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). …

Estimation of the risk of the frailty syndrome in the independent-living population of older people.

Frailty syndrome (FS) is one of the biggest problems faced by an ageing population. The aim of the study was to analyse selected parameters to assess the possibility of FS or symptoms related to this syndrome among independent and subjectively healthy people aged 60 + years and to select tests that may have a high level of diagnostic success while at the same time being easy to conduct, standardised and have a high level of reliability. The study group consisted of 1006 people aged 60 + years and the research protocol was very extensive, focusing on the broadly understood assessment of the functional biological markers of health in this group of people. The main outcome measures were hand-g…

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…

Functional Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Characteristics of Older Women Living in Different Environments in Southwest Poland

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…

Association of physical fitness with quality of life in community-dwelling older adults aged 80 and over in Poland: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Aging is a progressive and irreversible process that negatively affects the quality of life (QOL). Older adults face difficulties related to worsening health, lowering the level of physical and mental efficiency. We aimed to analyze the associations between physical fitness and QOL in Polish older adults considering sex differences. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed from March to August 2015. The sample consisted of 100 community-dwelling adults (67 women, 33 men) with a mean age of 82.94 ± 2.67 years. The World Health Organization QOL, Short Form questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test (FFFT) were used. Biometric data, socia…

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…

Selected Elements of Lifestyle and the Level of Functional Fitness in Older Women.

Background: The appropriate level of functional fitness is a very important element for seniors to maintain self-reliance in daily life. The aim of this research was to assess sociodemographic differences, selected elements of lifestyle, and functional fitness in the older residents of social welfare homes and community dwellers Methods: The analysed group comprised 693 women aged 65–79, including 173 subjects living in social welfare homes and 520 community-dwelling women. Basic anthropometric features were measured, and functional fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test. Basic sociodemographic characteristics, as well as data on health self-assessment and selected elements of l…

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…

Effectiveness of Mirror Therapy for Subacute Stroke in Relation to Chosen Factors.

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) combined with comprehensive treatment and to investigate the possible relationships of functional state. Design Prospective, controlled trial of 60 stroke inpatients. Methods The Functional Index "Repty" (FIR) was an outcome measure to assess changes of independence in daily activities. The Frenchay Arm Test (FAT) and Motor Status Score were outcome measures to assess changes in hand function. Findings The analysis of pre- and posttest data indicated a significant improvement in hand function ([INCREMENT]FAT in the Mirror group p = .035, N = 30). Age factor indicated a significant change in relation to F…

Physiotherapeutic management of a patient after craniocerebral trauma in the intensive care unit – case report

Introduction Craniocerebral injuries are one of the most common causes of mortality and disability in Poland. The treatment of patients who are in an intensive care unit is based primarily on stabilizing the patient’s general condition as well as basic duties according to the patient’s functioning. Aim The aim of this study is to demonstrate the importance of early rehabilitation and the role of physiotherapy in recovery after craniocerebral trauma. Case study The subject was an 18-year-old patient who suffered craniocerebral trauma as a result of a road accident. After losing consciousness, he was in the intensive care unit, where he was placed on a medical ventilator. A properly selected …