Saule Sipaviciene

Effects of core stability exercises on multifidus muscles in healthy women and women with chronic low-back pain

BACKGROUND Chronic low-back pain (LBP) may be related to decreased lumbar multifidus muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). OBJECTIVE In this study, core stabilization exercises were designed to enhance neuromuscular control and correct multifidus dysfunction. METHODS The subjects were healthy women (n = 11) and women with chronic LBP (n = 17). Lumbar multifidus muscle CSAs were measured by ultrasonography. Tests were carried out before training exercises for lumbar stability, and again 4 months and 8 months after training. RESULTS In women with LBP, the mean multifidus muscle CSA increased by 22% on the right side and 23% on the left side after 8 months of lumbar stabilization training, compared with baseline measurements. In healthy women, mean multifidus muscle CSA increased by 24% on the right side and 23% on the left side, compared with baseline values. CONCLUSIONS A core stabilization exercise program significantly increased multifidus muscle CSAs in both healthy women and women with chronic LBP.

Axiological logic in the means of e-teaching product interactivity

The aim of the present research was to analyze the methodological possibilities of axiological logic for the sustainability of e-teaching interactivity and manifestation of studentspsila value dispositions. In professional education, it is necessary to take into account value levels that are important for the development of personality individuality and social expression. We suggest a strategy for sustainability of interactivity in e-teaching technologies, applying the laws of axiological logic. Expert assessment of 26 e-teaching courses according to nine criteria is presented. It was established that e-teaching courses were best programmed with regard to realization of systemic approach to solving educational problem, quality of preparation of self-assessment tasks, logical structuring of the material and worse programmed in purposefulness and meaningfulness of the teaching media used in the course processes, value aspect of the course content (suitability and quality of interactivity realizing emotional (affective) educational goals, expressed in the form of affective educational goals), validity of methodology for holistic assessment of the acquired competencies.

Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Health Behaviours among University Students: The Predictive and Moderating Role of Gender

This study investigated the role of gender as a potential predictor of health behaviour and potential moderator of the relationship between emotional intelligence and health behaviour. This cross-sectional study included 1214 students (597 males and 617 females). Data were collected using the Schutte Self-Report Inventory and the Health Behaviour Checklist. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was executed with the components of health behaviour as the dependent variables to examine the predictive value of the emotional intelligence indicators as the independent variables. Gender predicted all categories of health behaviours. Only one indicator of emotional intelligence, appraisal, predicted the Accident Control and Traffic Risk Taking categories. The emotional intelligence indicator of social skills emerged only as a predictor of Wellness Maintenance and Enhancement in university students. Gender moderates the relationship between all emotional intelligence indicators and health behaviour components except the relationship between Appraisal and Substance Risk Taking and the relationship between Utilization and traffic risk taking.

Effects of a Twelve-Week Program of Lumbar-Stabilization Exercises on Multifidus Muscles, Isokinetic Peak Torque and Pain for Women with Chronic Low Back Pain

Objective: This study aim was to evaluate the effects of the lumbar stabilization exercises on cross-sectional area (CSA) of the multifidus muscle, trunk muscles’ isokinetic peak torque, pain and disability in women with chronic low back pain (cLBP). Methods: The experimental group (EG; n=55) was enrolled in a 12-week lumbar stabilization exercises program. Control group (CG; n=51) did not undertake exercises. Before starting the exercise program, after completing it and 1 and 2 months after the intervention the following tests were carried out: isokinetic peak torque at an angular velocity of 60 deg/s was measured using a isokinetic dynamometer; measurement of the CSA of the multifidus muscle was performed using a ultrasound system, and patients were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), as well as visual analogue pain (VAS) rating scales. Results: After intervention, isokinetic peak torque (41.25% extension and 21.53% flexion) and multifidus muscle CSA (right side: 37.41 ± 0.7%; left side: 37.53 ± 0.7%) increased, VAS (44.00%) and ODI (48.74%) decreased. Conclusion: After 12-week lumbar stabilization exercises program, multifidus muscle CSA and trunk muscles peak torque increased, disability and cLBP decreased, and these changes lasted for 2 months.