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