ABSTRACT

Introduction: Chronic neck pain is a major challenge of modern society and is one of the common musculoskeletal disorders that can lead to chronic disability and impair the emotional state of the individual.

Aim: To determine the connection between the disability and emotional state in individuals with chronic neck pain.

Materials and methods: The sample of participants in the research was 50, both sexes, aged 18 to 65 years with a diagnosis of chronic neck pain. The questionnaire used to measure the level of disability was Neck Disability Index, while the DASS 21 scale was used to assess the emotional state of the subjects and Pain level was mesuerd with the Visual Analogue Scale.

Results: The results of this research indicate statistical significance between disability and depression (p=0.017), disability and anxiety (p=0.005), disability and stress (p=0.033). There is statistical significance between gender and disability (p=0.001), specifically for men in the category of mild disability compared to other categories, while for women there is statistical significance in the category of moderate disability. A positive correlation was detected between all the observed variables. The highest positive correlations were recorded between disability and anxiety (ρ=0.555), level of chronic pain and disability (ρ=0.599) and disability and depression (ρ=0.486).

Conclusion: The results indicate the need for a biopsychosocial approach in the treatment of chronic neck pain.

Key words: emotional state, chronic pain, disability, cervical spine

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In today’s modern lifestyle, lumbar pain syndrome is quite widespread in all age groups, which creates a serious not only health problem, but also a socio-economic problem.

Aim: To examine the incidence of LBS among physiotherapists working in the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation in Varaždinske Toplice.

Materials and methods: The research was conducted using a questionnaire created for this research and an International Physical Activity Questionnaire on the occasion of physiotherapists working in the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation in Varaždinska Toplica. Question about low back pain consists of three parts. The first part includes socio-demographic data. In the 2nd part, the occurrence of LBS is examined, while in the 3rd part, it is examined in which department they work and if they engage in physical activity and how they spend their free time. International Physical Activity Questionnaire consists of 7 questions, which obtained data on the amount of time spent in a certain type of physical activity.

Results: 81 respondents took part in the research, which is 62% out of the total number of employed physiotherapists. Of these, 60 (74.1%) were female and 21 (25.9%) were male. The average age of the respondents is a median of 43 years, with a minimum age range of 24 to a maximum of 63 years. More than half of the respondents (70.4%) reported the incidence of LBS. A greater number of male physiotherapists (81.0%) suffer from LBS, while female colleagues have the same percentage (66.7%). Respondents engaged in physical activity (58.3%) did not experience LBS. In addition to the classical method of treatment, physiotherapists often resort to other forms of treatment when LBS occurs, so 14.8% of them practice the use of massage. Furthermore, 12.3% of them go to acupuncture, while 12.3% take natural products such as vitamins and minerals to prevent LBS.

Conclusion: Physiotherapists have reported the incidence of LBS, more than half of the respondents are engaged in physical activity and are interested in other forms of treatment besides classical.

Key words: low back pain syndrome, physiotherapy, degenerative changes, rehabilitation

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Tennis, as one of the most popular sports in the world brings together a lot of players. A lot of players also means a lot of injuries. Many of those players are recreational players, so we need to further the research and find out the incidence of injuries in those players.

Aim: To determine the incidence of injuries of recreational players localisation, and risk factors of injuries in recreational players.

Materials and methods: 244 participants took part in this research, 85,6% of which were male, and 14,4% were female. The research was conducted via an online questionnaire.

Results: Results have shown that 79,5% of participants have sustained some type of injury playing tennis. Lower extremites were the ones more injured, specifically the ankle joint, while in upper extremites the most injured joint was the elbow joint. Most injured structure was the ligament, followed by tenedon injuries, muscle injuries and ankle distortions.

Conclusion: Large number of injuries in recreational players are of great concern, but with specific prevention measures, education and quality research, the incidence of injuries can be greatly diminished.

Key words: tennis injuries, frequency, physiotherapy, recreational players

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Menopause is a natural biological process during the reproductive life of women that most often occurs between the ages of 41 and 58. The symptoms of menopause are diverse, and the most common are cycle changes, night sweats, sleep disturbances and other

Aim: Investigate the connection between physical activity and the mental health of women during postmenopausal stage.

Materials and methods: Fifty-five participants aged 60 to 70 years participated in this study. The participants were divided into two groups: the group of physically active (N = 38) and physically inactive women (N = 17). All participants completed a questionnaire on physical activity and menopausal symptoms.

Results: The results of the study showed statistically significant differences in the feeling of fatigue and exhaustion between the two examined groups (p = 0.0332). For the questions on the assessment of mental and physical health, sleep disorders, difficulty concentrating and memory and the assessment of socialization, no statistically significant difference was found between the two investigated groups (p> 0.05).

Conclusion: Physical activity leads to a reduction of fatigue, exhaustion, restlessness and tension in the group of physically active women. Moreover, physically active women showed greater self-satisfaction compared to the group of physically inactive women.

Key words: postmenopause, mental health, physical activity, symptoms

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Family-centered care is the foundation of pediatric physical therapy. The concept implies that the family plays a crucial role in preserving its members’ health and well-being. The family is empowered to fully participate in the assessment, planning, and delivery of healthcare services. The physiotherapist’s services are being provided to not only a disabled child, but also to his parents and extended family. The family’s presence during the procedure decreases the level of anxiety in both the child and parents, which enhances the effectiveness of the therapy itself. In addition, the parents’ self-assurance in their parenting improves the family climate.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine how parents of children with neurorisk and developmental difficulties perceive pediatric physiotherapy. Furthermore, the goal is to determine the differences in attitudes and opinions between parents according to their age.

Materials and methods: The research included 321 parents, and the data was collected through a questionnaire.

Results: The study revealed that parents share the belief that physiotherapy procedures have a positive impact on their child’s motor development. The obtained results indicate that there is no statistically significant difference in the attitudes and opinions of parents regarding their age (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Parents of children with neurodevelopmental difficulties generally have positive attitudes towards pediatric physiotherapy, as shown by the research results. According to respondents, physiotherapy procedures have a beneficial effect on their child’s motor development and quality of life. The results mentioned are consistent regardless of the age of the parents. The results obtained indicate an opportunity for investing in this field of physiotherapy, but also a need to enhance the role of physiotherapists in the pediatric population.

Key words: Child Development Disorders, Developmental Disabilities, Motor Skills, Neurophysiotherapy, Risk Factors

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Maintaining an optimal level of physical activity is beneficial for daily functioning.

Aim: To compare the physical activity and satisfaction with physical activity of physiotherapists and nurses/ technicians and to examine whether there are gender differences and whether behaviours such as smoking, alcohol and fruit consumption are correlated with the level of physical activity.

Materials and methods: The research was conducted in Croatia, in the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation of Varaždinska Toplice. It was conducted in May 2023, on a sample of 202 respondents. The instrument used was the Questionnaire of Physical Activity and Physical Activity Satisfaction, created by the author of the study, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Results: 115 physiotherapists and 87 nurses/ technicians, mostly women (N=160, 79.2%) participated in the research. Physiotherapists and nurses/technicians have a relatively high level of physical activity, currently 101 (50%) respondents engage in physical activity occasionally, and 35 (17.3%) regularly. But they, answer that they are not completely satisfied with their overall physical activity. No significant difference was found with regard to gender and occupation in the level of physical activity. Also, no significant correlation was found between total physical activity and smoking, fruit and alcohol consumption.

Conclusion: The level of physical activity in physiotherapists and nurses / technicians is high and both groups of examiners are equally satisfied with the same. There was no statistically significant difference in physical activity between physiotherapists and nurses, as well as an association between alcoholic beverage consumption, fruit and smoking with physical activity levels. In order to increase physical activity satisfaction, emphasis should be placed on better nutrition, healthier shift meals and a higher level of free time activities.

Key words: exercise, health promotion, nurses, physiotherapists, quality of life

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Postural control of the trunk is essential for normal function of upper extremities. For people with a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury, special emphasis is placed on improving the static and dynamic balance of the trunk in a sitting position in order to achieve the best possible efficiency of the upper extremities when performing activities of daily life.

Aim: The aim is to investigate the possibilities for improving postural control and balance in the sitting position in persons with spinal cord injury and how this is reflected in the function of the upper extremities.

Materials and methods: The literature was searched in the electronic database PubMed, and the keywords spinal cord injury, trunk stability, postural control and stimulation were used.

Results: After filtering the available papers based on the selected criteria, 10 papers were taken into detailed analysis, the subject matter of which corresponds to the search objectives.

Conclusion: In order to achieve better postural control of the trunk in a sitting position, and thus the functional efficiency of the upper extremities, physiotherapy procedures are carried out that stimulate the neuroplasticity of the central nervous system. Movement therapy, together with certain forms of electrostimulation leads to the activation of preserved nerve structures as well as affected muscles below the level of injury in order to restore muscle strength and improve functional abilities by strengthening them.

Key words: spinal cord injury, postural control, trunk stability, electrostimulation, balance

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Lower back pain is a frequent problem in everyday life, a modern (sedentary) way of life. Pain prevention is reduced to minimum socioeconomic aspects suggesting that we push the boundaries. The decompression machine enables faster recovery and returns to everyday life.

Aim: To investigate the effect of decompression non- operative therapies for pain in the lower back.

Materials and methods: Databases were searched for data from PubMed and PEDro. In the bases, the keywords traction were used spine, decompression therapy spine, lower back pain, physiotherapy.

Results: The results of the research and the filtering of the available papers resulted in a total of 5 studies that provide relevant and detailed data on the effects of spinal decompression therapy.

Conclusion: The use of spinal decompression therapy as a non-invasive method in the treatment of lower back pain leads to a reduction in pain symptoms and an increase in the patient’s functioning. Greater effectiveness of non-operative decompression is achieved when it is used in combination with other standard physiotherapy procedures.

Key words: traction, non-operative spinal decompression therapy, lower back pain, physiotherapy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The organized activities of physiotherapists in Croatia began on November 25, 1956, with the establishment of the Society of Physio and Occupational Therapists of Croatia. The first president was Marie- Luise Betlheim.

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the historical facts that connect the professional activity of Marie- Luise Betlheim with physiotherapy in Croatia.

Materials and methods: Historical material from archives and private collections that can be undeniably linked to the work of Marie-Luise Betlheim was investigated.

Results: The collected material shows the professional path of Marie-Luise Betlheim, who in 1928 founded the School of Medical Gymnastics and Rhythmics in Zagreb. From 1946 to 1973, she worked as the chief physiotherapist of the Orthopedic clinics of University Hospital Centre Zagreb. At the same time, he works as a teacher - associate at the School of Physical Medicine and Radiography. She is one of the founders and the first president of the Society of Physio and Occupational Therapists of Croatia (president in the period 1956-1964).

Conclusion: The role of Marie-Luise Betlheim in the professional development of physiotherapy is great and undeniable. She is one of the key figures in the history of physiotherapy in Croatia.

Key words: Marie-Luise Betlheim, medical gymnastics, rhythmics, history of physiotherapy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Although the term job satisfaction is often used, there is still no clear and widely accepted definition. The interest in this aspect primarily originates from the employer of the production sector, whose interest and intention is to create working conditions and an environment that will improve work productivity. Job satisfaction among workers is a very important parameter that affects both productivity and the quality of work performed.

Aim: To determine job satisfaction among physio- therapists employed in state and private institutions and the degree of job satisfaction with certain aspects of the job.

Results: The results indicate that the respondents are on average satisfied to very satisfied with their job (M=3.71). Also, the results indicate that there is no statistically significant difference in job satisfaction with regard to gender (p>0.05), in job satisfaction with regard to professional education (p>0.05) and with regard to work in state or private institutions (p>0 ,05). There is a statistically significant difference in job satisfaction regarding shift work (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The job satisfaction of healthcare workers has a great influence on the quality and efficiency of the work performed, and thus on the size of the costs allocated to healthcare.

Key words: physiotherapists, job satisfaction, private institutions, state institutions.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The implantation of total knee endoprosthesis is today an increasingly frequent lyrical surgery aimed at eliminating pain and improving function in people with osteoarthritis and other conditions that require a change of joint (rheumatoid arthritis). Although muscle weakness is a common finding in the postoperative process, due to the longevity of muscle recovery, the greatest attention is directed to m. quadriceps along the posterior lodge of the thigh muscles, due to its responsibility to carry out normal functional activities such as walking and climbing stairs.

Aim: To determine the strength of m. quadriceps, thigh circumference and mobility of the knee joint of patients with implanted total knee endoprosthesis who performed classic static and dynamic exercises for m. quadriceps and in patients who, in addition to classical exercises, performed electrical stimulation for m. quadriceps.

Materials and methods: A convenience sample was used (N=60). A manual muscle test was used to assess muscle strength, and the circumference of the quadriceps was monitored, measured at two levels. The mobility of the knee was measured with a protractor and the movement of flexion and extension of the lower leg was measured.

Results: The analysis of the first and second measurements in the experimental group showed a statistically significant difference in the measurements of extension, flexion and manual muscle test, while there was no statistically significant difference in the measurements of the circumference of the upper leg at the level of 15 and 10 centimeters. The analysis of the first and second measurements in the control group showed a statistically significant increase in the values in knee flexion and extension movements and in the manual muscle test, while there was no statistically significant difference in the circumference measurements at 15 and 10 centimeters. By comparing the obtained final results between both groups, no statistically significant difference was obtained in any of the tested areas.

Conclusion: After the therapy, a positive shift is visible in all tested areas compared to the first measurements in both groups of subjects.

Key words: Total knee endoprosthesis, electrical stimulation, m.quadriceps

ABSTRACT

Introduction: An increasing number of young people complains about neck pain, and musculoskeletal pain has been identified as most common health problem in musicians. Considering high school is a place where young musicians prepare for their professional work it is useful to examine how common is neck pain in adolescent musicians.

Aim: To determine the frequency of neck pain in secondary music school students and examine differences within a group of secondary music school students considering the instrument they play. Beside that, the aim is to explore whether there are differences in prevalence and intensity of neck pain in high school music stuedents with regard to gender and the time students spend playing their instrument.

Materials and methods: 50 high school students participated in the study. The experimental group consists of high school music students ( N=23), and the control group consists of high school students (N=27). The voice of a solo singer is also considered an instrument. A survey on the problem of neck pain was used.

Results: Research results suggest that the prevalence and intensity of pain are higher in musicians than in other adolescents. Pain intensity is higher in female adolescent musicians than male adolescent musicians and it increases with playing time. The strongest pain is felt by pianists, and behind them are guitarists, violinists and solo singers.

Conclusion: Given the presence of neck pain in adolescent musicians, futher research is needed but with a larger sample to make the results more relevant.

Key words: neck pain, adolescents, musicians, prevalence, intensity

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Volkman's ischemic contracture is a complication that occurs after a certain trauma and is a consequence of ischemic damage. It is manifested by paresthesias, pallor, pain, and loss of radial artery pulse. Physiotherapy is based on exercises for stretching and relaxing shortened muscles, and is performed after medication and after the acute phase.

Aim: To investigate methods to treat Volkmann›s ischemic contracture.

Materials and methods: Medline databases (PubMed, PubMed Central) and Bibliographic database in Croatian and English were searched by electronic literature search. The key words used for search purposes are neurolysis, trauma, Volkmann’s ischemic contracture.

Results: By the exclusion procedure, 11 original researches related to the research goal of this paper were obtained.

Conclusion: Medicine today provides various methods of treating this condition, from conservative methods to operative methods. Conservative methods can give good results in the case of some mild degrees of Volkman›s ischemic contracture, for every other degree requires some of the techniques of the operative method. It is very important to educate the medical staff and increase the news so that such conditions do not occur. It is recommended that more research be done to prove the effectiveness of these methods in the treatment of Volkmann’s ischemic contracture.

Key words: Volkman›s ischemic contracture, treatment, physiotherapy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Neck pain is a significant socio-economic burden as it is a common cause of seeking help within the health system and reduces the quality of life of such patients. The presence of myofascial trigger points in the muscles of the neck region may be the cause of such pain. One of the techniques used by physiotherapists in the treatment of myofascial pain, including neck pain, is dry needling or dry puncture.

Aim: The aim is to establish the effectiveness of dry needling in the treatment of cervical pain associated with myofascial trigger points.

Materials and methods: methods:The Medline database (PubMed) was searched using the key words dry needling and neck pain, and dry needling and cervical pain, and the Croatian Scientific Bibliography-Bibliographic Database using the key words dry needling and suha punkcija. Eight papers were selected by analysis of complete texts.

Results: A review of the available literature shows that the use of dry needling for neck pain is effective in reducing pain and other measured parameters, although the level of evidence for the conclusions reached is low to moderate.

Conclusion: There is a visible need for quality research that would offer a higher level of evidence on the effectiveness of this technique.

Key words: dry needling, neck pain, cervical pain, trigger points0

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Osteoarthritis of the knee belongs to the diseases with the greatest disability. The changes caused by osteoarthritis seriously affect the stability of the knee joint. Joint stability is affected by muscle strength, proprioception and ligament laxity. The importance of the use of proprioceptive exercises in therapy in persons with osteoarthritis of the knee has been recognized. Nevertheless, there is currently no widely accepted measure of clinical outcome aimed at neuromuscular control of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the Y-balance test as a reliable indicator for measuring dynamic stability in people with osteoarthritis of the knee and to determine the impact of therapeutic proprioception exercises on increasing dynamic stability in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted on a group of 19 subjects, patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. A Y-balance test modeled on the SEBT test was used in the study. Measurement by Y-balance test was performed 3 times. The first and second measurements calculated the reliability of the Y-balance test by the Test-retest method, while the second and third measurements assessed the impact of therapeutic proprioception exercises on dynamic stability in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. Respondents were divided into two groups in the second and third measurements. The experimental group of subjects had a 10-day physical therapy that included standard therapeutic exercises and proprioceptive exercises, while the control group had a standard exercise program for knee osteoarthritis. In both groups of subjects, TENS therapy was applied to both knees for 15 minutes.

Results: The result of the Pearson correlation coefficient for the composite score of the left foot is 0.93 and the right 0.97. The correlation is positive, very high and statistically significant with a risk of less than 1% (p <0.01). The combined program of standard and proprioceptive exercises had a statistically significant effect on increasing the dynamic stability measured by the Y-balance test with a risk of less than 1% (p <0.01). The standard exercise program had a statistically significant effect on increasing the dynamic stability measured by the Y-balance test with a risk of less than 5% (p <0.05). Comparing the control and experimental groups, the results of the Y-balance test did not show a significant difference between the groups (p <0.05).

Conclusion: The Y-balance test modeled on SEBT can be reliably used as a good indicator of dynamic stability in a composite measurement result in persons with osteoarthritis of the knee. Although there is no statistically significant difference in improvement between the groups, the experimental group showed a slightly higher percentage of results than the control group. If the research was conducted on a larger group of subjects and after several days of therapeutic treatment, it is possible that the results would be statistically significantly higher in the subjects of the experimental group.

Key words: Y-balance test, physical therapy, proprioceptive exercises, osteoarthritis of the knee

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Most people have had at least one episode of lumbar pain during their lifetime. Pain lasting a minimum of three months is defined as chronic lumbar segment pain. Chronic pain affects many activities of daily living, such as getting up, walking, bending over, sleeping, traveling, social interactions, but also work activities. Therapeutic mobilization is one of the frequently used methods in physiotherapy and the optimal choice of therapeutic approach when one wants to influence pain, function and activities of everyday and working life.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of therapeutic mobilization on chronic lumbar segment pain.

Materials and methods: The study included 30 patients which were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 15) in which, in addition to classical therapy, mobilization of the lumbar segment was additionally performed, and the control group (n = 15), in which only classical physiotherapy was performed. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain, and lumbar segment mobility was assessed by Fingertips to Floor Distance test and SLR test. The quality of life of people with chronic lumbar pain was assessed by the Rolland- Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Index. Measurements were performed on the 1st and 10th therapy day.

Results: The results of this study show a statistically significant reduction in lumbar segment pain in the subjects of the experimental group (p <0.01), while in other measurements the subjects of the experimental group achieved a better result, but without statistical significance.

Conclusion: Therapeutic mobilization reduces chronic lumbar segment pain, but also affects the function and improvement of daily life activities.

Key words: chronic pain, lumbar pain, mobilization, lumbar spine mobility, quality of life

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder which is caused by the change of the NF1 gene on the 17th chromosome. The disease occurs equally in both sexes. Likewise, it can be inherited from one of the parents or it can appear for the first time in the family as the new change of the neurofibromatosis type 1 gene.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in the quality of life among the neurofibromatosis type 1 patients who have gone through physiotherapy and the neurofibromatosis type 1 patients who have not gone through physiotherapy.

Materials and methods: The sample includes N=44 respondents. The study used a Short form health survey-36 for for assessing the health quality of life and a visually analogous scale of pain.

Results: In the domains of the questionnaire for the assessment of the health quality of life, the average satisfaction of respondents in both groups is the highest in domain of physical functioning (group A: M=56,15, group B: M=81,45). There is a statistically significant difference in the degree of pain on the visually analogous scale of pain scale between groups (p<0,01).

Conclusion: The results of the conducted research showed good quality of life in both groups of respondents. The pain perception is higher in NF1 group A, stressing the need for further introduction of physiotherapy, but also the recognition of the emotional disturbances and depression as the cause of pain.

Key words: neurofibromatosis type 1, quality of life, pain, physiotherapy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Adolescence is the period of transition from childhood to adulthood. This period is marked by physical, mental, emotional and cognitive development. Physical activity has a positive effect on all elements of development during adolescence. The World Health Organization defines physical activity as any movement performed by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure, and motivation has an important impact on physical activity.

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the level of physical activity of adolescents and to determine the motives for participation in physical activity and exercise.

Materials and methods: The study involved 351 students studied for vocations in the field of medicine for dental assistant, dental technician, pharmacy technician, physical therapy technician, medical cosmetician, sanitary technician and medical laboratory technician. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) was used to assess the level of physical activity, and the Exercise Motivations Inventory – 2 (EMI-2) was used to examine the motives for participating in physical activity and exercise.

Results: The results showed a low level of physical activity in the subjects. A statistically significant difference was found in the level of gender-related physical activity. Age, grade, and field did not have a significant effect on the level of physical activity. The highest average values were recorded for subscale positive health and strength and endurance. A statistically significant difference in motives related to gender and age was observed in the subscales associated with intrinsic motivation, and in class and direction a statistically significant difference was observed in the subscales associated with extrinsic motivation.

Conclusion: This study suggests low levels of physical activity in adolescents.

Key words: adolescence, physical activity, motivation

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Astma is a chronic inflammation associated with airway hyperactivity leading to reccurent episodes, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing.

Aim: To investigate the impact of physiotherapy interventions in patients with asthma

Materials and methods: By electronic literature search of the available database such Medline (Pub med) and Bibliographic database. The keywords used for search purposes are: physiotherapy and asthma.

Results: 5 original researches related to the aim of researching this paper were obtained by shutdown process.

Conclusion: Respiratory physiotherapy can improve quality of life, cardiopulmonary fitness, reduce symptoms and the need for medications in patient with asthma.

Key words: physiotherapy, asthma, quality of life

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The tempromandibular joint is one of the most complex and powerful structures of the human body. The most important functions of this joint are chewing and speech. The temporomandibular joints function bilaterally therefore deviations in musculoskeletal integrity act bilaterally also and lead to temporomandibular disorder.

Aim: To investigate physiotherapy procedures in patients with temporomandibular disorder.

Materials and methods: Some of the available databases were searched by electronic search, such as: Medline (PubMed, PubMed Central), Bibliographic database. The key words used for the purpose of the search are: physiotherapy for temporomandibular joint disorders and physical therapy of the temporomandibular joint, ie physiotherapy temporomandibular joint dysfunction and physical therapy temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Results: After the exclusion procedure, 12 original researches, 2 case reports and 6 review articles related to the aim of the research of this paper were used.

Conclusion: Physiotherapy is the best choice as an early conservative treatment in people with temporomandibular disorders. Efficacy has been proven in improving range of motion, increasing mobility and reducing pain with the use of manual therapy (myofascial relaxation, Maitland method), therapeutic exercises, Dry-needling, TENS, ultrasound and therapeutic laser.

Key words: temporomandibular joint, temporomandibular disorder, physiotherapy, manual therapy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Numerous studies suggest a decrease in physical activity and an increase in the number of adolescents with lumbar pain. Spinal mobility and core stability are factors associated with the occurrence of lumbar pain.

Aim: The aim of the pilot study was to determine the relationship between physical activity levels, spinal mobility and torso stability.

Materials and methods: The paper presents the results of a pilot study conducted in a randomly selected group of 12 graduates of the Medical School in Rijeka. Physical activity, core mobility, and core stability were measured because these three parameters have been associated with low back pain in numerous studies. The pilot- study used a short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the following methods of physiotherapy assessment: measurement of torso lateroflexion by goniometric mobile application Goniometer Pro, modified Schober test and unilateral hip bridge endurance test (UHBE test).

Results: The results of the IPAQ questionnaire showed that there was no group with low physical activity in the study group. In the comparison of the amount of time the respondents spend sitting with the level of physical activity, no statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.185). A statistically significant correlation was found between lateroflexion and participation in high (r = 0.67, p = 0.025) and moderate physical activity (r = - 0.62, p = 0.043) and participation in high physical activity and UHBE test = 0.72, p = 0.013).

Conclusion: Physical activity is necessary for the health and stability of the trunk and mobility of the spine in the prevention of lumbar pain, and further research into these parameters in the school population is necessary.

Key words: adolescents, lumbar pain, physical activity, core mobility, core stability

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In the last ten years, more and more physiotherapists have emerged exploring the theoretical foundations of physiotherapy science. Defining key phenomena is an assumption.

Aim: The purpose of the paper is to isolate the core phenomena of physiotherapy science around which physiotherapy experts reach consensus.

Materials and methods: By logically summarizing the 868 physiotherapy terms identified by previous delphi research, a list of 86 terms was created. Seven expert physiotherapists were to focus on the underlying phenomena of physiotherapy science by consensus.

Results: 16 phenomena were extracted by consensus: balance, pain, breathing, touch, physical factor, physiotherapy technology, physiotherapy science, physiotherapy approach, physiotherapy process, functional stability, gait, muscle tone, model of disability, movement, movement, posture.

Conclusion: What phenomena are the subject of research in physiotherapy science? This question was answered with one possible answer by this research. Defining key phenomena means a shift in the development of the theory of physiotherapy science as well as a step in the creation of physiotherapy scientific terminology.

Key words: phenomenology, physiotherapy science, physiotherapy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Physical activity, especially exercising, plays an enormously important role for a woman’s well- being during pregnancy. However, the number of women engaged in physical activity during pregnancy depends on the access to information, possible barriers and motivators and women’s attitudes.

Aim: The aim of this research was to examine which attitudes are more likely to represent either barriers or motivation for conducting physical activity during pregnancy as well as to what extent it is connected with the labour and its outcome, including the apearance of pain in pelvic and lower back area.

Materials and methods: 167 women participated in the survey, having been questioned within the first three days following their labour. The research used a questionnaire about motivation, barriers and attitudes about exercise in pregnancy. The questionnaire include demographic dana and detection of pain in lumbosacral area.

Results: The obtained results indicate that the most common barriers to exercise in pregnancy are overwork at work and at home, and the main motivators are the improvement of physical and mental status, reduction of stress and easier labor and recovery from labor. A high rate of agreement was noted with the claim that exercise is beneficial in pregnancy. Pregnant women who are physically active in pregnancy have a lower frequency and intensity of pain in the lower back and pelvic region.

Conclusion: Encouraging exercise and physical activity in pregnancy is necessary for physical preparation for labor and prevention of pain in the musculoskeletal system.

Key words: physical activity, pregnancy, attitudes, low back pain, labour

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Chronic low back pain doesn’t effect only physical health, but also leaves consequences on psychological health and social relationships. It is, therefore, important to observe chronic pain through a biopsychosocial model, instead of the traditional biomedical model.

Aim: To determine the correlation between quality of life and the degree of disability in people who suffer from chronic low back pain.

Materials and methods: Design of this research is cross-sectional study and included 41 participant in the study. Questionnaire of the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-BREF) was used as a measure of quality of life, while the Oswestry questionnaire was used as an instrument for the assessment of disability level in people with chronic low back pain.

Results: Results of this research indicate that there is statistically significant negative correlation (p<0,01) between quality of life in all its domains and the degree of disability, in people with chronic low back pain. Also, this research pointed out that people with severe disability have lower quality of life than people with moderate and mild disability levels in domains of physical health (p<0,01), social relationships (p<0,01) and enviromental domain (p>0,05).

Conclusion: These results are in favor of biopsychosocial approach to chronic low back pain, in regards to traditional biomedical approach.

Key words: lumbosacral spine, pain, quality of life

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cerebellar ataxia develops as a result of a lesion in the cerebellum and/or afferent and efferent cerebellar pathways. Ataxic gait and balance disorder increase risk of falling, reduce mobility, cause fear of recurrent falls, limit patient’s activities and social participation, and consequently reduce the quality of life and independence.

Aim: To determine whether there is an influence of physiotherapy treatment on fall risk in cerebellar ataxia patient.

Materials and methods: The paper presents the case of the patient with diagnosed cerebellar ataxia. The patient underwent cycles of 20 therapies taking place 3 times a week over the period of one year. Each treatment lasted 60 - 90 minutes. The effect of the physiotherapy treatment on fall risk was assess by the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Scale and International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale. A physiotherapy assessment was carried out at the beginning and the end of each therapy cycle, a total of 10 times.

Results: The paper presents the case of the patient with diagnosed cerebellar ataxia. The patient underwent cycles of 20 therapies taking place 3 times a week over the period of one year. Each treatment lasted 60 - 90 minutes. The effect of the physiotherapy treatment on fall risk was assess by the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Scale and International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale. A physiotherapy assessment was carried out at the beginning and the end of each therapy cycle, a total of 10 times.

Conclusion: Intensive problem-oriented treatment with appropriate functional goals affects the fall risk in cerebellar ataxia patients and will slow down the process leading to disability, functionality and better quality of life.

Key words: cerebellar ataxia, physiotherapy treatment, fall risk

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Wrestling is a contact sport and basis of every martial sport. There are free and classic wrestling style, where the free more frequent injuries.

Aim: Investigate the causes and prevention of the most common injuries in wrestling

Materials and methods: By electronic search of the literature, some of the available databases such as: Medline (PubMed, PubMed Central) and Croatian bibliographic base have been searched. The keywords used for the purpose of the search are: injuries in wrestling and wrestling or wrestling injury, wrestling.

Results: 15 original surveys and 9 review articles related to the aim of researching this work were obtained by the shutdown process.

Conclusion: Wrestling is a sport that often leads to injuries. Most common injuries occur on the joints of the upper and lower extremities, for lower extremities the most common injury is a knee injury, while for upper it is an elbow fractures. The key role should be given to prevention, muscle spasms, improved coordination and flexibility

Key words: injury, wrestling, prevention

ABSTRACT

Introduction: High quality clinical care requires the patient to provide information regarding how they feel, their symptoms and the effects of the prescribed treatment. The outcome of physiotherapy must be presented not only through the degree of clinical efficacy, the functional changes observed, measured and evaluated by the physiotherapist, but also through the degree of change experienced and reported by the patient himself.

Aim: To present the basic principles of using patient-reported outcome and experience measures and recommendations for implementation in the daily practice of physiotherapists.

Materials and methods: Available databases were searched PubMed, Croatian Scientific Bibliography and Cochrane Library. The Pub Med and Cocrane Library databases keywords PROMs, PREMs, Physical Therapy, PROMs Physical Therapy, and PREMs Physical Therapy, were used and in the "Croatian Bibliographic Database" key words patient-reported outcome measures and patient-reported experiences measures were used.

Results: : Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported experience measures (PROMs) are key assessment tools, with different uses and different tools that provide a complete vision of the quality of care integration from a patient perspective, and help practitioners and patients focus on what really matters to the patient.

Conclusion: Effective selection of PROMs and PREMs and their application in daily clinical practice contributes to better physiotherapy care.

Key words: physiotherapy, patient perspective, outcome measures, experience measures

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative joint disease of modern times and the leading cause of chronic disability in adulthood.

Aim: To determine the effectiveness of physiotherapy exercises and transcutaneous electrical stimulation, TENS in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Materials and methods: In a sample of 50 respondents suffering from knee osteoarthritis, physiotherapy exercises and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) were performed daily for 35 min in the period of 4 weeks. The difference between pre- and post-physiotherapy exercise was tested on the variables of knee mobility, pain sensation, morning stiffness, and gait speed using the Student's t-test and Benjamini-Hochberg method for the correction of the p-value.

Results: According to Cohen's interpretation, indicate the significant differences in all variables. The medium effect size is found in morning stiffness and range of motion of knee extension variables, and the large effect size is found in pain sensation and range of motion of knee flextion variables.

Conclusion: This research is conducted according to clinical guidelines, and it has shown the good results of physiotherapy treatment to treat knee osteoarthritis.

Key words: knee osteoarthritis, physiotherapy exercises, TENS

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Aging is a physiological change in humans and it is extremely important to improve health and preserve functional abilities and quality of life.

Aim: The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of exercise on the quality of life of older women.

Materials and methods: The sample included 93 subjects (N = 93). The subjects performed balance and coordination exercises, muscle strengthening and stretching exercises, eight weeks twice a week for 45 minutes. The EQ-5D-5L Health Questionnaire and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) were used to assess quality of life.

Results: The results indicate an improvement in mobility and usual activities (p> 0.001) and a decrease in pain intensity (p <0.001).

Conclusion: The results of the study confirm the importance of exercise, and the impact on the intensity of pain and quality of life of older people.

Key words: aging, exercise, quality of life

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Calcifications in the tendon of the m. supraspinatus cause pain and restriction of movement in the shoulder and lead to restriction of activities of daily living.

Aim: To determine the effect of functional band and radial shock wave on m. supraspinatus on shoulder pain, range of motion and function of the shoulder joint and calcifications.

Materials and methods: The sample included 20 subjects with calcifications in the tendon of m. supraspinatus. Functional band and radial shock wave were applied to the experimental group and radial shock wave only to the control group. Measurements of the range of motion in the shoulder joint, the pain and functional ability of scholulder (SPADI), pain intensity by Visually Analog Scale and the calcific size measurements by diagnostic ultrasound were performed.

Results: The results indicate that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in pain intensity, range of motion, shoulder joint function and calcifications.

Conclusion: The results of this pilot study indicate that the use of the functional band and the radial shock wave do not affect the calcifications of m. supraspinatus.

Key words: m.supraspinatus, calcification, functional band, radial shock wave therapy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Physiotherapy is an independent health profession today, and physiotherapists are distinguished by three professional roles: educators, clinicians and researchers, which require the development of certain competencies.

Aim: To investigate the attitudes of physiotherapists, physiotherapists, and lecturers about the importance of developing formal and informal education in physiotherapy.

Materials and methods: Electronic search of literature in bibliographic databases (Croatian Scientific Bibliography, PubMed, Cohrane Library, Physiotherapy) with the key words "Physiotherapy", "Education", "Competences".

Results: By eliminating the sources according to the selected criteria, by the filtering process, 19 final sources were obtained that were suitable for analyzing and reviewing the literature on the importance of formal and non-formal education in physiotherapy.

Conclusion: Evidence-based practice is the most important element of modern physiotherapy, and the best evidence is considered randomized controlled research and systematic reviews of literature that are still present in a very small number that are directly related to the topic of building key competencies with regard to the academic level of education of health professionals and problems that arise in translating new scientific and empirical knowledge into everyday practice.

Key words: physiotherapy, education, competencies

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Arthrosis of the joints is one of the leading causes of pain and disability in the world, and the most common affected joints are knees and hips. Patients decide on the surgical procedure of implantantion total hip endoprosthesis to reduce pain, increase mobility and improve the performance of daily life activities, thereby improving the quality of life. Preoperative physiotherapy is a potential way of accelerating the recovery time and overall improvement of the patient's function after implantantion of the endoprosthesis.

Aim: Determining the difference in functional abilities after implantantion of total hip endoprosthesis between patients with preoperative physiotherapeutic preparation and with patients without preoperative physiotherapeutic preparation.

Materials and methods: A sample of the examinees makes up to 30 patients for the surgical operation of the total hip endoprosthesis. In the study group (N = 15), there were preoperative physiotherapeutic and postoperative physiotherapeutic interventions, while those in the control group (N = 15) had only postoperative physiotherapeutic intervention. The hip flexion and hip abduction measurements were performed using the goniometer, the Numerical Scale for pain intensity evaluation, and the 10 Meter Walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Oxford Hip Score and Harris Hip Score questionnaires for functional ability assessment. The measurement was performed on the preoperative day and the third and tenth postoperative days.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative measurement between groups. There was a statistically significant difference third postoperative day in the study group in the hip abduction (p = 0,0013) and Harris Hip Score (p = 0,021), and tenth postoperative day in hip abduction (p = 0,042), 10 Meter Walk Test (p = 0,047), Timed Up and Go Test (p = 0,028) and Oxford Hip Score (p = 0,035) and Harris Hip Score (p = 0,0060).

Conclusion: Preoperative physiotherapeutic preparation affects the increase in functional abilities after the operation of the total hip endoprosthesis.

Key words: hip osteoarthritis, total hip endoprosthesis, physiotherapy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The quality of life of children with cerebral palsy and their parents is impaired due to the insufficient and unorganized health care system.

Aim: The aim was to examine the satisfaction of parents of children with cerebral palsy in providing health care.

Materials and methods: In the study 70 participants participated. A survey of the satisfaction of parents of children with cerebral palsy in providing health care was conducted through a questionnaire of 15 questions. The satisfaction of the respondents was expressed through the Likert scale.

Results: No respondent stated that was very satisfied with the way in which diagnostic treatment was used, while 11% were mostly satisfied. Regarding the satisfaction of the speed of arrival for examination of the neuropaediatrician and the physiatrist, most of them were mostly dissatisfied (74%, 82%) and for examination by physiotherapists (87%) and logopedists (94%). No parent expressed satisfaction with this question. When asked about satisfaction with hospital accommodation during of diagnostic procedures (95%) and satisfaction of access to child rights information (74%) mostly of respondents were dissatisfied.

Conclusion: The results indicate a high percentage of dissatisfaction among parents of children with cerebral palsy in providing health care. Also, they indicates that parents lack support in most segments necessary for the common socio-economic functioning of the family. The results contribute to a better understanding of the needs of children with cerebral palsy and indicate the need for significant changes in the care system for children with cerebral palsy.

Key words: cerebral palsy, child, parents, satisfaction, health care

ABSTRACT

Introduction: : Cerebral Palsy refers to a group of permanent disorders of movement and posture development that cause limitations in activities, and are the result of non – progressive disturbances of immature or developing brain. Cerebral palsy is classified into three types: spastic, dyskinetic and ataxic. The Gross Motor Function Classification System is a reliable method of classifying children with cerebral palsy according to the age – specific gross motor activity.

Aim: The aim of this study is to present a new method of assessment related to the quality of motor function in children with the classification of cerebral palsy.

Materials and methods: A sample of three children with the classification of spastic cerebral palsy, whose gross motor function corresponds to level 3, has been evaluated. Each child was assessed in a single time point by using Gross Motor Function Measure. The assessment was recorded, and based on the video analysis, the quality of the motor function was evaluated.

Results: Children achieved a higher score on the Gross Motor Function Measure in relation to all five attributes of the Quality Function Measure. The quality attribute in which the children achieved the highest overall result is weight shift, whilst the lowest result was achieved in dissociated movement.

Conclusion: The Gross Motor Function Measure is directed exclusively to the ability of performing motor functions. The Quality Function Measure observes the ways in which the child carries out certain tasks, as well as the strategies and possible compensations used for successfully completing the task, taking into account all developmental areas and their relationship in the performance of motor functions.

Key words: cerebral palsy, quality, motor, function, assessment

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Stress at work is a specific type of stress whose source is in the work environment. It represents a global public health problem and is one of the biggest causes of occupational illness and illness in the world.

Aim: To determine whether there is a difference in the level of stress between public health and non-health workers.

Materials and methods: The survey involved 110 respondents (55 health and 55 non-health workers). The Stressors Questionnaire at the Workplace was used. Respondents also evaluated the personal experience of a specific stressor on the Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5.

Results: The obtained results indicate that there is a statistical difference in the level of stress between health and non-health workers.

Conclusion: The study suggests that subjects of both groups are exposed to different types of stressors at the workplace.

Key words: Stress, stressors, health workers, un-health workers

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Shoulder instability appears as a naturally occurring or traumatic, sport-related chase. Every fifth person with a shoulder problem has one of the forms of shoulder instability.

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the original "Hand to Hand" physiotherapy approach on shoulder stability.

Materials and methods: The study involved 30 subjects (N = 30). Measurement of the proprioceptive index of fear and active range of movements in the shoulder before and at the end of physiotherapy was performed. Respondents applied a "Hand to hand" physiotherapy approach for 18 days.

Results: The obtained results point to statistical significance in decreasing the proprioceptive index of fear and increasing the active range of the movement in the shoulder (p <0.05).

Conclusion: Research suggests the effectiveness of a "Hand to hand" physiotherapy approach to shoulder stability.

Key words: shoulder instability, proprioceptive fear index, physiotherapy approach

ABSTRACT

Introduction: One of the assumption for successful research and the development of physiotherapeutic scientifi c knowledge is terminology and system, precisely and uniquely defi ned basic phenomenon of physiotherapy science.

Aim: To determine the core phenomenon of physiotherapy science.

Materials and methods: A pilot study was conducted on a sample of 20 respondents. Data collection was applied to the Delphi method in two cycles. In the fi rst cycle, respondents listed one hundred physiotherapy terms, while in the second cycle the respondents chose between the offered terms of at least twenty to a maximum of one hundred that they consider to be the core of physiotherapy science. The selected terms are ranked according to the frequency of recording.

Results: In the first cycle, a total of 868 terms were collected. In the second cycle there are 428 terms (nouns that are not related to medical equipment, aids, and anatomical parts of the body). 50% and more of all respondents recorded a total of 24 phenomenon that were grouped into fi ve key phenomenon of physiotherapy: movement, activity (including function), posture, motor control and physiotherapy.

Conclusion: The results contribute to the development of phenomenology of physiotherapy science, the standardization in clinical practice and creation the dictionary of physiotherapy science.

Key words: phenomenon, physiotherapy science, physiotherapy, delphi method

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The development of physiotherapy activities strives for high standards and quality to provide quality physiotherapy services.

Aim: To gain insight into whether physiotherapists comply with the legal provisions, regulations, rules, codes, statutes in everyday activities.

Materials and methods: Quantitative research was performed on a sample of 31 physiotherapists (N = 31). Questionnaire on basic features of responsibility in physiotherapeutic activity was conducted.

Results: 96.8% (N = 30) of respondents provide their patients information about the plan, interventions and goals of physiotherapy, while 87.1% (N = 27) ask the patient for consent to physiotherapy. The possibility to be with their patients during their overall physiotherapy have 82.8% (N = 24). All respondents of the questionnaire claim that they are able to abide by the Code of physiotherapeutic ethics and deonotools in everyday work. 75% (N = 21) respondents say that they had too many patients.

Conclusion: Providing health care services is a complex system that, with expertise and physiotherapy, ensures integrity in terms of health care concerns. Knowledge and experience, as well as legal and moral principles, must be known and conscientiously applied.

Key words: physiotherapeutic activity, responsibilities, responsibility

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Lumbosacral syndrome is a very important health problem in western countries that causes enormous medical costs, job breaks and disabilities, and causes an increase in social welfare costs as well as increases the feeling of anxiety in family life.

Aim: To detect the association of pain in the lumbosacral area with the position of the body at sedentary occupations and to determine whether the lumbosacral syndrome stabilization exercises affect lumbar spine mobility and reduce pain.

Materials and methods: The study included 30 respondents (15 subjects in the study and 15 subjects in the control group). In this paper a questionnaire was used which included general data, job satisfaction, work-related problems and quality-of-life questionnaires (Euro-Qol), and a modifi ed questionnaire for lumbosacral syndrome (Rollan-Morris questionnaire). Measurements of lumbosacral spine and intensity of pain were measured by Numerical Scale Pain. The experimental group conducted therapeutic exercises for the lumbosacral spine while the control group adhered to regular habits of life.

Results: There was a statistically signifi cant difference in the intensity of pain between the experimental and the control group (p = 0.003). However, there is no statistically signifi cant difference in spine fl exibility between the experimental and the control group.

Conclusion: Therapeutic exercises for the lumbosacral spine reduce the intensity of pain but have no effect on increasing the mobility of the lumbosacral spine.

Key words: lumbosacral syndrome, sedentary occupations, exercise for low back syndrome

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Synchronized skating is a very attractive, interesting, but also very dangerous sport due to introduction of more diffi cult and demanding elements imposed by the rules of the International Skating Federation.

Aim: To determine the frequency, time of occurrence and localization of injuries in Croatian senior team.

Materials and methods: An anonymous questionnaire was used that contained general data, a table in which it was necessary to mark the time, type and mechanism of injury. The research was conducted on a sample of 20 Croatian national team members in synchronized skating between the ages of 16 and 28. Data analysis used descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel.

Results: The results showed that all of the examined skaters during their skating career were at least injured once, and several of them more than once. The greatest number of injuries were related to lower extremity injuries. 13 out of 20 skater (65%) had knee problems. 7 of them 20 (35%) had problems with the lumbar spine. Of the total of 45 injuries, 8 occurred during off ice training (17.77%) while 37 (82.22%) during on ice training. 4 injuries (8.88%) occurred during individual technique training on ice, 11 (24.44%) injuries were associated with falls, and 26 injuries (57.77%) occurred during group skating elements.

Conclusion: The number of injuries in synchronized skating is troublesome, mostly the number of injuries occurring during mutual contact of team mates on ice. Concerned are also results of frequent pain placed in lumbar spine associated with more diffi cult elements performed in programs. The reason for this maybe associated with raised quality and attractiveness of the sport which should attract the interest of experts from various fi elds of medical science.

Key words: synchronized skating, injuries, incidence

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease, which usually affects the older population. Over time, anxiety and depression appear as a consequence of pain and increasing functional incapacity.

Aim: To investigate the level of anxiety in patients with osteoarthritis before and after physiotherapy

Materials and methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 30 subjects with clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hips or knees. Numerical scales of pain, Melzack McGill’s questionnaire for pain quality assessment, Patient assessment questionnaire, Beck’s inventory of depression, and Spielberg’s anxiety questionnaire. Therapeutic exercises in the gym and pool, paraffin wraps, water massage of lower extremity and TENS were applied.

Results: The level of anxiety was lowest in the elderly (p = 0.03). The results show statistically signifi cant difference in pain intensity (p = 0.01) and functional abilities (p = 0.03)

Conclusion: Anxiety is present in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the hips and knees, affecting the physiotherapy results

Key words: osteoarthritis, anxiety, physiotherapy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common compressive neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. According to the American Academy of Neurology, there is a 10% risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome during the person’s life.

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the success of physiotherapy and surgical decompression in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Materials and methods: 90 respondents (30 in each group) met the criteria for inclusion. Data are archives of the EMNG laboratory of the “Sveti Duh Clinical Hospital”, Zagreb. The fi rst group had good clinical fi nding of the median nerve. The second group with pathological findings of the median nervere received physiotherapy while the third group had surgical decompression. Values of distal motor latency and motor conduction velocity of the median nerve were compared before and after physiotherapy as well before and after surgical decompression.

Results: There was no statistically signifi cant difference in the second group in values of distal motor latency of the median nerve before and after physiotherapy (p = 0.237) as well as in the values of motor conduction velocity of the median nerve (p = 0.296). In the third group there is a statistically signifi cant difference in the values of distal motor latency of the median nerve before and after surgical decompression (0.0001) as well as motor conduction velocity of the median nerve before and after surgical decompression (p = 0.003).

Conclusion: Surgical decompression has been shown to be superior to carpal tunnel syndrome treatment than physiotherapy.

Key words: carpal tunnel syndrome, distal motor latency n. median, physiotherapy, surgical decompression

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cronic critical patients need long term care and multidiscilinary approach.

Aim: To show clinical features of chronic critical illness and possible solutions for long term care.

Materials and methods: Electronic searches of literature using words related to critical illness, chronic disease, physiotherapy.

Results: Most of critically ill patients need prolonged mechanical ventilation and/or tracheostomy. Agressive intensive care treatment, advanced age and comorbidities are major risk factors for development of chronic critical illness. Chronic critical illness except prolonged mechanical ventilation and/or tracheostomy includes severe complications in almost all organs and organ systems (severe neuromyopathy, metabolic disorders, generalized oedema, pressure sores, reccurent infections, hormonal changes, emotional changes, etc.). Prolonged specialized care is associated with high costs for medical equipment and consumable medical supplies. Also, prolonged critical care is a burden for their families due to economic and emotional issues.

Conclusion: Chronic critical illness becomes a real problem in the all developed world including Croatia. Multidisciplinary approach is a cornerstone of the care for the chronic critical ill patient and respiratory physiotherapist should be a team leader in that team. Regular early physiotherapy can improve fi nal outcome and decrease the number of complications. National service for prolonged critical care treatment out of acute hospitals and clear guidelines might improve the care for these patients. Long term home treatment is the best way of care, so it is very important to involve family members early at the beginning of intensive care treatment, educate and train them for the taking care of sick family member. Ensuring fi nancial, medical and technical support to the family is important also.

Key words: critical illness, chronic disease, physiotherapy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Physical activity in children and adolescents has numerous benefi ts for cardiovascular health.

Aim: To determine does physical activity infl uence on blood pressure in children and adolescents.

Materials and methods: Electronic literature search and review of the list of references downloaded articles with keywords “physical activity, blood pressure, children and adolescents.”

Results: In this paper are presented the researches which has shown a clear link between physical activity and decrease blood pressure in children, as well as a review of studies in which the relationship has not been confi rmed. The analysis is ultimately included 12 studies with a total of 12,512 respondents: seven studies (8455 patients) in which is confi rmed and fi ve studies (4057 patients) in which is not confi rmed link between physical activity and blood pressure levels. Seven study was a randomized, 3 randomized, controlled studies and meta-analyzes 2. The paper emphasizes the importance of physical activity as a measure of prevention of cardiovascular disease. These are the current recommendations of the World Health Organization on the preferred level of physical activity in children 5-17 years old.

Conclusion: In many works demonstrated the inverse relationship of physical activity and blood pressure in adults, and in children and adolescents. The strongest evidence exists on the impact of vigorous physical activities in the blood pressure in the pediatric population, and this effect is most obvious in children overweight. Although not shown in all studies, and physical activity lower intensity also brings certain benefi cial effects on blood pressure, but also for cardiovascular health in general.

Key words: physical activity, blood pressure, children, adolescents

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer in elderly men. Radical prostatectomy is the gold standard, however it damage neurovascular structures and can lead to functional deficits primarily in the form of incontinence and impotence. Physiotherapy intervention performing pelvic fl oor muscle training reduces the duration and intensity of urinary incontinence and positively infl uence on quality of the sexual life of patients. The aim of this study was to present a case of a patient with urogenital dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.

Elaboration: Study presents a case of a patient with static urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Physiotherapy assessment indicates a loss of function and strength of pelvic floor muscles. Physiotherapy intervention was consided of pelvic floor muscle training of low, moderate and high intensity with isolated activation of the urethral and anal opening for 6 weeks. The patient is educated to perform pelvic floor muscle training through functional activities and during intercourse. After 6 weeks, there was an increase in strength and function of pelvic floor muscles and absence of static urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion: : Urogenital dysfunction in men is still neglected and a major infl uence on the quality of life in the postoperative period. The results of this case indicate a high effi ciency of pelvic fl oor muscle training in order to improve the quality of life of patients.

Key words: pelvic floor muscle training, urogenital dysfunction, men

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Urinary incontinence presents uncontrolled urinary leakage affecting the quality of life.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the success rate of magnetic therapy (MT) in treating varioustypes of urinary incontinence (UI).

Materials and methods: : It included 84 randomly selected female patients, irrespective of their UI type. Applied magnetic stimulation ten times over a period of four weeks. To assess the effectiveness of magnetic stimulation was used form ICIQ SF and Gaudenz questionnaire.

Results: The results suggest statistically signifi cant reduction in the frequency of urinary leakage in all three types of urinary incontinence (p = 0.001) while the urge and mixed urinary incontinence. Also, statistical signifi cance was found in the daily frequency of urinary leakage (p = 0.001), and reducing the frequency of voiding during day and night (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Magnetic stimulation has a positive impact in reducing the symptoms of urinary incontinence and improvement quality of life.

Key words: magnetic therapy, urinary incontinence,questionnaire

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Arterial hypertension and obesity in children are constantly increasing and are interrelated. There are studies that show differences in the characteristics of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in terms of adverse fi ndings in normotensive children depending on body mass index (BMI), which increases cardiovascular risk.

Aim: To analyze whether there are differences in the features of ABPM depending on the BMI in children and adolescents diagnosed with essential hypertension.

Materials and methods: : We retrospectively analyzed 132 hypertensive patients aged 10 to 18; divided into three groups according to BMI; in those with normal weight (BMI &lt85.c. for age and sex), overweight (BMI 85-95.c. for age and gender) and obese (ITM≥95.c . for age and gender). Everyone has gone through ABPM and the clinical characteristics of examinees has been analysed. For statistical analysis the F-test of the equality of the variances and T-test of two samples of unequal variances are used. For all the results statistical signifi cance was defi ned as p &lt0.05. All the data were analyzed using Excel 2010.

Results: It is not found statistically signifi cant difference in the average values of systole and diastole, in the average values of diastole and systole during daytime and night, in the pressure of the pulse, in the average value of the pulse within 24 hours as well as in the percentage of non-dipping(eng. Non dipper) pattern depending on the BMI.

Conclusion: The results show no statistically signifi cant differences in the parameters measured by ABPM in children and adolescents with essential hypertension, suggesting a possible combined effect of genetic, environmental factors and obesity on blood pressure in children and adolescents with essential hypertension. We recommend non-pharmacological treatments in the prevention as well as in the treatment of hypertension in children and adolescents, including eating habits and lifestyle.

Key words: essential hypertension, obesity, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Sprained ankle are the most common injuries of musculoskeletal system. Repeated injuries of the ankle cartilage can lead to the development of arthrosis, with expanded cartilage damage, infl ammation, frequent swelling and architectural distortion of the joint.

Aim: The aim of the study is to compare patient function before and after arthroscopy of the ankle.

Materials and methods: Thirtythree patients are analyzed- 16 men and 7 women, mean age 41 years (17-73 years) - who underwent arthroscopic treatment because of ankle injury. The patients were evaluated on the basis of Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score System (AOFAS) before and after treatment.

Results: Average subjective FADI score before surgery was 52.4±21.2 (22.6- 92.5) and six months after sugery 91.1±9.0 (69.1-100). Average objective AOFAS before the procedure was 64±21.7 (21-95), and after the procedure 96.5±4.3 (86-100).

Conclusion: Fractures of the ankle and ligament injuries require earlier rehabilitation in order to prevent subsequent damage to the cartilage of the joint. Cartilage and bone underneath are more frequent found in the ankle than in any other joint in the body. Adequate treatment of cartilage lesion reduces risk of arthrosis. Arthroscopy of the ankle is minimaly invasive procedure that allows patients quick recovery and rehabilitation, and early return to daily activities and sports.

Key words: ankle arthroscopy, cartilage lesion, arthroscopic fracture treatment