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:

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.