Evaluation of Posturometric Parameters in Children and Youth Who Practice Karate: Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Reduced physical activity or inappropriate training can cause the development of postural abnormalities. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between intensive, controlled physical activity, such as karate, and postural parameters. The study group consisted of 57 young karate competitors aged 9-12 years. The control group included 76 healthy, active children in similar age. The children's posture, activity level, and time in front of electronic devices were evaluated. The following body posture assessments were carried out: Adams' test, evaluation of the plumb line, evaluation of the kyphosis, and lordosis angles using a digital inclinometer and shoulder blade position measurements using a pediscoliometer. In the majority of cases, despite evidence of an increase or decrease in the values of the plumb line and scapulae level, the results were still within the normal ranges. In 71.93% of the examined karate-training children, a decrease in torso rotation was noted. The study revealed a visible difference in postural muscle strength by the Mathiass screening test (P < 0.00001). The children in the control group spent more time in front electronic devices than the karate-training children did (P < 0.007). Postural defects regression was more often observed in the study group than in the controls (P < 10-8). The frequency of postural defects stabilization was also significantly higher in the study group than in the control children (P = 0.001). Conversely, postural defects progression was significantly more frequent in the control group than in young karate competitors (P < 10-8). These differences remained significant in subgroups of girls and boys. Physical activity performed regularly and under the direction of a professional trainer can prevent postural disorders.

The Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Men after Radical Prostatectomy Measured with the Insert Test.

A commonly used physiotherapeutic method for the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) after radical prostatectomy (RP) is pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PFMT by enhanced biofeedback using the 1h pad-weighing test. The following factors were taken into consideration in the analysis of PFMT effectiveness: the relevance of the patients' age, time from RP, BMI, mental health, functional state, and depression. A total of 60 post-RP patients who underwent 10-week PFMT were studied. They were divided into groups: A (n = 20) and B (n = 20) (random division, time from RP: 2−6 weeks) and group C (time from RP > 6 weeks). Group B had enhanced training using EMG biofeedback. UI improved in all groups: A, p = 0.0000; B, p = 0.0000; and C, p = 0.0001. After the completion of PFMT, complete control over miction was achieved by 60% of the patients in group A, 85% in group B, and 45% in group C. There was no correlation between the results of PFMT efficacy and patients' age, BMI, time from RP, mental health, functional state, and depression. PFMT is highly effective in UI treatment. The enhancement of PFMT by EMG biofeedback seems to increase the effectiveness of the therapy.

[Is a single application soft tissues techniques of spine area may cause increase trunk mobility?]. / Czy jednorazowe zastosowanie terapii manualnej tkane miekkich grzbietu moze wplynac na ruchomosc tulowia?

UNLABELLED: The primary goal of application soft tissue techniques is to restore the proper mobility of fascia. Disturbance of soft tissue mobility can cause disorder in deep tissues and lead to musculoskeletal dysfunction. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of soft tissues techniques of spine area to thoracic and spine mobility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Examined 30 subjects (15 women and 15 men) aged: x=19.9±1.2. Were performed measurements: mobility of the thorax, flexibility of the trunk in planes: sagittal and frontal. Then applied selected soft tissue techniques of spine area. Immediately after the therapy measurements were repeated. RESULTS: Occurred increase mobility and flexibility among women statistically significant. Among men, the increase in mobility occurred in all measurements in addition to the finger-floor test and horizontal range of arms. CONCLUSIONS: The application of soft tissue techniques may favorably influence on increasing mobility of thoracic and trunk flexibility. Confirmation results of the observations in other studies may be part of the improvement in the rehabilitation proceedings.

The effect of Saunders traction and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the cervical spine range of motion in patients reporting neck pain - pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: It is estimated that about 80% of the general population occasionally experience spinal pain, with as many as 50% reporting pain in the cervical spine. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of treatment of cervical spine pain with the Saunders traction device and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) by assessing their impact on the cervical spine range of motion in the sagittal, coronal and horizontal planes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 39 patients aged 26 to 62 years took part in the study. All patients reported chronic cervical spine pain caused by overload and postural insufficiency. The participants were randomly divided into three experimental groups. The first group was treated with Saunders traction where the traction force was administered so that the patient would experience noticeable but painless traction. The second group received traction as well as classic transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, whereas the third group received only TENS. Each patient attended 10 treatment sessions not more than three days apart. Measurements of the range of motion were performed with the CROM instrument before and after the first session, after the fifth and tenth session and about three weeks after completion of rehabilitation. RESULTS: The study revealed the greatest ROM improvement in the coronal and horizontal planes and for the extension motion. CONCLUSIONS: The best therapeutic effect was obtained by combining traction with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.