Novelphysio 2017 2017-08-21 London ,UK

Biography:

Areej Al-Abdulrahman has an experience of 16 years in Pediatric Physical Therapy, specialized in Neonatal and Early Intervention program establishment. This program’s guidelines include screening method, physical therapy referring criteria and categorization list; all established relying on experience, literature review and reliable and valid assessment instruments. This one-year EI program benefits allowed us to include many patients who need PT services, to be able to minimize the risk and complication of disabilities; good findings and outcomes is another major benefit from this plan. The parent's satisfaction and participation were improved. The no-show-rate was less with high commitment by parents to the home program.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: The importance of early intervention programs' effectiveness is acknowledged worldwide. Based on its effectiveness Neonatal Early Intervention (EI) Physical Therapy (PT) Program was established one year ago, in King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital in Riyadh. The program starts by screening, evaluating and treating neonates during admission and continued after hospitalization discharge following in the Early Intervention Clinic in Outpatient Physical Therapy Department.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of implementing the EI Program starting from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission until 12-18 months, Post Conceptual age, on the Sensory-Motor performance after hospitalization discharge, until following the Early Intervention Clinic in Outpatient PT Department in one year duration.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Retrospectively all Medical charts were reviewed for all patients and data were collected and statistically analyzed by SPSS, for all patients included in the EI - PT Program ranging from birth until 12-18 months of age. Therefore, patients not included in the EI - PT program since NICU admission will be excluded from the study.  Many factors, information and investigations were considered such as; diagnosis, respiratory support modalities, gestational age, post conceptual age, radiology outcomes, postural alignment, length of stay in hospital and the developmental milestone level. Objective measures used are; Osteopathic approach assessment and evaluation, General Movements (GM), Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). The treatment approaches utilized are; NE-O Osteopathic approach, Bobath concept, and family education.

Findings: The results of Neonatal Early Intervention Physical Therapy Program outcomes will be finalized in 4 months' time.

Conclusion & Significance: Some considerations as the co-relations between all factors and the collected data besides, the efficacy of Physical Therapy at the early age of intervention.

Recommendations: Based on the findings when completed and finalized in 4 months' time.

Biography:

Divya Mohan has been associated with academics in Physiotherapy since May 2007 after completion of Master’s in Physiotherapy from Manipal University, India. She has been involved in intense clinical practice in areas of rehabilitation in Paediatrics with special emphasis on Early Intervention, Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Supportive Care. She draws on a mix of the ideas from sensory integration, biomechanical approaches, and play therapy to provide a customized intervention. Her desire to provide holistic realm of rehabilitation to children encouraged her to complete trainings and utilize techniques of fascia manipulation, craniosacral therapy and somatic experiencing and energy healing for rehabilitation and healing. This combination of therapies that cater mind, body and healing shall benefit both physiotherapist and their clients.

Abstract:

Typically, physiotherapist’s focus of practice remains pain management. Also, improvement of the movement control and skill is a common goal that the physiotherapist frequently aims to reach. These goals have traditionally been met based on the interventions derived from the understanding of the various structural pathologies or functional insufficiencies in the musculoskeletal system. This understanding can be expanded by understanding that the mind does influence the structural and functional aspects of the musculoskeletal system. Mind body approaches like biofeedback have in the past to some extent been used for the retraining of movement control by trying to retrain the mind. Also towards the management of chronic pain, this understanding has been found to be effective with approaches like relaxation strategies, meditation. But a more in-depth understanding of other mental and emotional process and their contributions to symptoms for which physiotherapy is frequently been sought, could give a physiotherapist a much larger scope in practice. There is research evidence recently that emotional regulation is also found to be useful for the pain management. Likewise, it has been proven that movement quality and performance is greatly influenced by the state of the mind. And retraining of movement skills and control for wide range of discipline like neurological, paediatric, cardiopulmonary and sports rehabilitation could use this premise. Generally, an agitated mind is associated with the poor performance and deterioration of subtle movement qualities like flow, timing, sequencing and thereby impacting its precision, and efficiency. Whereas a better regulated mind can produce smoother and well controlled movement. For example, tone a variable influencing movement also frequently shows variation to mental effort, level of challenge, stress, excessive emotionality, fear of failure, familiarity of task, enthusiasm, and motivation. Hence understanding of the mind-body relations and interactions could assist the physiotherapist to move a step further in management strategies. Hence the talk intends to explore and discuss the ideas around mind-body connection and its relevance to physiotherapists. 

Biography:

Vladimir Dodtiyevitch Bitsoyev (PhD Medicine) is an Academician of the Academy of Medical and Technical Sciences, Colonel of Medical Service in retirement, Doctor of the highest category. He graduated from the Military Medical Faculty at the Gorky State Medical Institute with specialty "Medical Treatment" in 1971. From 1971 to 1995, he served in the Armed Forces of the USSR, then in the Russian Federation, as a Neurologist, Head of the Neurological Department in military hospitals, and a Chief Physiotherapist of Moscow Military District. He has 75 scientific publications in national and foreign journals, 1 monograph on "Restorative Medicine", methodological recommendations for physicians in restorative medicine, 4 patents (3 Russian patents and 1 German patent). He has proved the "World Novelty" of water and blood plasma activating under the influence of underwater light therapy through the fiber optic cable. He revealed first previously unknown new mechanisms of the effect of weak electromagnetic waves on the holistic organism as a "tunnel effect", as well as ways of their registration at the atomic and molecular levels.

Abstract:

The actual task of modern medicine is the early diagnosis of diseases, as well as monitoring the state of the exposed disease and the efficiency of drugs taken with a therapeutic purpose at the supra molecular level. The man is a complex nonlinear system consisting of a large number of different functional structures. Blood system, nervous, endocrine and pulse systems support the information balance in the body, modeling and compensating signaling effects on each other. The blood is an organ that instantly perceives and deposits information of all the processes of the holistic organism in the past, present and future at the supra molecular level simultaneously, that is a main unit of "blood system" which is available in the study and correction from birth to the last minutes of life.

It has been established that cardiovascular, nervous and lymphatic systems, as well as formed blood elements are LEDs around which the evanescent (damped) waves are formed that are perpendicular to the external surface of the vessels, capillaries, nerve roots when being exposed by electromagnetic waves on any zone of skin surface, i.e., the holistic organism starts operating the mode of the “scanning tunnel microscope”. Therefore, the infrared spectroscopy of the total disturbed internal reflection when touching the infrared fiber of the skin surface is unique, not traumatic, requiring no special skin preparation is a "blood spectro biopsis" from the diagnostic zones and the zones of Ged-Zakharin on the skin surface of a living organism in a normal state, can diagnose the pathology of organs and systems at the atomic level with high accuracy, as well as identify early disease stages, intermediate states of developing pathology and their reduction. This is a new progressive trend in medicine. 

Recent Publications

1.      Aldersons A A Mekhanizm elekreodermalnykh reaktsii [Mechanism of electrodermal reactions]. Riga, 1985.

2.      Andryushin E.A. Sila nanotekhnologii: nauka i biznes [Nanotechnological power: science and business]. Andryushin E.A. - B.M.: Uspekhi fiziki, 2007. –159 p.: illustrated - Bibliogr.: 155-157.– ISBN 978-5-85099-176-0.

3.      Jean-Marie Lehn. Supramolecular Chemistry. Novosibirsk, Nfuka Publ., 1998.

4.      Lisa Rendall. Knocking on Heaven’s Door: A scientific look at the arrangement of the Universe. Translation from English - Ðœ.: Alpina non-fiction, 2014. – 518 p.

5.      Yas Kuno. Human Perspiration. – Moscow. Foreign Languages Publishing House. 1961. (in Russian)

Biography:

Zuraida Zainun is currently working as a Medical Officer at Vertigo Clinic, ORL-HNS Department, PPSP, USM, Malaysia. She has published numerous research papers and articles in reputed journals and has various other achievements in the related studies. She has extended her valuable service towards the scientific community with her extensive research work.

Abstract:

Vestibular rehabilitation is one of the optimum treatments to promote the recovery among vestibular disordered and stroke patients. The effectiveness of these physical therapies has been clearly demonstrated. In fact, having an effective therapy that is home based or one to one offers many advantages to the patients and clinicians. Zainun and her colleagues (2009) had developed the first video guided exercise that is home-based known as Bal Ex that is available in multi-languages. Other modules and protocols developed for balance rehabilitation are: Bal Ex Stand Up: Manual footplate for balance rehabilitation, Bal Ex Mobile virtual room for visual vertigo patients, Bal ex stroke home-based video module for stroke rehabilitation, Bal Ex Physio home-based physiotherapy module for stroke patients and others. This module has many advantages which are easy to perform as there are step by step instructions presented with audio and visual cues. Second, since it is home-based, the patients will be able to use as self-guidance and they can minimize their follow up to the hospital for treatment. This is also practical for patients with reduced mobility and it also offers more flexibility. Indirectly, it is also cost-effective in a long run. Indirectly having these latest innovation products will improve our current clinical management of vestibular disordered and stroke patients.

Biography:

Konstantinos Fousekis is an Associate Professor in Sports Physiotherapy at the Department of Physical Therapy, Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece. He is a Physiotherapist specializing in soft tissue mobilization techniques (IASTM). He has years of experience in treating musculoskeletal and sports injuries and is a Professional Physical Therapist for several professional soccer teams. His research interests deals with the assessment and rehabilitation of sports and musculoskeletal injuries using IASTM techniques. In cooperation with Konstantinos Mylonas, he created the ERGON® IASTM Technique as a basic treatment of painful and non-musculoskeletal disorders.

Abstract:

Study Background: Adhesive capsulitis is a common condition involving significant shoulder pain and loss of range of motion attributed mainly to a combination of synovial inflammation and capsular fibrosis. Traditional treatment for this type of injury includes traditional forms of treatment such as massage, stretching, electrotherapy and active exercises. The aim of this case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Ergon® IASTM Technique and shoulder stretching exercises in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis.

Methods: A 62-year-old patient clinically diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis presented with significant a) pain on palpation b) pain during shoulder flexion and internal rotation and c) decrease in shoulder passive flexion and internal rotation. His treatment plan included 8 treatment sessions involving the application a) of Ergon® IASTM Technique over specific shoulder points and b) of targeted stretching exercises of the shoulder. Pain produced during passive motion was evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS). The range of motion (ROM) for both shoulder flexion and internal rotation was measured with a goniometer. The patient was evaluated before, and at the 4^th and 8^th treatment session.

Results: The patient experienced a significant decrease in pain and an increase in shoulder ROM regarding internal rotation by both the 4^th and 8^th treatment session (Figure 1). More specifically, pain, as measured by VAS scale, was decreased from 5 and 7, respectively on the passive flexion and internal rotation of the shoulder, to 3 and 5 by the end of the 4^th week and to 1 and 2 after the 8^th treatment. Internal rotation ROM in the painful shoulder at 90° of abduction progressed from 50° at the baseline to 78^o and 85^o after 4^th and 8^th treatment, respectively.

Conclusions: This case study provides some evidence that Ergon® IASTM Technique in association with stretching exercises is an effective technique in the rehabilitation of the patients with adhesive capsulitis.

Recent Publications

1. Neviaser A S, Hannafin J A (2010) Adhesive capsulitis: a review of current treatment. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 38(11): 2346-2356.

2.  Fousekis K, Kounavi E, Doriadis S, Mylonas K, Kallistratos E (2016) The Effectiveness of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique (ErgonŠ Technique), Cupping and Ischaemic Pressure Techniques in the Treatment of Amateur Athletes΄ Myofascial Trigger Points. J Nov Physiother. S. 3(2).

Biography:

Konstantinos Fousekis is an Associate Professor in Sports Physiotherapy at the Department of Physical Therapy, Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece. He is a Physiotherapist specializing in soft tissue mobilization techniques (IASTM). He has years of experience in treating musculoskeletal and sports injuries and is a Professional Physical Therapist for several professional soccer teams. His research interests deals with the assessment and rehabilitation of sports and musculoskeletal injuries using IASTM techniques. In cooperation with Konstantinos Mylonas, he created the ERGON® IASTM Technique as a basic treatment of painful and non-musculoskeletal disorders.

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this workshop is to introduce specific ERGON® Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) techniques to health scientists/physiotherapists and to train them in the basic application of ERGON® Technique for the low-back pain treatment.

Description:  ERGON® IASTM Technique is an evidence based innovative therapeutic approach combining static and dynamic manipulations of the body’s soft tissue with special clinical equipment for the treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal pathologies. ERGON® technique is an innovative development of older approaches (IASTM Technique, Graston Technique, Smart tools technique, Tools assisted massage technique, etc.). In the framework of the ERGON® IASTM workshop, trainees will be taught basic techniques of ERGON instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, and there will afterwards be an extensive practical lesson on their specialized use in a) fascial meridians and areas of the body in general presenting findings indicating myofascial afflictions, and b) in the treatment of the low-back pain syndromes.

Intended Audience: Health scientists/physiotherapists dealing with musculoskeletal and sports pathologies/injuries are the audience for this workshop. 

Materials Provided: Each participant will receive both a paper and electronic copy of (1) detailed handouts to be used during the lecture portions of the workshop, (2) descriptions of the teaching techniques that will be presented written as we will teach participants to write up new techniques, (3) scenarios and questions used during the small group critique portions of the session.  

Space and Enrollment Restrictions: Enrollment must be limited to 20 participants and the room should have at least 5 treatment tables.

Recent Publications

1. Fousekis K, Kounavi E, Doriadis S, Mylonas K, Kallistratos E (2016) The Effectiveness of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique (Ergon® Technique), cupping and ischaemic pressure techniques in the treatment of amateur athletes΄ myofascial trigger points. J Nov Physiother S. Vol. 3.

2. Fousekis K, Mylonas K, Charalampopoulou V (2014) Aggressive massage techniques can accelerate safe return after hamstrings strain: a case study of a professional soccer player. J. Sports Med. Doping. Stud. 4(3).

3.  Billis E, Koutsojannis C, Matzaroglou C, Gliatis J, Fousekis K, Gioftsos G, Tsepis E (2016) Association of low back pain on physical, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors across a general population sample within Greece. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. (Preprint), 1-12, 1-5.

Biography:

Konstantinos Mylonas Associate Professor in Sports Physiotherapy at the Department of Physical Therapy, Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece. He is a Physiotherapist specializing in soft tissue mobilization techniques (IASTM). He has years of experience in treating musculoskeletal and sports injuries and is a Professional Physical Therapist for several professional soccer teams.

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this workshop is to introduce specific ERGON® Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) techniques to health scientists/physiotherapists and to train them in the basic application of ERGON® Technique for the low-back pain treatment.

Description:  ERGON® IASTM Technique is an evidence based innovative therapeutic approach combining static and dynamic manipulations of the body’s soft tissue with special clinical equipment for the treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal pathologies. ERGON® technique is an innovative development of older approaches (IASTM Technique, Graston Technique, Smart tools technique, Tools assisted massage technique, etc.). In the framework of the ERGON® IASTM workshop, trainees will be taught basic techniques of ERGON instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, and there will afterwards be an extensive practical lesson on their specialized use in a) fascial meridians and areas of the body in general presenting findings indicating myofascial afflictions, and b) in the treatment of the low-back pain syndromes.

Intended Audience: Health scientists/physiotherapists dealing with musculoskeletal and sports pathologies/injuries are the audience for this workshop. 

Materials Provided: Each participant will receive both a paper and electronic copy of (1) detailed handouts to be used during the lecture portions of the workshop, (2) descriptions of the teaching techniques that will be presented written as we will teach participants to write up new techniques, (3) scenarios and questions used during the small group critique portions of the session.  

Space and Enrollment Restrictions: Enrollment must be limited to 20 participants and the room should have at least 5 treatment tables.

Recent Publications

1.  Fousekis K, Kounavi E, Doriadis S, Mylonas K, Kallistratos E (2016) The Effectiveness of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique (Ergon® Technique), cupping and ischaemic pressure techniques in the treatment of amateur athletes΄ myofascial trigger points. J Nov Physiother S. Vol. 3.

2.  Fousekis K, Mylonas K, Charalampopoulou V (2014) Aggressive massage techniques can accelerate safe return after hamstrings strain: a case study of a professional soccer player. J. Sports Med. Doping. Stud. 4(3).

3.  Billis E, Koutsojannis C, Matzaroglou C, Gliatis J, Fousekis K, Gioftsos G, Tsepis E (2016) Association of low back pain on physical, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors across a general population sample within Greece. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. (Preprint), 1-12, 1-5.

Biography:

Konstantinos Fousekis is an Associate Professor in Sports Physiotherapy at the Department of Physical Therapy, Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece. He is a Physiotherapist specializing in soft tissue mobilization techniques (IASTM). He has years of experience in treating musculoskeletal and sports injuries and is a Professional Physical Therapist for several professional soccer teams. His research interests deals with the assessment and rehabilitation of sports and musculoskeletal injuries using IASTM techniques. In cooperation with Konstantinos Mylonas, he created the ERGON® IASTM Technique as a basic treatment of painful and non-musculoskeletal disorders.

Abstract:

Study Background: Supraspinatus tendinopathy is an important cause of pain and dysfunction in the adult shoulder. Traditional treatment for this type of injury includes traditional forms of treatment such as massage, stretching, electrotherapy and functional exercises. The aim of this case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Ergon® IASTM Technique and shoulder neuromuscular control exercises in the treatment of supraspinatus tendinopathy.

Methods: A 50-year-old patient clinically diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinosis presented with significant a) pain on palpation b) pain during passive and active internal rotation and c) decrease in shoulder passive internal rotation. His treatment plan included 8 treatment sessions involving the application a) of Ergon® IASTM Technique over specific shoulder points and b) of targeted neuromuscular control exercises of the shoulder. Pain produced during passive internal rotation was evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS). The range of motion (ROM) for the internal rotation was measured with a goniometer. The patient was evaluated before, and at the 4^th and 8^th treatment session.

Results: The patient experienced a significant decrease in pain and an increase in shoulder ROM regarding internal rotation by both the 4^th and 8^th treatment session (figure1). More specifically, pain, as measured by VAS scale, was decreased from 8 and 7, respectively on the passive and active internal rotation of the shoulder, to 6 and 4 by the end of the 4^th week and to 3 and 2 after the 8^th treatment. Internal rotation ROM in the painful shoulder at 90° of abduction progressed from 60° at the baseline to 73^o and 78^o after 4^th and 8^th treatment, respectively.

Conclusions: This case study provides some evidence that Ergon® IASTM Technique in association with shoulder neuromuscular control exercises is an effective technique in the rehabilitation of the patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy.

Recent Publications

1.  Neviaser A S, Hannafin J A (2010) Adhesive capsulitis: a review of current treatment. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 38(11): 2346-2356.

2.   Fousekis K, Kounavi E, Doriadis S, Mylonas K, Kallistratos E (2016) The Effectiveness of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique (ErgonŠ Technique), Cupping and Ischaemic Pressure Techniques in the Treatment of Amateur Athletes΄ Myofascial Trigger Points. J Nov Physiother. S. 3(2).

Biography:

Konstantinos Mylonas is an Associate Professor in Sports Physiotherapy at the Department of Physical Therapy, Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece. He is a Physiotherapist specializing in soft tissue mobilization techniques (IASTM). He has years of experience in treating musculoskeletal and sports injuries and is a Professional Physical Therapist for several professional soccer teams. His research interests deals with the assessment and rehabilitation of sports and musculoskeletal injuries using IASTM techniques. 

Abstract:

Study Background: The most significant myofascial chain of the human body that connects and controls the entire posterior surface of the body is the superficial back line (SBL). Part of the SBL is formed by the biceps femoris and erector spinae muscles bonded through the sacrotuberous ligament and lumbar fascia. Given that postural compensation patterns associated with SBL dysfunction include increased lordosis and hamstrings shortness, this study examined the acute effects of Ergon® IASTM Therapy (EIT) application on upper and lower part of SBL on hamstring flexibility.

Methods: Sixty college students were recruited from the Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece, who had hamstring flexibility deficiencies. The participants were randomly divided into three groups and received either a single, 10-minute myofascial EIT treatment of either the upper part-trunk- (n=20) or the lower part–the lower extremities- (n=20) of the SBL or served as control group (n=20). Hamstrings’ flexibility was measured both before and after the therapy with the Sit and reach test. A one-way ANOVA was used to determine if there were differences in flexibility gains between the pre and post measurements between groups.

Results: Statistically significant differences (f=29.11, p=0.00) in flexibility benefits were found for the groups receiving Ergon® IASTM Therapy, regardless of the site of the treatment, compared with the control group. More specifically, SR values gains for both subgroups that received treatment of the upper (trunk) and lower (lower extremities) part of the SBL were significantly higher (p=0.000, respectively) than those of the control group. No significant difference was identified for the SR gains between the treatment groups (P=1.00).

Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that Ergon® IASTM Therapy application on either the trunk or the lower extremities is an effective therapy for improving the SBL flexibility immediately following the therapy.

References:

1. Fousekis K, Kounavi E, Doriadis S, Mylonas K, Kallistratos E (2016) The Effectiveness of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique (Ergon® Technique), cupping and ischaemic pressure techniques in the treatment of amateur athletes΄ myofascial trigger points. J Nov Physiother S. Vol. 3.

2.  Comerford M, Mottram S (2012) Kinetic Control: The Management of Uncontrolled Movement. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Biography:

Ewa Puszczalowska-Lizis specializes in the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with congenital abnormalities, joint contractures and neuromuscular disorders. She has received her PhD from the University School of Physical Education in Cracow, Poland, in 2010. Her research interests focus on the development of vertebral column, changes in body posture in various developmental periods and effects of musculoskeletal disorders treatment. Problems of her research also consider the efficiency of the foot in static and dynamic conditions, frequency of deviations below the norm and variability in foot structure in different periods of ontogeny. She has published 1 book, 15 book chapters and more than 70 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Lower back pain is one of the most common problems in the human body related to the disturbances of motor organ’s structure and function. They challenge contemporary physiotherapy which aims to reduce or, where possible, eliminate pain, restore fitness for everyday life, and prevent recurrences. The purpose of this study was to compare two physiotherapy programs in terms of lowering pain intensity, improvement of lumbar and thoracolumbar spine mobility, as well as functional ability in females with lumbar spine discopathy.

Methodology: The study included 100 women aged 45-50 with lumbar spine discopathy being improved in outpatient conditions. The patients were divided into two 50-person groups depending on the program used. The physiotherapy program for group I included kinesiotherapy, classic massage and interferential currents, and in group II: kinesiotherapy, classic massage and ultra-sound. The research tool was a numerical scale of pain intensity (NRS), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and measurements of lumbar and thoracolumbar spine mobility. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for the analysis.

Findings: After completion of the physiotherapy, women in group I had significantly lower pain (p=0.037) and higher functional efficiency (p=0.001). The range of improvement, assessed by the difference in the results of study II and III, was significantly higher for group II women (p=0.002). One month after completion of therapeutic treatment, there were no statistically significant intergroup differences (p=0.169, p=0.067).

Conclusion & Significance: The use of interferential currents in physiotherapy of people with lumbar spine discopathy compared to ultrasound therapy allows for greater improvement in reducing pain intensity, lumbar and thoracolumbar spine mobility, as well as higher functional efficiency. The effectiveness of ultrasound is increasing over time since the end of therapy and only after one month in the case of both physiotherapy programs similar effects can be observed.

Biography:

Katarzyna Walicka-CupryÅ› has completed two university courses, and acquired MA degree in Physical Education and in Physiotherapy. She also completed Post-graduate courses in Management, i.e. HR Management, Management of Research and Development Projects as well as Executive Master of Business Administration. In her research, she focuses on problems connected with body posture and balance, and on consequences of spinal disorders and pelvic floor dysfunctions. So far she has authored or co-authored 53 publications in Polish and foreign periodicals; these include 18 chapters in reviewed monographs. She took active part in over 50 scientific conferences, where she received seven awards and distinctions for her presentations. Taking advantage of her management related competences, in 2012-2013 she held the position of the Deputy Director of Teaching Operations, at the Institute of Physiotherapy, and the Chair Person of the Podkarpackie Branch of Polish Physiotherapy Association. During 2009-2015, she coordinated two EU projects implemented at the University of Rzeszów, each amounting to millions of Polish zloty. Active in her profession since 2001, she has been sharing her knowledge and practical skills with Physiotherapy students, at the University of Rzeszów Institute of Physiotherapy, and she has been using her expertise in practice, during her work with patients suffering from spinal and pelvic floor problems. 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Uterine cavity is an ideal place for proper fetal development, therefore reduced duration of growth in this perfect environment leads to certain developmental disparities between preterm and full-term children. Most characteristically, children born prematurely present with poor muscle tone, and greater muscle tone in extensors than in flexors, contrary to normal physiological tonus observed in children born full-term. These factors may promote altered body posture, in particular, linked with the vertebral column, and they may contribute to incorrect development of anteroposterior spinal curvatures at a later time. Purpose of the study is assessment of anteroposterior spinal curvatures in children born prematurely.

Materials & Methods: The study was carried out in a group of 101 children, aged 6-7 years, with mean age of 6.63. The group of preterm children consisted of 50 subjects: 26 boys (52%), and 24 girls (48%). The 51 controls: 22 boys (41%) and 29 girls (59%), were randomly selected from a group of 200 full-term children, and matched for age and sex with the children in the study group. Criteria for inclusion in the study: guardians’ and children’s consent for participation in the study, lack of neurologic and orthopaedic disorders affecting body posture. The study group was birth before gestational age of 32 weeks; the control group was birth after 37 weeks of gestation. Basic anthropometric measurements were performed to assess body mass and height. Spinal curvatures were examined with mechanical inclinometer, in accordance with the method developed by Walicka-CupryÅ› and Drużbicki (Figure 1). Validity of the observed relationships was verified with adequate statistical tests: Student’s t-test/Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson’s chi-squared test.

Results: The findings show no statistically significant differences in the inclination of the sacral bone, in thoracolumbar transition, and in the size of lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis. Considerably smaller angles were observed in the inclination of the upper (p=0.001) and central (p=0.000) part of the thoracic spine in the preterm children.

Conclusions: Preterm birth does not affect the shape of anteroposterior spinal curvatures and does not correlate with the frequency of defects in the sagittal plane. However the factor is related to significantly smaller inclination of the upper and central part of the thoracic spine in comparison to full-term children. 

Biography:

Tomasz Wolny has completed his PhD in 2006. He is a Researcher at the Department of Kinesitherapy and Special Methods in Physiotherapy, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice in Poland. He has published more than 67 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute. For many years, he has been evaluating the efficacy of neurodynamic techniques in the treatment of CTS patients.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compression neuropathy characterized by a number of sensory and motor disorders. The two-point discrimination sense (2PD), kinesthetic differentiation of strength (KDS) and kinesthetic differentiation of position (KDP) are often impaired in CTS patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of neurodynamic techniques, with “sham” therapy in the treatment of sensory disorders in the mild and moderate CTS.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The study included 39 CTS patients (the average age 53.2; SD=11.5) who were randomly assigned to the NT group (neurodynamic techniques) or to the CG group (“sham” neurodynamic techniques). The CTS diagnosis was made on the basis of nerve conduction studies and clinical examinations. 2PD (fingers 1-3), KDS (pincer and cylindrical grip), KDP (flexion and extension movement in the radiocarpal articulation) were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Therapy was conducted twice weekly and both groups received 10 therapy sessions. In the statistical analysis, the ANOVA model was used, supplemented with a post hoc test (p level 0.05).

Findings: A baseline assessment revealed no group differences in 2PD, KDS, KDP (in all cases p>0.05). After therapy, 2PD in the symptomatic limbs in the NT group significantly improved (p<0.001; 34%) but there were no significant changes in the CG group (p>0.05; 2%). In the NT group after therapy, KDS significantly improved (pincer p<0.001; 24%, cylindrical p<0.001; 27%) but there were no significant changes in the CG group (pincer, cylindrical p>0.05; 1%). In both groups, there were no significant changes in KDP after therapy (NT - flection p>0.05; 4%, extension p>0.05; 6%, CG - flection p>0.05; 1%, extension p>0.05; 1%)

Conclusion & Significance: Neurodynamic techniques had a positive effect on 2PD and KDP as compared to the “sham” therapy in mild and moderate CTS patients. There were no changes in KDP. Neurodynamic techniques are effective in treating sensory disorders in the CTS.