Musculoskeletal pain in professional symphony orchestra musicians
Background: A musician’s many years of professional experience may contribute to the development of pain and musculoskeletal disorders. There are a few studies in Poland on gender differences in musculoskeletal pain among adult professional musicians. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess and compare pain in Polish women and men who are professional musicians, as well as to analyze the relationships between the intensity and frequency of pain and the time spent playing each week and the experience of playing the instrument in years. Material and methods: Sixty professional musicians were examined (26 men and 34 women). Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). …
The effectiveness of therapeutic massage in treating back pain – a case study
Background: Spinal pain is a common problem in developed societies. In recent years, more and more people have been found to complain about spinal pain. Therefore, it would seem that back pain remains a major problem, a burden for the patient, the family, and the economy. If the pain is severe, it can cause difficulties with performing even the most basic activities of everyday life. The quest for methods to reduce this complaint may contribute to improving the quality of life for many people. One of the more commonly chosen forms of therapy for back pain is therapeutic massage. Massage therapy has a long history with back pain treatment and has been found to produce various beneficial effe…
Effects of a dynamic stretching warm-up on functional movement patterns in female hip-hop dancers
Background: A large percentage of dancers suffer an injury to their musculoskeletal system at least once in their careers, as well as from pain caused by overloading or overtraining this system. A high frequency of injuries has been observed in hip-hop dancers. Before each workout, there should be a solid warm-up and stretching period. The lack of these two important elements increases the risk of injury. Aim of the study: This study aimed to examine the effects of dynamic stretching warm-ups on fundamental movement patterns in female hip-hop dancers. Material and methods: This study included 14 hip-hop female dancers, aged 15–17. Dancers participated in 6 weeks of dynamic stretching warm-u…
Examination of fundamental movement patterns and likelihood of injury in amateur runners from Opole region in Poland
Background: The most common risk factors for running-related injuries are mistakes, such as insufficient warm-up and stretching exercises, during training. Good preparation and proper training reduces the risk of sport-related injuries. Aim of the study: To examine fundamental movement patterns and likelihood of injury in amateur runners. Material and methods: Twenty-four amateur long-distance runners from Opole region (Poland) were divided into two groups. The first group comprised 12 runners from the club “Kotwica Brzeg”, who did a proper warmup before training and stretching exercises after training. The second group comprised 12 runners from other clubs who did not undertake any warm-up…
Vibrating Exercise Equipment in Middle-Age and Older Women with Chronic Low Back Pain and Effects on Bioelectrical Activity, Range of Motion and Pain Intensity: A Randomized, Single-Blinded Sham Intervention Study.
Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. Physical activity (PA) is often recommended as part of the management of CLBP, but to date, no one particular exercise has been shown to be superior. Vibrating exercise equipment (VEE) is widely available and used despite little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of using VEE compared with sham-VEE in women with CLBP. Methods: A randomized (1:1 randomization scheme) single-blinded sham-controlled intervention study was conducted. Through simple randomization, 92 women aged…
Effect of the MobilityWOD training program on functional movement patterns related to the risk of injury in CrossFit practitioners
Background: CrossFit is an increasingly popular form of physical activity. However, due to its specificity and high intensity, it carries with it a considerable risk of injuries. So it is important to know if some specific training including exercises derived from physiotherapy and functional training (MobilityWOD) can reduce the risk of injury. Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the effect of MobilityWOD training program on functional movement patterns related to the risk of injury in adult male CrossFit practitioners. Methods: The study included 30 men aged 20-35 years old who practice CrossFit training five timeper week. Initially, a functional evaluation was performed using th…
Assessment of Physical Fitness and Risk Factors for the Occurrence of the Frailty Syndrome among Social Welfare Homes’ Residents over 60 Years of Age in Poland
The study aimed at assessing physical fitness and occurrence of the frailty syndrome among social welfare homes’ residents as well as defining factors which determine the level of frailty and its occurrence. The examination included 198 residents (115 females and 83 males of average age 75.5 ± 10.21) and was carried out with the use of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test with the following cut-off points: 0–6—frail, 7–9—pre-frail, 10–12—non-frail. The research additionally collected data regarding age, gender, number of chronic diseases, education level, type of prior work and current physical activity. In addition, the height …
Evaluation of balance and fall risk in geriatric ward patients.
Background. The physical changes inherent to aging can reduce autonomy and functional independence, which may directly or indirectly lead to falls. Aim of the study. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of falls in patients over 75 years of age. Materials and methods. Fifty elderly patients were examined. The subjects were divided into the three age groups: 75–79, 80–84 and 85–90 years old. The Berg Balance Scale was used to assess the risk of falls related to the balance skills. Results. The average Berg Balance Scale score in the 75–79 age group was 37.6 points; for 80–84, 33.53 points; and for 85–90, 27.81 points. The difference between the youngest and oldest age group was stati…
Assessment of Asymmetrical Lower Limb Loading in the Short-Track Speed Skaters
Background. Short-track speed skaters who regularly participate in training are exposed to the occurrence of asymmetry in the lower limb loading. 
 Objective. The study aimed to assess the symmetry of the lower limb loading in short track skaters and the relationship between age, training experience and anthropometric variables and symmetry of lower limb loading.
 Methods. The examined group consisted of 20 short-track speed skaters (12 men and 8 women), and the control group comprised 28 university students (14 men and 14 women). Two scales were used to assess the symmetry of lower limb loading, and the lower limb's loading symmetry index (LSI) was calculated. 
 Results. In …
The angle of trunk rotation and symmetry of a lower limb loading in musicians of a symphony orchestra in Poland: a pilot study concerning instrument-specific results.
Background: The study aimed to evaluate the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) and symmetry of lower limb loading in professional musicians. Material and Methods: A total of 60 instrumentalists were examined: cellists, violinists and musicians playing wind instruments. The scoliometer examination was used to assess trunk asymmetry. The angle of trunk rotation was measured at segment: Th1–Th4, Th5–Th12, and Th12–L4. The maximum value (ATR max) and the sum of three rotations (STR) were calculated. Two scales were used to assess the symmetry of lower limb loading. Loading symmetry index (LSI) of the lower limb was calculated. Results: Violinists have the highest mean values of ATR, ATR max, STR and…
Body composition and health behaviors among older women attending regular fitness classes: a pilot study
Background: The average lifespan is increasing worldwide, although the healthspan and quality of life is not. Many older adults either have a chronic disease, excessive body mass, or do not follow the healthy lifestyle recommendations as for nutrition and physical activity. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the relationship between body composition among senior women and health behaviors in the five domains of nutrition, body care, rest, safety and physical activity. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 36 women attending fitness classes. The Positive Health Behavior Questionnaire was used as the qualitative measurement and participant height, weight and body compos…
Body structure and physical fitness assessed by the Senior Fitness Test: a cross-sectional study in a sample of Polish seniors
Background: The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) measures the underlying physical parameters associated with functional ability, and identifies whether an older adult may be at risk of loss of functional fitness. Assessing the functional fitness performance of older adults is an essential element in the design of effective exercise programs. Aim of the study: The present study aimed to assess selected parameters of the body structure and functional fitness of the elderly using the SFT. Material and methods: 60 people (30 women and 30 men) were examined. The participants were divided into two age groups: the younger group (people up to 74 years old) and the older group (people over 75 years old). H…
Anthropometry and body composition of young soccer players
Background: Body composition and other anthropometric measurements are important factors influencing the overall performance of an athlete. Together with motor coordination, physical fitness, physical, functional, and psychosocial conditions, as well as learned technique and tactics, a player's sports potential and probability of success can be determined. Aim of the study: Our study aimed to describe anthropometric variables and body composition of young soccer players of various ages. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 61 young soccer players in the under-15, under-16, and under-19 categories. We used a bioimpedance analyzer to measure the following indic…
Predictors of the Occupational Burnout of Healthcare Workers in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.
The study aims at analysing the occupational burnout phenomenon, the level of anxiety and depression, as well as the quality of life (QOL) of healthcare workers (HCW) during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 497 healthcare workers examined across Poland. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Short Form (WHOQOL BREF) were used. A total of 71.63% (356) of the respondents presented high and moderate levels of emotional exhaustion during the pandemic, 71.43% (355) reported low and moderate job satisfaction levels, whereas 40.85% (203) displayed high and moderate levels of depersonalization. A group …
Intergenerational differences in the body build of women
Background: This study analyzed generational differences in body build of woman. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to examine the intergenerational differences in the body build of women. Material and methods: 90 women (30 female physiotherapy students, their mothers and grandmothers) were examined. Their heights, weights, waist circumferences, and waist and hip circumferences were measured. Their Body mass index (BMI) and Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) were calculated. Their frequency of underweight, overweight and obesity were estimated. WHO criteria were applied. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were calculated. The Shapiro-Wilk test for testi…
The effects of physiotherapy using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques on the gait of patients after hip and knee arthroplasty: a case report
Background: Gait disturbances are a major problem for patients after arthroplasty. After the surgery, walking speed, the rhythm of locomotion, and the length of the steps are significantly reduced. One of the therapeutic methods used in gait re-education is proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of physiotherapy using PNF techniques on the gait of patients after hip and knee arthroplasty. Case report: A 60-year-old woman with advanced osteoarthritis that received bilateral hip and right knee arthroplasties was examined. Before and after the therapy, the following tests were performed: measurement of the range of motion (RO…
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE AND FLEXIBILITY IN THE STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS OF THE SUPERFICIAL BACK LINE OF PROFESSIONAL VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS: A PILOT STUDY
Background: Massage is a common treatment in physiotherapy, often used as a prophylaxis or during recovery following a musculoskeletal contusion. One form of therapeutic massage is deep tissue massage (DTM), which has become more popular in recent years as a way of performing targeted work with the myofascial system. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to examine the effectiveness of deep tissue massage on superficial back line flexibility (hip flexion and knee extension range of motion - ROM). Material and methods: Elite volleyball players (n=15), age: 22.8 ± 4.41 years; mass: 82.67 ± 6.99 kg; height: 1.96 ± 0.08 m) were recruited for this study. Deep tissue massage of the myofascia…
Body composition and nutrition of female athletes
Background. The somatic features of the athletes’ bodies partially determine their sporting level and are conditioned to a large extent by the state of nutrition. Objective. The aim of this paper is to present nutritional status and its correlation with the somatic determinants of training athletes and physical education students. Material and methods. This study involved 12 weightlifting players (subgroup-WL), 15 soccer players (subgroup-SP), 12 table tennis players (subgroup-TT) and 12 female students of physical education (subgroup-C). In all subjects, the age and somatic variables were recorded and the daily intake of energy, water, proteins, fats and carbohydrates was determined by 24-…
The changes in proportion and body composition of a woman practicing group fitness training for three months
Background: Physical activity is an excellent form of prevention of modern diseases. The most popular form of physical activity chosen by women is group fitness activities. Women are most likely to focus on exercises for the lower parts of the body (thighs, buttocks, abdomen). In recent years, dance classes (e.g. Zumba) or exercises on mini trampolines have become very popular. Regular fitness training contributes to positive changes in the proportions and body composition. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the proportions and body composition of a woman via a 3-month group fitness training program. Case report: The study involved a woman aged 26, participating in fitness…