Jacek Lewandowski

Effects of Whole-Body Cryotherapy in Comparison with Other Physical Modalities Used with Kinesitherapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) has been frequently used to supplement the rehabilitation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to compare the effect of WBC and traditional rehabilitation (TR) on clinical parameters and systemic levels of IL-6, TNF-α in patients with RA. The study group comprised 25 patients who were subjected to WBC (−110°C) and 19 patients who underwent a traditional rehabilitation program. Some clinical variables and levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were used to assess the outcomes. After therapy both groups exhibited similar improvement in pain, disease activity, fatigue, time of walking, and the number of steps over a distance of 50 m. Only significantly better results were observed in HAQ in TR group (p < 0.05). However, similar significant reduction in IL-6 and TNF-α level was observed. The results showed positive effects of a 2-week rehabilitation program for patients with RA regardless of the kind of the applied physical procedure.

Does Nordic walking improves the postural control and gait parameters of women between the age 65 and 74: a randomized trial

[Purpose] To assess the effect of 12-weeks Nordic walking training on gait parameters and some elements of postural control. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-seven women aged 65 to 74 years were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into a Nordic Walking group (12 weeks of Nordic walking training, 3 times a week for 75 minutes) and a control group. In both study groups, a set of functional tests were conducted at the beginning and at the end of the study: the Forward Reach Test (FRT) and the Upward Reach Test (URT) on a stabilometric platform, and the analysis of gait parameters on a treadmill. [Results] The NW group showed improvements in: the range of reach in the FRT test and the URT test in compared to the control group. The length of the gait cycle and gait cycle frequency also showed changes in the NW group compared to the control group. [Conclusion] A 12-week NW training program had a positive impact on selected gait parameters and may improve the postural control of women aged over 65 according to the results selected functional tests.

Polish adaptation and validation of Burn Specific Health Scale - Brief

BACKGROUND The Burn Specific Health Scale - Brief is a well-described, specific tool to assess health condition (quality of life) of burnt patients. This project was aimed at creating a Polish adaptation and validation of the Burn Specific Health Scale - Brief. METHOD Adaptation of the tool was performed in two stages. The first stage involved translation, back translation, evaluation by a panel of judges and a pre-test of the tool. The second stage consisted of surveying 202 burned patients. Those data were used to conduct a psychometric analysis. Reliability was checked by determining the Cronbachs α internal consistency coefficient and conducting the test-retest procedure (ICC). Content validity was evaluated by a panel of judges. Criterion validity was determined using SF-36. Construct validity was determined using known-groups validation. RESULTS Reliability of the tool, determined using the internal consistency coefficient (Cronbachs α=0.94) and the test-retest procedure (ICC=0.89), proved to be high. Criterion validity, determined using the relationship of results of comparable BSHS-B and SF-36 subscales, obtained a satisfactory level with a correlation of r=0.55-0.89 (p<0.01). Analysis of inter-group differences showed that patients who stayed at a hospital for more than 10 days (p=0.002), patients after surgical intervention (p=0.018), patients with a burn larger than 19% of the TBSA (p=0.01) and patients with 3rd degree burns (p=0.001) have much poorer results than the rest of the subjects. DISCUSSION The Polish version of BSHS-B is a reliable and valid tool for assessing quality of life of burned patients. It may be used to plan the burn treatment process and evaluate its outcomes.

Effects of aging on mechanical properties of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles during transition from lying to sitting position-A cross-sectional study.

AIM The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of aging on the viscoelastic properties of the upper trapezius (UT) and the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle during transition from lying to sitting position. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 39 older (mean age 67±5.9years) and 36 younger (21.1±1.8years) women. Tone, stiffness and elasticity of the UT and the SCM were measured by means of myotonometry (MyotonPRO) in lying and then, in sitting position. The results were compared using two-way analysis of variance. RESULTS Irrespective of the position, older women presented with significantly higher muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity than younger subjects (P<0.05). In both groups, the transition from lying to sitting position resulted in a decrease (P<0.05) in the tone and stiffness, but not the elasticity (P>0.05) of the SCM, and stimulated an increase in the tone, stiffness and elasticity of the UT (P<0.05). The degree of changes in both study groups was similar, except from the absolute value of the UT elasticity, significantly higher increase in older women than in younger subjects (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Age contributes to an increase in the stiffness and tone of the UT and the SCM, as well as to a decrease in the elasticity of these muscles in female subjects. In contrast, age exerts only a slight effect on the mechanical properties of both muscles during transition from lying to sitting position.

Effects of sensorimotor foot training on the symmetry of weight distribution on the lower extremities of patients in the chronic phase after stroke.

[Purpose] To assess the effects of sensorimotor foot stimulation on the symmetry of weight distribution on the feet of patients in the chronic post-stroke phase. [Subjects and Methods] This study was a prospective, single blind, randomized controlled trial. In the study we examined patients with chronic stroke (post-stroke duration > 1 year). They were randomly allocated to the study group (n=8) or to the control group (n=12). Both groups completed a standard six-week rehabilitation programme. In the study group, the standard rehabilitation programme was supplemented with sensorimotor foot stimulation training. Each patient underwent two assessments of symmetry of weight distribution on the lower extremities with and without visual control, on a treadmill, with stabilometry measurements, and under static conditions. [Results] Only the study group demonstrated a significant increase in the weight placed on the leg directly affected by stroke, and a reduction in asymmetry of weight-bearing on the lower extremities. [Conclusion] Sensorimotor stimulation of the feet enhanced of weight bearing on the foot on the side of the body directly affected by stroke, and a decreased asymmetry of weight distribution on the lower extremities of patients in the chronic post-stroke phase.

Characteristics of back pain in Polish youth depending on place of residence

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Spinal pain (SP) has become a very common problem in contemporary societies and occurs in adults, youths, and even children. The aim of the study was to determine whether the prevalence and characteristics of SP, as well as the determinants leading to SP in Polish youths, vary depending on the place of residence. The determinants considered were out-of-school physical activity (PA) and physical work (PW), time spent at a computer and TV, and the level of psychosocial development expressed as the level of anxiety-trait. The restricting effect of the experienced SP on everyday functioning of youths was also analysed. MATERIALS AND METHOD A cross-sectional, population-based study comprising 502 village residents (VR) and 1,593 city residents (CR) aged 13-19, residing in 3 random Polish provinces. The tools used were a custom-designed survey and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) filled by students during classes. RESULTS The frequency and localisation of SP, the time and circumstances in which SP episodes occur, as well as the influence of the pain on everyday functioning, are the same in youths living in villages and youths living in cities. Slight differences in the correlation between the prevalence of SP and determinants of SP development related to lifestyle depending on the place of residence were observed. However, in both VR and CR the occurrence of SP is significantly correlated negatively with the level of psychosocial development. CONCLUSIONS At present, the conditions of living in a rural and in an urban environment in Poland pose no specific threat determining the occurrence of SP in youths, and increasing the negative effect of the pain on the functioning of youths.

The effects of Nordic Walking training on selected upper-body muscle groups in female-office workers: A randomized trial

BACKGROUND Regular Nordic Walking training could improve fitness and reduce tenderness in selected muscle groups in office workers. OBJECTIVE An assessment of the effects of a 12-week Nordic Walking training program on the perceived pain threshold (PPT) and the flexibility of selected upper-body muscle groups in postmenopausal female office workers. METHODS 39 office workers were selected at random for the treatment group (NWg, n = 20) and the control group (Cg, n = 19). The persons from the NW group completed a 12-week Nordic Walking training program (3 times a week/1 hour). PPTs measurements in selected muscles and functional tests evaluating upper-body flexibility (Back Scratch - BS) were carried out twice in every participant of the study: before and after the training program. RESULTS A significant increase in PPT (kg/cm2) was observed in the following muscles in the NW group only: upper trapezius (from 1,32 kg/cm2 to 1,99 kg/cm2), mid trapezius (from 2,92 kg/cm2 to 3,30 kg/cm2), latissimus dorsi (from 1,66 kg/cm2 to 2,21 kg/cm2) and infraspinatus (from 1,63 kg/cm2 to 2,93 kg/cm2). Moreover, a significant improvement in the BS test was noted in the NW group compared with the control group (from -1,16±5,7 cm to 2,18±5,1 cm in the NW group vs from -2,52±6,1 to -2,92±6,2 in the control group). CONCLUSIONS A 12-week Nordic Walking training routine improves shoulder mobility and reduces tenderness in the following muscles: trapezius pars descendens and middle trapezius, infraspinatus and latissimus dorsi, in female office workers.

Kinesio Taping Does Not Alter Quadriceps Isokinetic Strength and Power in Healthy Nonathletic Men: A Prospective Crossover Study

Objectives. The effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) on muscular performance remain largely unclear. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of KT on the maximum concentric and eccentric quadriceps isokinetic strength. Study Design. This is a single-blinded, placebo crossover, repeated measures study. Methods. Maximum isokinetic concentric/eccentric extension torque, work, and power were assessed by an isokinetic dynamometer without taping (NT) and with KT or placebo taping (PT) in 17 healthy young men. Repeated measures one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analyses. Results. Testing concentric contractions at 60°/s or 180°/s isokinetic speed, no significant differences in peak torque (Nm), total work (J), or mean power (W) were noted among the application modes under different conditions. Testing eccentric contractions at 30°/s or 60°/s isokinetic speed, no significant differences in mentioned parameters were noted, respectively. KT on the quadriceps neither decreased nor increased muscle strength in the participants. Conclusion. KT application onto the skin overlying the quadriceps muscle does not enhance the strength or power of knee extensors in healthy men.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ELASTICITY CHANGES OF THE CANCELLOUS PART OF VERTEBRAL BODIES OF THE LUMBAR SPINE IN SPORTSMEN PROFESSIONALLY TRAINING STRENGTH AND STAMINA DISCIPLINES

Background Unfavorable biomechanical situations, usually related to the performance of a profession and competitive sports practice, promote formation of overloads. This problem may be particularly perceptible among sportsmen that practice strength and stamina sports. The present study deals with rowing. Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of changes of elasticity in the vertebral bodies of the lumbosacral spine in competitive rowers. Design The lesions of the intervertebral discs of the lumbosacral spine and the modification of bone structure aiming towards higher density, which were discovered in the tested rowers, resulted in the undertaking of further research in the area of contingent changes in their elasticity. Setting This research used a previously created original method, which due to the existence of relation between the structure of the bone tissue and its mechanical properties as well as radio-density, uses the possibilities of a computer tomograph. Participants The research was conducted over 20 athletes from the national team aged 21 to 33, practicing competitive rowing with symmetrical sculling oars. Main outcome measurements Overload lesions in the athletes (rowers) have a direct relation to the formation of morphological changes (degenerative changes) in the area of tissue structures of the lumbar spine;. Results Within the group of the tested rowers, in the cancellous part of the vertebral bodies of the lumbar spine (especially in vertebrae L3 to L5), an increase in the longitudinal elasticity modulus occurs, which aims towards values corresponding to those of a compact bone. Conclusions Biomechanical analysis of spine loads and new techniques and methods for the testing of the condition of spine tissue structure let us prove that competitive rowing practice, in its present form, leads to permanent overload lesions of the lumbar spine.

Nasal septum morphology in human fetuses in computed tomography images

ObjectivesNasal septum deformation (NSD) may cause breathing dysfunction. The reason for a septal deviation is the developmental anomaly in growth of the elastic septum or its skeleton. Such a type of deviation is called physiological. Some deviations can result from the prenatal trauma. The aim of the work was the analysis of the anatomy of the nasal cavity with a special interest focused on the nasal septum and its deviation.Materials and methodsThe nasal cavity with its bones and septum was analyzed in CT images of 105 spontaneously aborted fetuses (57 males and 48 females) aged 12 and 40 weeks of gestation. We attempted to assess the morphometric development of the nasal cavity with tomographic scanning methods and to detect anatomical variations.ResultsIn 15 (14.3%) fetuses, NSD were detected on radiological sections. The angle between the virtual line from the sphenoid sinus ostium through limen nasi and the horizontal plane was 33.6 ± 2.3°, on average.ConclusionsNSD may already be found in fetuses. The observation of the nasal cavity development enables to evaluate the growth and symmetry of the nasal septum and to foretell predispositions for dysfunction in the upper respiratory tract.