The purpose of this study was to determine whether training for a marathon and powerlifting could affect the value of the center of pressure (COP) in static and dynamic testing assessed with the Free Med ground reaction force platform. A baropodometric mat was used to evaluate COP values, using Free Step computer software. The study was performed in three groups: marathon runners (M, n = 31), powerlifters (PL, n = 24), and a control group (C, n = 30). Basic descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation) were calculated for the COP in the static, anteroposterior (AP), and mediolateral (ML) directions, followed by dynamic test variables for the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) lower limbs. In each of the three study groups, one-factor ANOVA, two-factor MANOVA, and r-Pearson correlation coefficients between COP and D lower limb, as well as between COP and ND lower limb, were calculated. No statistically significant differences were observed between the means of the COP in the groups studied in the static test. A statistically significant difference between the COP of the D and ND lower limbs (p < 0.001) was observed in the dynamic test only in the M group. In both the C and PL groups, a significant relationship was observed between the two variables for the parameter of sway distance between the lower limbs (r = 0.75; p < 0.001 and r = 0.73; p < 0.001). Only in the M group were statistically significant differences found between the D and ND lower limbs in the dynamic study (p < 0.001). These athletes developed specific postural strategies characterized by the difference between the length of the sway path between the D and ND lower limbs. Further research is needed in these athlete groups to determine whether practicing these sports can affect the distribution of foot pressure on the ground.

Center of pressure (COP) analysis is a method used in postural control research. The purpose of this study was to determine whether training for a marathon and powerlifting could affect the value of COP in static and dynamic testing assessed with the FreeMed ground reaction force platform. A barometric mat was used to evaluate COP values, using Free Step computer software. The study was performed in three groups: marathon runners (M, n = 31), powerlifters (PL, n = 24), and a control group (C, n = 30). Basic descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation) were calculated for COP in the static, anteroposterior (AP), and mediolateral (ML) directions, followed by dynamic test variables for the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) lower limb. One-factor ANOVA, two-factor MANOVA, and r-Pearson correlation coefficient between COP and D, as well as ND lower limbs in the three study groups, were calculated. No statistically significant differences were observed between the means of the COP in the groups studied in the static test. A statistically significant difference between the COP of the D and ND lower limb (p < 0.001) was observed in the dynamic test only in the M group. In this study, there was a high correlation between the lower limbs tested only in the PL group. Conclusions. Only in the M group, statistically significant differences between the D and ND lower limbs were found in the dynamic study. These athletes developed specific postural strategies characterized by the difference between the length of the sway path between the D and ND lower limbs.

Electrical stimulation is a branch of physical therapy that applies low and medium frequency currents to stimulate the human body. The effects of electrical impulses on human beings have been observed since antiquity. The development of research in that scope commenced in the 18th century, the most important turning point, and is now continuing. The purpose of this narrative study is to present electrical stimulation in terms of its progressing development and to draw attention to its significant role in the therapeutic processes utilized in numerous medical specializations and comprehensive strength and endurance training of healthy people. The notions ‘electrical stimulation’ and ‘electrotherapy,’ as well as differences between electric current applications are explained. The most critical moments in the history of electrical stimulation development are highlighted. Recent research is presented, exhibiting the important role of electrical stimulation both in the therapeutic process and in strength and endurance training. This paper contains the most significant aspects of contemporary application of electrical stimulation, as well as recommendations and limitations for current usage in such areas as whole-body electrostimulation, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament surgery, endurance training, and improvement of physical strength and appearance.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-week physiotherapy treatment augmented with the McKenzie method in patients with lumbar discopathy. The influence of this treatment on progression in the mobility range of lumbar spine was investigated. Methods Sixty patients aged 40–59 years diagnosed with lumbar discopathy were equally divided into group A (mean age: 51.4 years) and group B (mean age: 51.8 years). The McKenzie method was applied in group A and conservative physiotherapeutic treatment was administered to group B. Pre- and post-intervention measures of spinal range of motion were assessed with a Saunders digital inclinometer; pain intensity and nerve root irritation were also collected. The results were compared between groups. Results Spinal mobility improved and pain was reduced in both groups albeit enhanced treatment outcomes were observed in group A compared with group B (p < 0.0001). Conclusions The improved response in group A attests to the applicability of the McKenzie method in the treatment of lumbar discopathy. Post-treatment values did not meet clinical norms and may be a result of group characteristics at baseline (high pain level and impeded spinal mobility) or the limited intervention duration.

The study investigated touch and pain sensations and the correlation between them in diadynamic current (DD) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), electrotherapies commonly applied in musculoskeletal disorders and occupational rehabilitation medicine. Forty healthy subjects were treated with either DD (n=20) or TENS (n=20). Each treatment consisted of three sessions with one-week interval. Touch sensation was determined with the JVP Domes esthesiometer, pain sensation with pressure pain threshold (PPT), and pressure pain tolerance threshold (PPTO) by an algometer. During each session the measurements were performed before the application of the procedure (T0), immediately after it (T1), and 30 minutes after the end of the procedure (T2). Both DD and TENS increased touch sensation (p<0.01) and did not significantly alter PPT and PPTO (p>0.05). No statistically significant differences in short-term effects, i.e., 3 weeks of the trial, were noted between DD and TENS in their influence on touch and pain sensations (p>0.05). There was a high significant correlation between touch and pain sensations in DD (r=0.86). TENS and DD caused similar analgesic effects. DD, which is shorter in the duration of the treatment, may comprise a realistic alternative to TENS in clinical practice of pain management.

BACKGROUND:The aim of the study was to compare the static and dynamic plantar pressure profiles of amateur marathon runners with sedentary cohorts.RESEARCH QUESTIONS:Are there differences in the plantar pressures of these two populations? Is there a correlation between body mass and BMI with plantar loading?METHODS:The study involved 43 runners involved in marathon training and 30 age-matched untrained individuals. Plantar pressure was measured using a baropodometric system.RESULTS:The marathon runners showed greater forefoot plantar pressure of the dominant extremity in the static condition and reduced medial plantar pressure of both extremities in the dynamic condition. A correlation was observed between body mass and BMI with mean plantar pressure only in the marathon group and only for the dominant extremity in the dynamic condition.CONCLUSIONS:Marathon training may modify the forefoot plantar loading characteristics of the dominant extremity during static conditions and increase lateral plantar pressure of both extremities in a dynamic (gait) condition.

The purpose of the research was an evaluation of removable partial dentures (RPDs) influence on temperature values registered in the area of mental foramen. Initial assumption was made that temperature is proportional to blood flow in mental artery. Additionally, the research objective was an assessment of application of infrared thermovision technique in the field of dental prosthodontics. Two independent groups of patients were examined. Test group consisted of 30 patients using RPD, and control group was composed of 33 patients partially edentulous in mandibular dental arch. The mean age in the test group was 68.8 years, standard deviation (SD) = 10.6, whereas in control group 62.3, SD = 11.9. Temperature values were recorded with thermovision camera. Test group patients underwent two examinations (with denture and 45 min after denture removal), and control group patients were examined once. Results showed decreased temperature values in case of test group patients. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05); however, the dentures negative influence was transient as 45 min after RPD removal temperature values were similar in both groups.

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of physical therapy procedure on a series of selected functional parameters in patients after hip arthroplasty. The study was carried out on a group of 25 patients aged 65-75 years during their stay at the “Niebieski Parasol” Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre in Chojnow. The patients underwent a clinical test on the 10th day after surgical intervention. A goniometer was used to measure the hip joint range of motion. In order to measure functional balance with the Berg Balance Scale the following tools were used: a stopwatch, a centimetre tape, a chair and a step. The test was performed twice, before physical therapy and after 6 weeks. The application of the physical therapy procedures in the experimental group contributed to an increase in the hip joint range of motion in all the mobility ranges assessed in the study and led to an improvement in the hip joint balance and gait assessed with the Berg Balance Scale.

The aim of this study was to compare the purported advantages of 4% tetracaine gel (Ametop gel) and 4% liposomal lidocaine gel (LMX4 gel) with EMLA cream (eutectic mixture of 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine) using an objective and repeatable method. Ametop gel and LMX4 gel were administered under occlusion for 30 min and compared to EMLA cream applied for 30 and 60 min on the intact upper lip skin of 15 volunteers each. The efficacy of the anesthetics was assessed by the spatial resolution method. Measurements were conducted just after removal of the products from the skin, then 20, 40 and 60 min later. Each of the formulations, except for EMLA cream applied for 30 min, decreased tactile spatial discrimination thresholds significantly just after removal from the skin when compared to the output levels (p<0.05). Ametop gel kept significantly good skin anesthesia also 20, 40 and 60 min later (p<0.05). The efficacy of LMX4 gel and EMLA(60) cream decreased to the initial levels after 40-min application. Ametop gel anesthetized the skin in a highly homogeneous manner providing similar effect in most subjects, which was not the case in the EMLA and LMX4 groups. In conclusion, LMX4 gel and Ametop gel appeared to be faster acting than EMLA cream. Our results showed the 30-min application of LMX4 and Ametop gel under occlusion to be equivalent to 60-min administration of EMLA cream. Ametop gel, in contrast to the rest, provides very good anesthesia for up to 60 min. The application of EMLA cream under occlusion over only 30 min cannot guarantee appropriate effects.

Ultrasound heat effects are relatively easily perceived, being manifested by a tissue temperature rise resulting from intratissular conversion of mechanical energy into thermal one. The goal of the study reported was an evaluation of skin surface temperature distribution changes as a result of ultrasound therapy applied, with reference to the coupling medium used. The study involved 40 healthy students, with the mean age of the subjects in the study group being 20 years. All of the subjects were submitted to sonographic procedures with the use of two different coupling media, whilst skin surface temperature at the site was recorded by a thermovision camera. Sonographic beams were applied to the region of the left quadriceps femoris muscle by a dynamic method, using a continuous ultrasound wave of 0.5 W/cm2 intensity and 1 MHz frequency. The area treated amounted to 300 cm², the sonotherapy lasted 10 min. Paraffin oil enhanced the thermal effects of the ultrasound signals applied, inducing mean tissue temperature rises. The mean temperature recorded immediately after ultrasound application was higher than the mean base temperature by 0.33 °C, rising to 0.62 °C at the 15th minute following the procedure, with P < 0.05. In contrast, application of gel led to considerable reductions in the mean temperatures of tissues submitted to ultrasound treatment: immediately after the sonographic procedure, tissue temperature decreased by 3.96 °C. On the basis of the results of the study conducted, it was concluded that the type of coupling medium applied influenced temperature levels within the treated area.

Background: Back pain has multi-factorial etiology and is modified by environmental influences, character of work, and individual predispositions.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of analgesic DD current therapy and TENS in low back discopathy.Material and methods: Eighty patients (age, 45-60 years) with diagnosed low back pain syndrome due to discopathy were subjected to therapy. In the first group (DD) of 40 people, DD current therapy was applied. In the second group (TENS) of 40 people, TENS was applied. The third group of 40 people was a control group in which a functional fitness test was performed for comparison purposes. The control group was in this case an equivalent to a norm. Before the beginning and on the completion of therapy in all patients, a pain level measurement and functional fitness test were performed.Results: On the basis of research conducted it was stated that both therapies reduce pain level effectively. Obtained analyzed results conclude that both therapies applied have an analgesic effect.Conclusions: DD current and TENS therapies in low back discopathy have an analgesic impact and improve functional fitness. The applied therapies have a comparable impact on researched parameters.

Streszczenie Wprowadzenie. Zmiany zwyrodnieniowe odcinka lędźwiowo-krzyżowego kręgosłupa to najczęstsze przyczyny ograniczenia aktywności ludzi młodych i w wieku średnim. Stanowią też główną przyczynę niezdolności do pracy i absencji. W ciągu całego życia około 80% dorosłego społeczeństwa skarży się na bóle krzyża. W patogenezie bólów krzyża ważną rolę odgrywają zmiany toczące siew obrębie krążka międzykręgowego i stawów tej samej okoli- cy oraz więzadeł kręgosłupa. Wybór odpowiedniego postępowania terapeutycznego jest za- daniem trudnym, wynikającym z istnienia wielu metod i różnorodności technik stosowanych w leczeniu zmian zwyrodnieniowych odcinka lędźwiowo-krzyżowego kręgosłupa. Cel.Celem pracy była ocena wpływu zabiegów laseroterapii i magnetoterapii w połączeniu z kinezyterapią stosowanych u pacjentów z chorobą zwyrodnieniową odcinka lędźwiowo-krzyżowego. Badani i metody. Badaniami objęto 30 osób w wieku od 41 do 62 lat. Pacjentom zlecono serię 10 zabiegów z użyciem światła laserowego, magnetoterapii oraz kinezyterapii. U wszystkich pacjentów przed terapią i po niej wykonano pomiary zakresu ruchomości odcinka lędźwiowo-krzyżowego kręgosłupa przy użyciu inklinometni cyfrowego Saundersa. Wykonano test Laseque'a oraz pomiar natężenia bólu stosując skalę VAS. Wyniki. Poddając analizie średnie wartości badanych parametrów, określających zakres ruchomości kręgosłupa, zaobserwowano większe wartości zmiennych w badaniu drugim. Poprawa zakresów ruchomości nastąpiła we wszystkich płaszczyznach. Analizując wyniki dotyczące stopnia natężenia bólu badanego skalą VAS. stwierdzono statystycznie istotną różnicę pomiędzy wynikami pized terapią i po mej. Zaobserwowano zmmejszenie dolegliwości bólowych odcinka L-S kręgosłupa po zastosowanej seiii zabiegów. Objaw Laseque'a u 43,4% pacjentów pized terapią był dodatni, a u 56.6% ujemny Po leczemu 20% badanych charakteryzowała dodatnia próba, a 80% próba ujemna. Dzięki zastosowanej terapii pacjenci odczuwali zmniejszeme dolegliwości bólowych odcinka lędźwiowo-krzyżowego kręgosłupa na poziomie statystycznie istotnym. Wnioski. Wykazano, że laseroterapia i magnetoterapia skojarzone z kinezyterapią spowodowały obniżenie stopnia natężenia bólu. Po zastosowanej terapii zaobserwowano zwiększenie zakresów' ruchomości kręgosłupa we wszystkich płaszczyznach. Skojarzone usprawnianie pacjentów ze zmianami zwyrodnieniowymi odcinka lędźwiowo-krzyżowego kręgosłupa polegające na połączeniu laseroterapii, magnetoterapii i kinezyterapii wpłynęło istotme na zmmejszenie objawai Laseque’a.

The aim of the study was to evaluate treatment results of the degenerative lesion of the cervical spine with Träbert and diadynamic currents. The examined group, consisted of patients with cervical spine degeneration, was divided into two subgroups: T – group treated with Träbert current and D – group subjected to diadynamic current. The series of 10 treatments procedures performed within 14 days, was applied. The analysis of the pain level and the range of cervical spine movements before and after thera-py revealed statistically significant changes. Both, Träbert and diadynamic currents were effective in the treatment of cervical spine degeneration.