RESUMO
Background: Magnetotherapy applied to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) produces anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioedema effects. Observations suggest that the beneficial and adverse effects of magnetotherapy are related to the parameters of the magnetic field applied. This study aimed to assess the positive and negative effects of magnetotherapy, taking into account the type of the field. Methods: This study involved 39 patients with RA, who were randomly assigned to two groups: SMF-static magnetic field (n = 18) and PEMF-low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (n = 21). The examinations carried out before and after the therapy included a general assessment of the functional status, assessment of pain severity, measurement of the duration and severity of morning stiffness, computer-aided measurement of the range of motion of the hand joints and measurement of the hand volume using water displacement method. The patients received kinesiotherapy and magnetotherapy, as determined by the randomisation. Results: The findings show improved functional status by 0.26 points on average (p = 0.0166) measured with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-20), reduced pain by 2.2 points on average (p = 0.0000) on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), decreased duration of morning stiffness by 23.2 min on average (p = 0.0010) and reduced severity of morning stiffness by 15.2 points on average (p = 0.0010). The assessment of the dominant hand showed improved range of motion by 1.9 mm on average (p = 0.0036) and reduced volume by 0.9 mm3 on average (p = 0.0230). A significantly reduced duration and severity of morning stiffness was observed in the SMF group. Statistically significant changes in the HAQ-20 scores, range of motion and the volume of the dominant hand were identified in the PEMF group. Conclusions: Magnetic fields improved the functional status and reduced pain, morning stiffness and swelling in the hand. A static magnetic field may be more effective in reducing morning stiffness, whereas a pulsed magnetic field may, to a greater extent, improve function and reduce swelling in the rheumatoid hand. The effects of magnetotherapy reported so far require further observation.
RESUMO
Self-rated health (SRH) is a tool for assessing a population's health across the lifetime, and seems to be a dynamic assessment of current health status and a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease and mortality, whereas insufficient levels of physical fitness in adolescence are a significant health problem and may contribute to the development of many disorders in adulthood. In this cross-sectional study, we attempted to assess the relationship between SRH and the physical fitness of adolescents. Two hundred and thirty-five adolescents (eighty-five boys and one hundred and fifty girls) aged 16-17 were recruited for this study. The study procedures included a short author questionnaire and physical fitness assessment (Zuchora's Physical Fitness Index). Boys declared better health states and reported less frequent morbidity of seasonal diseases (p < 0.05). No differences were found in physical fitness, the incidence of postural disorders, lower limb malalignments, foot deformities, sleep duration, and perception of physical activity on physical condition and well-being in boys and girls (p > 0.05). The comparison of physical fitness levels in adolescents with different SRH, sleep duration, perceptions of physical activity on physical condition and well-being also showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Positive SRH and perception of physical activity on physical condition and well-being, proper sleep duration (7-8 h/night), and a lack of foot deformities are associated with a better physical fitness in adolescents. Physical fitness seems to be a good predictor of SRH only in Polish boys, but not girls and the entire population. The lack of significance in the entire population could be attributed to the substantial number of girls in the study group. Despite that, it is recommended to encourage adolescents to engage in regular exercises, sleep routines and healthy lifestyles. Further research should be based on a more representative group, with a comparable number of girls and boys in the study group and potential confounders, but also they should be focused on SRH predictors to improve SRH in Polish girls.
RESUMO
Despite the restoration of the mechanical stability of the knee joint after ACL reconstruction (ACLR), patients often experience postoperative limitations. To our knowledge, there are no systematic reviews analyzing additional physiotherapy interventions implementing standard rehabilitation programs in the early postoperative phase after ACLR. The objective of this study was to analyze the additional physiotherapy interventions implemented in standard rehabilitation programs that improve early-stage ACLR rehabilitation. For this systematic review, we followed the PRISMA guidelines. In March 2022 we conducted a literature review using electronic databases. Primary outcomes were pain, edema, muscle strength, ROM, and knee function. The risk of bias and scientific quality of included studies were assessed with the RoB 2, ROBINS-I and PEDro scale. For the review, we included 10 studies that met the inclusion criteria (total n = 3271). The included studies evaluated the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping, Whole-body vibration, Local Vibration Training, Trigger Point Dry Needling, High Tone Power Therapy, alternating magnetic field, and App-Based Active Muscle Training Program. Most of the additional physiotherapy interventions improved pain, edema, ROM, knee muscle strength, or knee function in early-stage postoperative ACL rehabilitation. Except for one study, no adverse events occurred in the included studies, which demonstrates the safety of the discussed physiotherapy interventions. Further in-depth research is needed in this area.
