was examined with the use of the YBT. The measurements of muscle strength and knee joint extensor and flexor resistance to fatigue during an isometric contraction were performed in a standard position on the test bench. The measurements of lower extremity joint range of motion were performed in accordance with the SFTR methodology. Static balance was assessed with the use of the modified FBT. Results: The factor structure obtained for both lower extremities has satisfactorily explained the common variance (about 70%) and showed slight differences between the left and right extremities. Conclusion: The factor structure in the group of examined girls suggests a highly hybrid nature of the Y-Balance Test with a wide spectrum of biomechanical variables that have little influence on the measurement results.

Variations in bioelectric activity during symmetric loading and asymmetric stretching of paraspinal extensors in young adult women with mild single curve scoliosis.

INTRODUCTION: Symmetrical loading and asymmetrical stretching of trunk extensors are applied in scoliosis physiotherapy management. Conflicting evidence is available on trunk erectors' bioelectrical activity during such static exercise, especially in adult subjects. Our purpose was to identify the profile of bioelectrical activity of trunk extensors during static contractions against symmetrical loading with body mass in young adult females with single curve scoliosis, who participated in adolescence in a scoliosis-specific physiotherapy program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty five females, aged 30.6±2.7 years, with body weight of 56.8±4.4 kgs and height 1.64±0.05 m with single curve thoracic scoliosis, 11-36° Cobb, who in adolescence had attended a scoliosis-specific physiotherapy program, participated. Braced and/or surgically treated subjects were excluded. Characteristics of the integrated EMG were collected and analysed. The measurements were conducted on a subject in prone position at rest, during 20 second static symmetrical erectors' contractions while sustaining elevated trunk and during the same effort, while stretching trunk erectors on the concave side of the curve by extending and reaching the corresponding arm forward. RESULTS: The biopotentials measured on both sides of the spine differed significantly (p<.001) during asymmetrical stretching of the erector muscles on the concave side while extending the trunk. We did not observe such differences in measurements obtained while at rest and during symmetrical contractions without stretching. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a beneficial scheme of muscle activity during trunk extension and stretching of the erector muscles on the concave side of the curvature in lying prone position, while extending and reaching forward an arm on the convex side. Significance. These findings could provide a useful remark for exercise prescription for adult patients with single thoracic scoliosis. However, the assumptions need wider studies.

An improved kinematic model of the spine for three-dimensional motion analysis in the Vicon system.

The mechanism of creation and pathomechanics of lateral spinal deformation is still not fully explained. Modern medical imaging techniques give scientists possibility to understand some aspects, but vast majority of those techniques is based on static trials. A motion capture system belongs to techniques which enable visualization of a spine during dynamic trials; however, due to lack of appropriate computational model, it is unsuitable for scoliosis imaging. A few years ago our group has proposed a kinematic model of the spine to be used with Vicon Motion Capture System, which was based on Bézier curves. That model allowed for much more precise investigation of spinal kinematics during dynamic trials as compared with other computational models. However, it did not allowed to restrict only selected movements for particular segments of the spine (e.g. axial rotation for lumbar spine). The aim of the current work is to improve the proposed model in order to be able to restrict selected movements according to the knowledge concerning spinal anatomy and spinal range of motion. The new kinematic model of the spine was written in BodyBuilder for Biomechanics Language. For the purpose of visualization also an accurate graphical representation of each vertebra (polygon mesh) was computed and adapted to be compatible with the kinematic model. Using a new version of the model it is possible to perform precise analysis of movement of all vertebrae during such dynamic activities as e.g. gait and forward or lateral bending, as well as to present the results not only on the charts, but also as a 3D animation of movements of a realistically looking spine. The paper describes the new kinematic model and the process of creating graphical representation of the vertebrae. Also sample results obtained using that model are presented.

Cognitive functional therapy as a complementary treatment for posture and disability of chronic neck pain: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of scapular stabilization exercise with and without cognitive functional therapy (CFT) on disability and scapular kinematics in people suffering from chronic neck pain. METHODS: A total of 72 patients with chronic non-specific neck pain were randomized into scapular stabilization exercise alone, n = 24, combined (scapular stabilization exercise + CFT), n = 24, and a control group, n = 24. Scapular kinematic and disability were measured at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in neck pain and disability scale (NPAD) were found when the multimodal physiotherapy group including a cognitive functional approach was compared with stabilization exercises group at 6 weeks (effect size (95%CI) = -1.63 (-2.55, -.71); P = 0.019)). Regarding the neck disability index (NDI), a significant between-group difference was observed at six-week (effect size (95%CI) = -2.69 (-3.80, -1.58); P = 0.007), with the superiority of effect in multimodal physiotherapy group. A significant between-group difference was observed in the scapular upward rotation and scapular osterior tilt at 30°, 60°, 90° and 120° of shoulder adduction. CONCLUSIONS: A group-based multimodal rehabilitation program including scapular stabilization exercise plus cognitive functional therapy was superior to group-based stabilization exercises alone for decreasing disability and, improving scapular kinematic in patients with chronic neck pain.

Effects of vibration and passive resting on muscle stiffness and restitution after submaximal exercise analyzed by elastography.

PURPOSE: The research aimed to assess the influence of vibration therapy on acceleration of muscles regeneration process after physical effort. Verification of the pace of motor capabilities recovery in fatigued muscles was performed with the use of the measurement method applying shear-wave elastography. It took into account an alteration in muscle stiffness affected by created passive stresses and accompanying deformations connected with muscles work above their resting length. METHODS: The research included 42 young males aged 20-24. They all were a homogeneous group regarding body build indices (body height 175.4 ± 8.1 cm; body mass 75.5 ± 8.32 kg) and the level of physical activity. Muscles of lower limbs (hip and knee joints extensors and flexors plantaris) were subject to submaximal exercise of the auxotonic muscle work character after a 90 s warm-up. The exercise comprised 20-fold overcoming the load at the level of 75% of maximal strength abilities without rest, by alternating between extension and flexion of lower limbs joints at the leg press placed at 45° angle upward and monitoring of angle setting of lower limbs joints. The post-exercise restitution used a vibration stimulus of variable frequency ranging from 20 to 50 Hz and amplitude of 0.5 mm, and passive resting in the control group. For an objective assessment of the applied vibration effect, a 5-fold measurement of rectus femoris muscles stiffness of both limbs at the middle of venter took place after each stage of the experiment. RESULTS: After warm-up, a considerable increase of the examined muscles stiffness, that did not vary significantly, was observed. In the DW experimental group (vibration massage), where post-exercise restitution was enhanced by vibration, significantly lower values of muscle stiffness were registered after each of the post-exercise regeneration stages in relation to the DB control group (passive rest). After the I regeneration stage, a value of the Δσ_r1-s variable ( p < 0.05) lower by 16% was noticed in favour of the group enhanced by vibration. Whereas, values of muscles stiffness after the II stage of regeneration, Δσ_r2-s were by 14% lower in favour of DW group ( p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Enhancement of the post-exercise relaxation of muscles by vibration treatment significantly lowered the values of post-exercise muscles stiffness and turned out to be a more effective method of restitution than passive resting. Recovery of the level of muscles stiffness from before the exercise was much slower in the control group than in the one enhanced by vibration. The improved method of muscle stiffness measurement with the use of shear-wave elastography with a special head attachment turned out to be a useful tool to assess post-exercise muscles restitution.

Effect of Vibration Massage and Passive Rest on Recovery of Muscle Strength after Short-Term Exercise.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of vibration massage and passive rest on accelerating the process of muscle recovery after short-term intense exercise. METHODS: Eighty-four healthy men aged 20 to 25 years participated in the study. Study participants performed isometric (ISO-M Group) and auxotonic (AUX-M group) contraction exercise in the lower limbs. Vibration massage was administered after exercise in the first recovery period. In the same period, controls rested passively, without the support of vibration massage. To assess the effectiveness of the applied vibration, a 4-fold measurement of the maximum force of the muscles involved in the exercise was performed under conditions of isometric contractions on a leg press machine set at an angle of 45° degrees upwards. RESULTS: Differences in maximum strength during isometric contraction were found compared to baseline in favor of the groups subjected to the experimental vibration massage. Differences were demonstrated in muscle strength between the study groups (p < 0.005). The second period of passive rest in all groups did not bring significant changes in the values of maximal lower limb strength. CONCLUSIONS: Properly selected characteristics of the vibration effect can be an effective method in accelerating recovery and regaining lost motor capabilities of muscle groups fatigued by exercise. This offers the potential to shorten rest periods between sets of repetitions in training or between training units.

Evaluation of the Level of Technical and Tactical Skills and Its Relationships with Aerobic Capacity and Special Fitness in Elite Ju-Jitsu Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Ju-jitsu training has to be comprehensive in terms of training intensity, developing a wide range of physical fitness and learning multiple technical skills. These requirements result from the specificity of the competition characteristic of the sport form of this martial art. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aerobic capacity and special physical fitness of ju-jitsu athletes at the highest sports performance level and to determine the relationships between special fitness and the indices of technical and tactical skills. METHODS: In order to determine the current level of special fitness of the athletes, a set of karate fitness tests were used, namely, the Special Judo Fitness Test and the Kickboxer Special Physical Fitness Test. Furthermore, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was measured using a graded exercise test in a group of 30 sport ju-jitsu athletes at the highest level of sports performance. To evaluate the level of technical and tactical skills, an analysis of recordings of tournament bouts was carried out, and, based on the observations, the indices of effectiveness, efficiency, and activeness of the attack were calculated. RESULTS: Individuals with higher fitness were more active and effective in the attack. The special efficiency indices showed significant correlations with the technical and tactical parameters. Better fighting performance was dependent on the speed of the punches, kicking range, and the results of the special fitness tests. CONCLUSIONS: To achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness of sport ju-jitsu, the training process should be based on comprehensive motor development and an optimal level of special fitness.

Absolute and relative reliability of several measures of static postural stability calculated using a GYKO inertial sensor system.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse absolute and relative reliability of a number of postural static stability measures obtained from a GYKO inertial sensor system in young adults. METHODS: The study examined 29 healthy non-athlete young adults. A test was performed for 30 s while standing on one foot, without moving, with eyes open and arms relaxed along the sides of the body. The examinations were performed twice, with a one-week interval. Relative reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI), whereas the absolute reliability was evaluated based on the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC). RESULTS: The results of this study showed moderate to good relative reliability scores for all the postural stability measures, with ICC values ranging from 0.62 to 0.70. For most of the analysed variables, SEM% ranged from ca. 10 to 14%. Relatively high SEM% values were obtained only for two variables (Area, Convex Hull Area). CONCLUSIONS: The low costs of GYKO inertial sensor systems, the fast and easy installation, the mobility and high reliability of the measurement of postural stability show that it can be effective alternative to stabilographic platforms.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Nordic Walking Training in Improving the Gait of Persons with Down Syndrome.

People with Down syndrome (DS) show dysfunction of gait, expressed by disturbed character of angular changes and values of the spatiotemporal parameters as compared to the physiological norm. It is known that exercises and various activities have positive effect on balance and gait, but there are only a few scientific proofs concerning above-mentioned in people with DS. Furthermore, the effect of Nordic Walking (NW) training on gait in people with DS is unexplored. We enrolled 22 subjects with DS, aged 25-40 years, with moderate intellectual disability. Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: NW training group which underwent 10 weeks of training at a frequency of 3 times a week and control group with no specific intervention. Subjects were examined twice: 1 week before training and a week immediately after intervention. Gait was evaluated by the Vicon 250: a computerized system of three-dimensional analysis of motion, connected to 5 infrared video cameras. We conducted mixed-design ANOVA model to assess the effects of time and type of training on spatiotemporal parameters. We found significant favorable time by group interaction in the following parameters: step length in right leg: F(1,15) =14,47, p=0.002; left leg accordingly F(1,15) =5,15, p=0.038, cycle length in right leg: F(1,15) =14,48, p=0.002; left leg accordingly F(1,15) =15,09, p=0.001; and gait standardised speed F(1,15) =5,35, p=0.035. Statistically significant changes were observed in numerous kinematic parameters of ankle, knee, pelvis, and shoulder in NW group. Regular NW training has positive influence on selected spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters in people with Down Syndrome and may be an attractive and safe form of rehabilitation.

Photogrammetric evaluation of body posture of 6-year-old boys training judo, in three repeated assessments.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to assess changes in body posture in a group of 6-year-old boys training judo, compared to a control group, in three repeated examinations. METHODS: The study included 88 boys aged 6. Fifty-one of them started judo training in sports clubs at the beginning of the school year (JU). The control group included 37 boys attending reception classes in primary schools, selected at random (NT). Body posture was assessed 3 times at 3-month intervals, according to the general methodology of the Moire's technique, and 15 body posture indices were obtained as a result: 7 in the sagittal plane, 1 in the axial plane and 7 in the coronal plane. The system for photogrammetric body posture assessment of CQ Elektronik System was used in this study. RESULTS: The ANOVA test showed that neither the group factor - the fact of judo training - nor the time factor had any significant effect on the number of "deviations from normal values" of body posture (p > 0.05). Statistically significant intergroup differences were noted for six body posture indices measured with the Moire's method. CONCLUSIONS: Steadily decreasing numbers of "deviations from normal values" of body posture indices in the JU group were observed over the three examinations. Regular 6-month judo training had a statistically significant effect on a decrease of body rotation in the axial plane - the effect of judo training may be considered corrective in this case.

The assessment of the relationships between body posture indices and the Y-Balance Test results in the adolescents.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to assess the differences of the values of body posture indices, measured with the Moire's method, between girls and boys aged 13 and the relationships of these values with the results of the Y-Balance Test. METHODS: The study involved a group of healthy volunteers attending junior high schools in Cracow. The group consisted of 20 girls and 35 boys. Basic somatic parameters were measured within this work: body height and weight. Body posture was assessed according to the general methodology of the Moire's technique and 14 body posture indices were obtained as a result: 6 in the sagittal plane, 1 in the axial plane and 7 in the coronal plane. Postural stability was assessed with the Y-Balance Test (YBT). RESULTS: The studied girls and boys had practically the same body posture - statistical differences were found only in 3 out of 14 assessed indices measured with the Moire's technique. Scoliosis was found in as many as 51% of the subjects, however, mean values of deviations from the C7-S1 line were not large. CONCLUSIONS: In the group of girls, the set of blades (below - above) was statistically significantly correlated with the global YBT result for the right inferior extremity, and in the group of boys - the set of the waist triangles (below - above) was statistically significantly correlated with the global YBT results for the right and left inferior extremities.

Stabilometric indicators as an element of verifying rehabilitation of patients before and after reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate effectiveness of rehabilitation in patients before and after rACL, based on stabilographic indicators. METHODS: The research group was comprised of 31 men aged 20-57 with anterior cruciate ligament injury, qualified for reconstruction surgery. A measurement of static stabilometric indicators and muscle strength was taken twice for each patient - before surgery and after 6 months. To assess stabilographic indicators the stabilographic platform was used and to asses muscle strength a dynamometer was used. In order to assess knee function the Lysholm scale and VAS scale were used. RESULTS: The rehabilitation programme improved static stability of the knee in the frontal plane, which is manifested by a significant shortening of the SPML path length. Rehabilitation proceedings should focus on improving static stability of the knee joint in the sagittal plane, because the results obtained indicate only a slight shortening of the SPAP length. The results of the Lysholm and VAS scales point to a positive influence of the applied rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Inclusion into rehabilitation diagnostic tools to assess stabilometric indicators enables for effective verification of rehabilitation proceedings focused on restoring body posture control before and after the rACL.

Three-dimensional pattern of knee movement in patients with gonarthrosis.

BACKGROUND: The main goal of this study was to estimate the variability of gait parameters in patients diagnosed with arthroplasty of the knee joint. Angular changes of the knee joint in three planes, and spatio-temporal parameters of gait were analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-dimensional analysis of locomotion patterns was carried out using the Vicon 250 system in 33 patients aged 48-74. RESULTS: The most significant biomechanical deviations from the norm were revealed in the transverse and horizontal planes. Walking speed was visibly decreased, leading to noticeable changes in other spatio-temporal parameters. CONCLUSION: 1. Degenerative disease of the knee joints markedly affects the normal gait pattern, resulting in deviations from the biomechanical norm with regard to angular change in the knee joints in the three planes of movement. 2. The abnormal locomotion pattern was most evident in the frontal and transverse planes. 3. Gonarthrosis also changed the values of particular spatio-temporal parameters. 4. Statistical analysis revealed significant (p<0.05) differences from the biomechanical norm in variables determined in the frontal and transverse planes, and in the sagittal plane in the group with a varus knee deformity.

Upper limb joint mobility ranges during activities of daily living determined by three-dimensional motion analysis--preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of hand therapy programmes used in various hand therapy centres shows that the programmes primarily aim to restore a maximum range of motion, although basic activities of daily living do not often require full joint mobility. This report of our investigations, which commenced in 2003, presents the results of an evaluation of the range of motion in the joints of the upper limb, including both proximal and hand joints, during selected daily activities. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Right-handed students of physical therapy were examined using a three-dimensional motion analysis system in the Biokinetics Laboratory of the Division of Biomechanics at the University of Physical Education in Kraków. Spatial registration of movement focused on three daily activities that primarily involve the upper limb, namely, natural movements associated with combing, closing a zip fastener and answering a telephone call. Angular changes in the joints recorded in three movement planes were used as analysis inputs. RESULTS: The range of motion in the analysed joints during daily activities never reached the respective maximal values, usually centering around the middle point of the ranges. CONCLUSIONS: Daily activities require only limited mobility in the upper limb joints. Three-dimensional motion analysis is a useful tool to monitor and assess this phenomenon. The results of such assessments should be taken into account by hand therapists designing and implementing rehabilitation programmes.

Evaluation of the accuracy of the postural stability measurement with the Y-Balance Test based on the levels of the biomechanical parameters.

PURPOSE: The study of dynamic balance involves tests that assess the muscle control of spatial changes of the position of the centre of gravity over the base of support. The purpose of this work was to determine the structure of the Y-balance test and its accuracy based on the measurements of strength performance of the muscles acting on the knee joint as well as the flexibility and balance in boys aged 14 years. METHODS: The study included 43 schoolboys regularly participating in physical education lessons. The examination of postural stability was conducted with the use of the Y-balance test. The measurements of muscle strength and of resistance to fatigue of the extensors and flexors of knee joints in isometric contraction were performed on a measurement stand in a standard position with the use of tensometric sensors. The measurement of mobility range of the lower extremity joints was performed according to the SFTR. The examination of balance was performed with the use of the modified "Flamingo balance test". RESULTS: The factor structure of the Y-balance test results for the left and right lower extremities is similar and includes five principal independent factors that characterise the structure of analysed variables. They explain 76% and 74% of communality in total for the left and the right extremity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The extracted factor structure points to a hybrid structure of the Y-Balance Test and shows its accuracy in the measurements of the lower limb joint mobility and strength performance of knee joint extensors.

Three-Dimensional Trunk and Lower Limbs Characteristics during Gait in Patients with Huntington's Disease.

Objective: A number of studies on gait disturbances have been conducted, however, no clear pattern of gait disorders was described. The aim of the study was to characterize the gait pattern in HD patients by conducting analysis of mean angular movement changes the lower limb joints and trunk (kinematics parameters). Methods: The study group consisted of 30 patients with HD (17 women and 13 men). The reference data include the results of 30 healthy subjects (17 women and 13 men). Registration of gait with the Vicon 250 system was performed using passive markers attached to specific anthropometric points directly on the skin, based on the Golem biomechanical model (Oxford Metrics Ltd.). The research group and the control group were tested once. Results: Statistically significant (p < 0.05) angular changes in gait cycle for HD patients were observed in: insufficient plantar flexion during Loading Response and Pre-swing phases; insufficient flexion of the knee joint during Initial Swing and Mid Swing phases; excessive flexion of the hip in Terminal Stance and Pre-swing phases and over-normative forward inclination of the trunk in all gait phases. It should be noted that the group of patients with HD obtained, for all the mean angular movement changes higher standard deviation. Conclusion: A characteristic gait disorder common to all patients with HD occurring throughout the whole duration of the gait cycle is a pathological anterior tilt of the trunk. The results will significantly contribute to programming physiotherapy for people with HD, aimed at stabilizing the trunk in a position of extension during gait.

The role of hippotherapeutic exercises with larger support surface in development of balance in boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability.

PURPOSE: Maintaining balance in humans involves continuous changes in parameters. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of hippotherapeutic exercises on development of the sense of balance in boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability. METHODS: The study examined 50 randomly chosen boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability from the special education centre in Lezajsk, Poland. The study participants were divided into two groups: experimental group, who participated for 3 months in hippotherapeutic classes and the control group, with boys attending outdoor or indoor physical education classes. Before and after completion of the study, both experimental and control groups were diagnosed by means of Accu SwayPlus force plate. The force plate was used to determine alterations in the position of the centre of pressure (COP) on the platform in the frontal and sagittal planes in relaxed standing position with feet spread to the shoulder width and with eye control with respect to the base of support (BOS). The description was based on mean displacement of the centre of gravity (COG), mean velocity of displacements of the COG, mean radial displacement and total length of the COP pathway. RESULTS: In the experimental group, equestrian exercises induced a series of significant changes that pointed to the improved balance reactions. The character of these changes in the positions analysed was similar: values of body sway in the sagittal plane and their range and mean displacements decreased statistically significantly after training. The same tendency was observed for mean radial displacements in the free open position and with closed support surface. Furthermore, the velocity of displacement and the length of the COP's projection pathway on the support surface in the free open position was also reduced. All significant changes and trends found for the experimental group, which occurred after 3 month of hippotherapeutic classes, suggest improved parameters of balance. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of changes in balance parameters in the control group shows that the hippotherapeutic classes significantly develop balance abilities in boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability.

Assessment of the impact of regular judo practice on body posture, balance, and lower limbs mechanical output in six-year-old boys.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is beneficial for young children. The aim of this study was to monitor the changes in body posture and balance, as well as in the level of lower limbs mechanical output in six-year-old boys practicing judo (JU) and in a group not practicing that sport (NT). METHODS: In 12 matched pairs of boys (JU+NT) body mass and height were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated at three time points (baseline, three months, six months). Body posture was evaluated with the use of Moiré method (TT, DTK, MR, LALBC-F, DALBS). The balance was examined by means of the UPST Test with the eyes open (EOA) and closed (ECA). Ground reaction and relative power were assessed in standing vertical jump on the dynamometric platform. In the subsequent calculations, the MANOVA with the GLM procedure using 10 dependent above variables (excluding BMI and Pr indices), and next Factorial Repeated Measures ANOVA were used. RESULTS: In MANOVA a significant interaction of the time, and group, factor was ascertained. Next, the series of univariate ANOVAs yielded following results: for MR the difference between groups was significant after three months (with JU having better results than NT group), but not at the baseline or after six months. For UPST EOA, JU group had higher results after three months than those of NT group. For impulse (J), the interaction and time positive trend were significant. CONCLUSIONS: A six-month practice of judo results in a significant improvement in the quality of body posture, balance, and lower limbs muscle strength impulse.

Assessment of Gait Therapy Effectiveness in Patients with Parkinson's Disease on the Basis of Three-Dimensional Movement Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of physical exercise on gait pattern disorders, based on three-dimensional gait analysis in the sagittal plane in a group of people with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Thirty-two subjects with PD (14 women and 18 men; age: 50-75 years) were qualified for the study, which ran for 3 weeks and included 18 therapeutic sessions. Thirty-five control subjects were included in the research (13 women and 19 men; age: 52-77 years). Gait analysis using the Vicon 3D system took place in the Biokinetics Laboratory. The research group was tested before and after treatment, and the control group was tested once. RESULTS: Comparing the average peak angle changes and average standard time results (% gait cycle) corresponding with angles of movement in the lumbar spine, cervical spine, elbow joint, and shoulder joint, statistically significant changes were observed. The study results are indicative of differences in spatiotemporal parameters and angular changes in gait for both groups. After therapeutic treatment, we observed improvement in the angular range of changes in thorax tilting, but there were no difference between the most affected and less affected side. For the cervical spine, a significant reduction in flexion during dual support was observed. The angular range of changes in shoulder joint was significant only in less affected shoulder during the initial contact (F1), terminal stance (F4), and terminal stance (F8) phases of gait (p < 0.05). After therapeutic treatment, significant angle and setting changes in the most affected limb of the elbow joint occurred during the initial contact and terminal swing phases (F1, F8). In the terminal stance phase (F4), an increase in range of motion by about ±4° was observed (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Exercise therapy slightly increased the range of movement in the examined joints of PD's patients. Results of pathological walking patterns occurring prior to treatment improved after treatment and moved closer to the physiological gait pattern.