Monitoring Expression of Balance during Therapy in Children with Postural Disorders.

In the literature, we find information about the impact of changes in the shape of the spine on the efficiency of equivalent reactions, and we also find information about the methods and effects of physiotherapy in improving equivalent reactions. However, there is a lack of publications showing the process of changes taking place over time and defining their nature at individual stages of treatment. The aim of this study is to present the process of monitoring the expression of balance in patients aged 8-12 years with postural disorders, in the course of the therapeutic process. The shape of the spine and the efficiency of equilibrium reactions in standing posture and during gait were assessed in all the subjects. The subjects were put into two groups: with a shape-of-spine disorder and without one. The recommended set of therapeutic activities in home conditions lasted about 20 min and was performed by the child with a parent's supervision. The therapeutic program was based on elements of neurophysiological methods: Vojta and PNF. The following parameters were measured: the maximum movement of the center of pressure (CoP) in the frontal plane during gait, the maximum movement of the CoP in the sagittal plane, the movement of the CoP in the frontal plane in static conditions and the movement of the CoP in the sagittal plane in static conditions. Six statistically significant differences were recorded, and all of them were related to measurement I. The Friedman test result was statistically significant for all the indexes. Post hoc analyses were performed using the Dunn-Bonferroni test. The children with shape-of-spine disorders had a lower efficiency of equivalent reactions in relation to the children without disorders. The therapy with the application of neurophysiological methods in the treatment of shape-of-spine disorders improved equilibrium reactions in these patients. Long-lasting and thorough observations of the therapeutic process in children with shape-of-spine disorders should include the monitoring of the efficiency of equilibrium reactions.

Effect of Thoracic Kyphosis and Lumbar Lordosis on the Distribution of Ground Reaction Forces on the Feet.

Introduction: In clinical practice, foot load receptors are very important in shaping the correct vertical posture and optimal equilibrium reactions. They are so important that stimulating them gives measurable effects in improving both balance and posture. Plantar pressure distribution is an important parameter that provides information on changes in a person's posture, also during gait. Aim: The aim of the work is to assess the effect of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis on the distribution of ground reaction forces on the feet. Materials and Methods: A total of 211 subjects aged 8-12 were examined. Body posture and distribution of ground reaction forces on the feet were assessed using the following parameters: thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, maximum pressure (static), average pressure (static), foot surface, distribution of foot pressure, maximum pressure (dynamic), time load (dynamic). DIERS formetric and DIERS pedoscan methods were used to measure the parameters. Results: The level of the kyphosis angle correlated positively with the percentage distribution of forefoot load in static conditions. The level of lordosis angle correlated positively with the foot surface and forefoot load. Positive correlation of the lordosis angle is also related to its connection with the difference in leg load during gait. A broader cause and effect view of body posture defects and the distribution of ground reaction forces on the feet can affect a more complete assessment of the correlation between these variables, contributing to more effective treatment of any disorders of the described phenomena. Conclusion: The size of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis affects the distribution of ground reaction forces on the feet. The effect of lumbar lordosis has a linear value in relation to percentage distribution of forefoot and heel loads.

The Relationship Between the Shape of the Spine and the Width of Linea Alba in Children Aged 6-9 Years. Case-Control Study.

Introduction: Civilization development coupled with contemporary lifestyle leads to a systematic increase in postural disorders. An analysis of factors that may provoke postural disorders indicates that such a stimulus may be the diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles. Moreover, abnormal activity of the rectus abdominis muscles may affect balance disorders through reduced spinal stabilization and disturbed body statics. There is an increase in body posture abnormalities between the ages of 6 and 9 related to new school duties. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the shape of the spine and the width of the linea alba in children aged 6-9 years. Material and Method: The study was designed to evaluate parameters determining the shape of the spine, and the width of the linea alba in healthy children aged 6-9 years. The study participants were divided into two groups based on the width of the linea alba. The study group with the width of the linea alba >10 mm and the control group with the width of the linea alba ≤ 10 mm. The study group were included 37 children and the control group 24 children. The examination of the linea alba width was performed by a radiology specialist using a linear transducer and SAOTE- My Lab Classc-type ultrasound at rest and during contraction of the rectus abdominis muscles. Parameters describing the shape of the spine were measured using the Diers Formetric 4D system: trunk inclination, trunk imbalance, pelvis tilt, pelvic torsion, kyphotic apex, lordotic apex, kyphotic angle, lordotic angle, rotation angle, trunk torsion, lateral deviation. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using a Paired t test for comparison of differences between the results in the study and control groups and Pearson's test to assess the correlation between the width of the linea alba and parameters describing spinal alignment. Results: In both groups, the parameters describing the shape of the spine did not differ from the norms accepted as typical for the age norm. The only statistically significant difference between the study and control group concerned the trunk inclination, which was negative in the study group, signifying a shift of the entire spine axis backwards beyond the vertical. Conclusions: There is a correlation between the shape of spine and the width of the linea alba in terms of selected parameters determining the body posture in the sagittal plane, which concern: the position of the lumbar lordotic apex, trunk inclination and the depth of the lumbar lordotic angle. The width of the linea alba is not explicitly related to abnormalities of pelvic and spinal alignment in the frontal and transverse planes.

Assessment of Body Posture of Children With Chest Pain.

Objective: An increase in the appearance of chest pain among children is observed globally. The authors present various reasons for their appearance. As can be seen from numerous observations, the majority of cases are not related to the pathology of the circulatory system. Increasingly, studies on the causes of chest pain in children show their association with musculoskeletal disorders. Aim: of the work was assessment of body posture in children with chest pain using the Diers Formetric 4D system. Methods: The study involved a group of 184 female and male children, aged 7-12 years. The study group consisted of 64 patients with chest pain. The children from this group were diagnosed with functional chest pain by a cardiologist. The control group consisted of 120 patients without chest pain. The study included the assessment of body posture using the DIERS Formetric system. Results: The analysis of the results obtained during the study showed that among the children with chest pain, there are statistically significant irregularities in the parameters determining body posture compared to the control group. Comparing the study group with the control group, there is a statistically significant difference in the lateral deviation of VPDM (rms) (mm) (p = 0.001). Both children from the test group aged 9-10 and 11-12 obtained higher results than their peers from the control group. In the group of the youngest children in terms of the lateral deviation of VPDM (rms) (mm), increasing the number of children under study would contribute to significant differences in this variable. In the study group, among children aged 9-10 years, there were also statistically significant abnormalities regarding trunk imbalance and pelvic skewness compared to the children of the same age in the control group. Conclusions: Irregularities in the parameters determining body posture may cause chest pain in children.

Effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for injury in ballet dancers: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The unique repetitive nature of ballet dancing, which often involves transgressing endurance limits of anatomical structures, makes dancers prone to injury. The following systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in the treatment of injuries in ballet dancers. METHODS: The review was performed in line with the PRISMA statement on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Ovid Embase, Cochrane, Medline, PEDro, Google Scholar) were queried. The study populations comprised active ballet dancers and/or ballet school attendees with acute and chronic injuries and those with persistent pain. There were no restrictions regarding age, sex, ethnicity or nationality. The Modified McMaster Critical Review Form for quantitative studies was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies reviewed in accordance with the relevant guidelines. RESULTS: Out of the total of 687 articles subjected to the review, 10 met the inclusion criteria. Diverse physiotherapeutic interventions were described and effectiveness was assessed using different parameters and measurements. Overall, the results indicate that physiotherapy interventions in ballet dancers exert a positive effect on a number of indices, including pain, ROM and functional status. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the small amount of evidence confirming the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions in ballet dancers after injuries and methodological uncertainties, it is recommended to improve the quality of prospective studies.

Evaluation of the association between postural control and sagittal curvature of the spine.

INTRODUCTION: Balance is key to controlling body posture. Balance is typically assessed by measures of the body's vertical orientation, obtained by balancing out the forces acting on different body segments. The ability to maintain balance is assessed by evaluating centre of pressure (CoP) displacement; such assessments are typically used to evaluate responses to a treatment process. PURPOSE OF STUDY: This study evaluated the efficiency of compensatory reactions in children according to the extent of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study enrolled 312 children aged 8‒12 years, including 211 patients with postural disorders: thoracic kyphosis outside the 47‒50-degree range and lordosis outside the 38‒42-degree range (study group). A control group was also recruited and comprised 101 children without postural disorders. The DIERS formetric 4D system was used to assess posture and CoP displacement. RESULTS: Children in the study group showed a significantly greater range of CoP displacement than children in the control group. The kyphosis angle correlated with the maximum CoP displacement in the coronal plane and the maximum CoP displacement in the sagittal plane during gait. The kyphosis angle also correlated with the maximum CoP displacement back in the static test. The size of the lordosis angle correlated with the maximum displacement of CoP in the coronary plane during gait, and with the maximum displacement of CoP toward the left, forward, and backward in the static test. The correlation coefficient of the lordosis angle with displacement of the CoP in the sagittal plane was 0.999. CONCLUSIONS: We found an association between kyphosis and lordosis and the amplitude of CoP displacement, which may reflect the postural control system's response to biomechanical destabilisation caused by changes in kyphosis and lordosis.The lordosis angle correlation strength for displacement of CoP in sagittal plane is 0.999 and adopts a linear value.

The FED-Method (Fixation, Elongation, Derotation) - a Machine-supported Treatment Approach to Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis - Systematic Review. / Die FED-Methode (Fixation, Elongation, Derotation) ­ ein gerätegestütztes Behandlungsverfahren zur Behandlung von Patienten mit idiopathischer Skoliose ­ systematisches Review.

BACKGROUND: The FED method (Fixation, Elongation, Derotation) is a treatment method approach to Patients with scoliosis. The FED method is especially established in Spain and Poland, whereby in Germany it is less well-known. Nevertheless the FED method is within the scope of a research project (Project Number: 19200 BR/3). The purpose of the paper is to characterize the FED method and to highlight the specificities in contrast to the Schroth method, which is international established and especially in Germany. METHODS: This systematic literature research was conducted in Nov 2017-Jan 2018. Therefore common medical and physiotherapeutic databases were used. Furthermore there was a hand search in selected scientific journals. Only a small number of relevant references were identified. That is why the respective authors were asked to provide the full-texts of their papers and to recommend further references. RESULTS: A total of 378 references were identified. After removing duplicates and the content-related selection, 19 references were deemed to be relevant. Based on the analysis of this relevant literature, the FED method was comprehensively characterized. First of all the general structure of the FED method and the scientific evidence for its effectiveness was described. And as a result of the literature research, the operating principles of the FED method were pointed out. Then these operating principles were discussed in comparison with the Schroth method. The Schroth method based on sensomotoric and kinesthetic principles and the correction of the pathologic posture was performed by selective muscle activation and breathing-pattern. Thus, the posture correction will be performed by the patients (auto correction). Compared to the Schroth method, the FED method implements the posture correction by the FED-device. This correction is influenced by mechanical forces with a comparatively high strength and intensity. The repetitive mechanical correction stimulates the sensomotoric system. And due to trophic/biochemical adaptations, the physiological bone growth will be stimulated. CONCLUSION: In total the authors want to clarify, that both treatment methods (Schroth method, FED method) supposed to be applied in consideration of the preconditions of the patients and the pursue of the different treatment goals. Thus, the implementation of treatment methods should be used according to the individual treatment demand and on different stages in the treatment process.

[Physiotherapy in geriatrics - its significance in overall treatment management].

As UN research indicates, populations in approx. 40% of the world's countries presently meet the criteria of demographic old age. It is estimated that by 2050, those criteria will have applied to 84% of them, out of which 65% will have entered an advanced stage. Data current for 2017 put the estimated number of seniors around the world at approx. 962 million, i.e. 13% of the world's population. Population ageing process has already reached its top dynamics in Poland. Both international studies, and our own research experience imply that only an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to the seniors may help fully appreciate overall complexity of this challenge, and consequently offer an adequate platform for mapping out effective therapeutic management. Provision of a scope of wide-ranging, physiotherapeutic regimens for the seniors requires of any attending therapeutic team a specialist body of knowledge, pertinent expertise in geriatrics and physiotherapy, and plenty of hands-on skills. Physiotherapy in geriatrics is a complex, teamwork-based approach targeted at the seniors of appreciably reduced functional capabilities, and/or burdened with concomitant risk factors for a number of diseases, and/or prone to sustaining other adverse incidents (e.g. falls) typical for older age. In physiotherapeutic management offered to the seniors, as opposed to other age groups, by far the most essential issue consists in multiple concomitant diseases and polypragmacy. After a patient has been diagnosed by an attending physician, and his functional capabilities have been assessed by a physiotherapist, the therapeutic team should primarily focus upon securing for him the most essential goals, as identified at the time. Increased life expectancy raises a number of questions and challenges, to be urgently addressed by the medical sciences; the most basic and pragmatic question being - how are physicians, physiotherapists, and other health care professionals presently prepared to deal effectively with the seniors in terms of the actual treatment management, and a scope of physiotherapeutic interventions urgently required?

Hypermobility of joints in dancers.

OBJECTIVES: The current understanding of hypermobility and its diagnostic criteria is still insufficient to create a complete and systematic clinical presentation of the disorder. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) amongst a cohort of jazz dancers, by analyzing its presence in accordance with a number of diagnostic criteria, and to verify potential risk factors for joint hypermobility in jazz dancers. METHODS: 77 jazz dancers from the Polish Dance Theater were examined (58 female and 19 male). The prevalence of JHS was assessed using the following diagnostic tools: a structured interview, Beighton score, Grahame & Hakim questionnaire, and Sachse's criteria, in the modified version proposed by Kapandji. RESULTS: The prevalence of JHS in this cohort of jazz dancers differed significantly, depending on which criteria were adopted (p = 0.001) with Beighton score, Grahame & Hakim questionnaire, and Sachse's criteria identifying 64.9%, 74% and 59.7% of the sample as JHS respectively. Hypermobility was significantly more prevalent in women than men (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a significant prevalence of joint hypermobility in jazz dancers and corroborates the findings of other researchers, indicating the need for unified diagnostic criteria for JHS in dancers.

Effect of physiotherapy on spinal alignment in children with postural defects.

OBJECTIVES: This paper assesses the effect of neurophysiological rehabilitation in children with postural defects on the depth of thoracic kyphosis, lateral spinal deviation and rotation of spinal motor segments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 201 patients aged 8-15 years old with a postural defect diagnosed by medical examination were enrolled. The analyzed parameters were determined using the DIERS system before the first therapeutic session and after 4 weeks of therapy. The angle of thoracic kyphosis, lateral deviation of the spine and spinal rotation were assessed. The therapy employed techniques associated with the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and Vojta's approaches. The results were analyzed separately for both sexes and for patients rehabilitated solely with Vojta's techniques vs. patients rehabilitated according to combined Vojta's and PNF techniques. The χ2 test was used for statistical analyses, at p < 0.05. RESULTS: There was improvement in the angle of thoracic kyphosis, ranging from 0.14 (among boys with kyphosis < 42°) to 5.47 (among girls with kyphosis ≥ 42°), spinal rotation, from 0.37 (among boys with kyphosis ≥ 42°) to 4.33 (among patients with kyphosis ≥ 42° rehabilitated solely according to Vojta's method), and lateral deviations, ranging from 1.32 mm (among boys with kyphosis < 42°) to 2.99 mm (among patients with kyphosis ≥ 42° rehabilitated solely according to Vojta's method). CONCLUSIONS: Neurophysiological rehabilitation of patients with postural defects produced positive effects by improving the angle of thoracic kyphosis, spinal rotation and lateral deviation of the spine. Children with reduced thoracic kyphosis achieved less improvement in the kyphosis angle, lateral spinal deviation and spinal rotation than children with kyphosis ≥ 42°. The DIERS Formetric System enables precise monitoring of therapeutic outcomes. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(1):25-32.

Efficacy of the use of the McKenzie and Vojta methods to treat discopathy-associated syndromes in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVES: This paper evaluates the efficacy of using the McKenzie and Vojta methods for patients with low back pain and the use of the DIERS Formetric 4D system as an objective diagnostic tool. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study enrolled 28 patients aged 15-17 years old. The patients were hospitalized at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Swietokrzyskie Center for Pediatrics in Kielce with a diagnosis of back pain associated with a discopathy. The patients were rehabilitated according to the McKenzie and Vojta methods. Assessment by means of the DIERS Formetric system had taken place before the first therapy session and on the day that pain was eliminated to evaluate trunk inclination, angle of thoracic kyphosis, angle of lumbar lordosis, lateral deviation, trunk torsion, surface rotation and pelvic obliquity. Pain intensity and change in pain intensity over time were assessed by means of a numerical rating scale. RESULTS: Pain intensity was reduced to 0 over 3-12 days. The study participants demonstrated reduction in anterior trunk inclination of the mean value at 1.83°. The angle of thoracic kyphosis was also reduced by 7.95°. The angle of lordosis increased by 7.6°. The lateral spinal curvature was reduced by 8.92 mm. There was a reduction of 4.64° in trunk torsion. Surface rotation was reduced by 1.61° and pelvic obliquity was reduced by 3.78°. CONCLUSIONS: In discopathic patients, postural parameters comprising trunk inclination, angle of thoracic kyphosis, angle of lumbar lordosis, lateral deviation, trunk torsion, vertebral rotation and pelvic obliquity fail to reach Hartzmann's physiological reference ranges. A therapeutic intervention based on the Vojta and McKenzie methods may normalize the posture to physiological reference ranges and is effective in the treatment of patients with back pain. The DIERS system is an objective tool for tracing the effects of therapy in patients with back pain. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(1):33-41.

Corrigendum to "Patient-Specific CT-Based Instrumentation versus Conventional Instrumentation in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study on Clinical Outcomes and In-Hospital Data".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2015/165908.].

[The influence of pain aliments and vertebral mobility in patients after whole body cryotherapy].

INTRODUCTION: The motive efficiency depends from many factors, in this currently also form the state of health. The change in grounds of vertebral column causing the limitations of mobility and pain can significance worsen the functional state, motive efficiency and quality of patient's life. The leadership of active mode of life complying to recommendations the preventive style of life as well as the using with interventions of physical medicine influences on improvement significance the state of health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It the examination groups were 42 patients (21 women and 21 men) in age from 45-65 years with low back pain about different etiology. All studied were thirty interventions of whole body cryotherapy and then practices kinesitherapy exercises by 30 minutes subjected on gymnastic room. To evaluation of stepping pain ailments was the scale VAS executed, mobility of lumbar spine with help of Schober test as well as was executed. All results were statistical analysis subjected. RESULTS: After whole body cryotherapy the pain ailments in scale VAS were statistical significant in men group. The decrease of pain ailments influenced on improvement column mobility vertebral spine with use a Schober test (p<0,05). The statistical analysis were not significant in women group of pain ailments and the opinion of mobility of vertebral column spine (p > 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: Whole body cryotherapy reduced significance pain ailments and mobility of lumbar spine in men group. In women group the got results were not statistical significant.

Model identification of stomatognathic muscle system activity during mastication.

The present study aimed to determine the numeric projection of the function of the mandible and muscle system during mastication. An experimental study was conducted on a healthy 47 year-old subject. On clinical examination no functional disorders were observed. To evaluate the activity of mastication during muscle functioning, bread cubes and hazelnuts were selected (2 cm2 and 1.2/1.3 cm in diameter, respectively) for condyloid processing. An assessment of the activity of mastication during muscle functioning was determined on the basis of numeric calculations conducted with a novel software programme, Kinematics 3D, designed specifically for this study. The efficacy of the model was verified by ensuring the experimentally recorded trajectories were concordant with those calculated numerically. Experimental measurements of the characteristic points of the mandible trajectory were recorded six times. Using the configuration coordinates that were calculated, the dominant componential harmonics of the amplitude-frequency spectrum were identified. The average value of the dominant frequency during mastication of the bread cubes was ~1.16±0.06 Hz, whereas in the case of the hazelnut, this value was nearly two-fold higher at 1.84±0.07 Hz. The most asymmetrical action during mastication was demonstrated to be carried out by the lateral pterygoid muscles, provided that their functioning was not influenced by food consistency. The consistency of the food products had a decisive impact on the frequency of mastication and the number of cycles necessary to grind the food. Model tests on the function of the masticatory organ serve as effective tools since they provide qualitative and quantitative novel information on the functioning of the human masticatory organ.

Novel sirolimus-eluting stent Prolim® with a biodegradable polymer in the all-comers population: one year clinical results with quantitative coronary angiography and optical coherence tomography analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and the efficacy of the novel sirolimus-eluting Prolim® stent with a biodegradable polymer in the all-comers population. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled all patients with stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome treated with Prolim® stent between January and December 2013 in two interventional cardiology centers in Poland. Angiographic control was planned at 12 months, in which 15 % of patients (randomly chosen) underwent optical coherence tomography imaging. The primary end-point was the cumulative rate of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization at 12 months. RESULTS: There were 204 patients enrolled, in whom 238 Prolim® stents were deployed (1.17 stent per patient). The mean age was 68 ± 10 years and 32.8 % were females. The examined stent was implanted in 5.9 % in STEMI patients, in 21.6 % - in NSTE-ACS and in 72.5 % - in patients with stable coronary artery disease. The Prolim® stent was most frequently implanted in right coronary artery (38.2 %) followed by left anterior descending artery (34.0 %). The cumulative major adverse cardiovascular events rate at 12 months was 6.9 %, and the clinically-driven target lesion revascularization rate - 5.4 %. At 12 months in quantitative coronary angiography the late lumen loss was 0.21 ± 0.18 mm, and in optical coherence tomography the mean neointima burden was 24.6 ± 8.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: Sirolimus-eluting Prolim® stent with a biodegradable polymer is a feasible device with a very good safety profile and long-term clinical effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02545985 .

Patient-Specific CT-Based Instrumentation versus Conventional Instrumentation in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study on Clinical Outcomes and In-Hospital Data.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a frequently performed procedure in orthopaedic surgery. Recently, patient-specific instrumentation was introduced to facilitate correct positioning of implants. The aim of this study was to compare the early clinical results of TKA performed with patient-specific CT-based instrumentation and conventional technique. A prospective, randomized controlled trial on 112 patients was performed between January 2011 and December 2011. A group of 112 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group comprised 52 patients who received the Signature CT-based implant positioning system, and the control group consisted of 60 patients with conventional instrumentation. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the KSS scale, WOMAC scale, and VAS scales to assess knee pain severity and patient satisfaction with the surgery. Specified in-hospital data were recorded. Patients were followed up for 12 months. At one year after surgery, there were no statistically significant differences between groups with respect to clinical outcomes and in-hospital data, including operative time, blood loss, hospital length of stay, intraoperative observations, and postoperative complications. Further high-quality investigations of various patient-specific systems and longer follow-up may be helpful in assessing their utility for TKA.

Assessment of the TMJ Dysfunction Using the Computerized Facebow Analysis of Selected Parameters.

THE PURPOSE OF THE PAPER: Qualitative and quantitative analysis of selected parameters of mandible movements, electronically registered in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and healthy ones. MATERIAL: Function test of the mandible movements was conducted in 175 patients. Gender distribution was 143 women and 32 men, aged 9 to 84. METHODS: The studied population, after accurate clinical examination, was divided into age groups with the range of five years. All the patients had Zebris JMA computerized facebow examination done, according to the generally accepted principles and procedures. RESULTS: Mean values of mouth opening calculated to 45.6 mm in healthy group and 37.6 mm in TMJ dysfunction group. Mean length of condylar path amounted to 39 ± 7% of the maximum value of mouth opening in the group of healthy people, 44 ± 11% in the case of muscle-based disorders, and 35 ± 11% with joint-based. The mean value of the condylar path inclination oscillated in the range of 25° to 45°. CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of length of the condylar path to the size of mouth opening may be a significant value characterising the type and degree of intensification of the TMJ dysfunctions.

The influence of electromagnetic radiation generated by a mobile phone on the skeletal system of rats.

The study was focused on the influence of electromagnetic field generated by mobile phone on the skeletal system of rats, assessed by measuring the macrometric parameters of bones, mechanical properties of long bones, calcium and phosphorus content in bones, and the concentration of osteogenesis (osteocalcin) and bone resorption (NTX, pyridinoline) markers in blood serum. The study was carried out on male rats divided into two groups: experimental group subjected to 28-day cycle of exposures in electromagnetic field of 900 MHz frequency generated by mobile phone and a control, sham-exposed one. The mobile phone-generated electromagnetic field did not influence the macrometric parameters of long bones and L4 vertebra, it altered mechanical properties of bones (stress and energy at maximum bending force, stress at fracture), it decreased the content of calcium in long bones and L4 vertebra, and it altered the concentration of osteogenesis and bone resorption markers in rats. On the basis of obtained results, it was concluded that electromagnetic field generated by 900 MHz mobile phone does not have a direct impact on macrometric parameters of bones; however, it alters the processes of bone mineralization and the intensity of bone turnover processes and thus influences the mechanical strength of bones.