Search Results (8)

Objectives: This study aimed to find if a relationship exists between antero-posterior malocclusions and the level of musculoskeletal disorders in adults, including body posture and static foot analysis. Methods: In all, 420 participants were recruited through convenience sampling (Kraków University students and patients of a local dentist’s practice). Following general medical interviews, dental examinations and consideration of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 90 healthy volunteers (ages 19–35) were enrolled and assigned to three groups (n = 30) based on occlusion type (Angle’s molar Class I, II or III). The research procedure involved occlusion and temporomandibular disorder assessment conducted by a dental specialist. Comprehensive morphological measurements of body asymmetry were performed using the Videography 2D package and FreeSTEP software, which calculated the parameters determined from anterior, posterior and lateral projection photos. Foot loading distribution was analyzed using the FreeMED baropodometric platform. Results: Significant differences were demonstrated in the positioning of the head, cervical and lumbar spine in the sagittal plane among individuals with the analyzed occlusal classes (p < 0.05). Individuals with Angle’s Class II exhibited significantly greater forward head positions and greater depths of cervical and lumbar lordosis compared with individuals with Class III or Class I. Those with overbites had higher forefoot loading. The Class III individuals exhibited greater L-R displacement, indicating a larger angle of displacement of the centers of the right and left feet relative to the lower edge of the measurement platform, suggesting pelvic rotation. Conclusions: An inclination for concurrent occurrences of malocclusions and posture deviations in the sagittal plane was observed. An interdisciplinary approach involving dentistry and physiotherapy specialists which utilizes tools for comprehensive posture assessment is crucial for diagnosing and treating such conditions. Full article

Background: This study investigates the relationship between malocclusion and body posture, head posture, podal system, and gait parameters in children. Methods: A systematic review of observational studies from 2010 to 2023 was conducted and 24 cross-sectional studies involving 6199 participants were identified. These studies were categorized into those dealing with body posture (10 studies, 3601 participants), cervical vertebral column and head posture (6 studies, 644 participants), the podal system (5 studies, 1118 participants), and gait (3 studies, 836 participants). Results: Evidence suggests a significant association between malocclusion and body posture, balance, podal system, and gait parameters. Notably, eight studies found a significant relationship between malocclusion and body posture, while five studies identified this relationship with the cervical vertebral column and head posture, five with the podal system, and three with gait parameters. Conclusions: Overall, the quality of evidence was strong for the association between malocclusion and body posture and the podal system and moderate for head posture and gait parameters. These findings offer insights for therapists to design interventions tailored to children with malocclusion based on considerations of body posture, head posture, podal system, and gait parameters, though further longitudinal cohort studies are needed for better predictive understanding. Full article

Background: The correspondence between various aspects of human postural parameters and the spatial relation of the jaws is of increasing interest among scientists. Emerging research suggests that the stomatognathic system and posture play, in a broad sense, significant roles. Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between various malocclusion types and gait parameters, the distribution of foot pressure on the ground, and body balance. Methods: The study involved 155 patients aged 12-16. The subjects were divided into groups according to their malocclusion—Angle’s class II (n = 32), Canine class II (n = 31), and Overbite (n = 46). The control group (n = 46) comprised children not demonstrating any defects. The study data were collected by direct observation of the oral cavity. Gait analysis was carried out using the Wiva^® Science sensor, and the distribution of foot forces on the ground and body balance was determined via the E.P.S R/1 pedobarographic mat. The non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test was applied for statistical analysis. Results: Analysis of the results obtained showed statistically significant differences in left step duration (p = 0.042) and the duration of the right step (p = 0.021), as well as the projection of the body’s center of gravity on the left foot (p = 0.027). Conclusions: Distoocclusion in the anterior part of the mandible may cause different positioning of the head and neck, as well as varying tension of the muscles, further leading to balance disorders while walking. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of integrated thermal rehabilitation care (ITRC) on postural balance and health-related quality of life in subjects with basic autonomy. Materials and Methods: From June to December 2021, a total of 50 individuals with six points on the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and a mean age of 66 (DS ± 12), comprising 27 (54%) males and 23 (46%) females, were selected. This study was carried out at the Thermal Medical Center of Castelnuovo della Daunia (Foggia, Italy), which operates within the National Health Service. The outcome measures were baropodometry (static exam, dynamic exam, and stabilometric exam), a biometric evaluation system, and the EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D-5L). Results: Statistical analysis of the data showed how balance affected postural control and how ITRC was able to reduce the body’s imbalance and improve quality of life. The vertical angles in frontal projection displayed an increment in the values (head/shoulder, p = 0.009; head/pelvis, p = 0.001; right hip/knee, p = 0.01; right hip/ankle, p = 0.008). In a dynamic analysis, the podalic weight percentage was shown to have a reduction in imbalance on both sides (left side, p = 0.01; right side, p = 0. 01). EQ-5D-5L showed a statistically significant improvement in quality of life and perception of quality of life. Indeed, the health status score improved in all items and in the total rate of the EQ index. In all subjects, walking motility (p = 0.005), self-care (p = 0.002), and habitual activity (p = 0.002) showed statistically significant increments in their values. Pain/discomfort (p = 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.006) were also reduced. In addition, there was a statistically significant increment in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score (p = 0.001) for life perception. Conclusions: The ITRC approach showed how small adjustments and postural rebalancing led to a significant improvement in quality of life. ITRC can be considered an effective treatment with good tolerability for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. Full article

Background: Dental malocclusion is an increasingly frequent stomatognathic disorder in children and adolescents nowadays. The purpose of this study was to confirm or deny the correlations between body posture and malocclusion. Methods: In the study, gait, distribution of foot pressure on the ground, and body balance were examined. The research group consisted of 76 patients aged 12–15 years. The research group was obtained from patients attending periodic dental check-ups at Healthcare Center Your Health EL who agreed to participate in the study. The patients were divided into two groups without malocclusion and with malocclusion, using Angle classification, which enabled determination of the anteroposterior relationship of the first molars. The pedobarographic mat was used to analyze the distribution of foot forces on the ground, the diagnostic system Wiva^® Science was used for gait analysis, and Kineod 3D was used for posture analysis. The Shapiro–Wilk test used for analysis showed inconsistency with normal distribution for all measurement parameters. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for the analysis, and the significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Examination of the relationship between stabilometric and gait parameters showed that the position of the mandible in relation to maxilla has an important effect on gait rhythm, gait cycle duration, and right step duration time. Patients diagnosed with malocclusion showed high-speed walking rhythm in comparison to patients with Angle’s class I (p = 0.010). The duration of the whole gait cycle (p = 0.007) and the duration of right step (p = 0.027) were prolonged in students without orthodontic disorders compared to the other. Conclusions: The conducted study proved that there is correlation between the presence of a stomatognathic disorder and gait cycle parameters. There is a statistically noticeable correspondence between the position of the mandible in relation to maxilla and walking rhythm, gait cycle duration, and right step duration time. Namely, students who presented malocclusion had a high-speed walking rhythm and decreased duration of the gait cycle and of the right step. On the other hand, students without disorders (Angle’s class I) showed low-speed rhythm and increased duration of the gait cycle and of the right step in comparison to Angle’s classes II and III. Full article

Promoting animal welfare in wildlife species under human care requires the implementation of techniques for continuously monitoring their health. Infrared thermography is a non-invasive tool that uses the radiation emitted from the skin of animals to assess their thermal state. However, there are no established thermal windows in wildlife species because factors such as the thickness or color of the skin, type/length of coat, or presence of fur can influence the readings taken to obtain objective, sensitive values. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the usefulness and application of the ocular, nasal, thoracic, abdominal, and podal anatomical regions as thermal windows for evaluating zoo animals’ thermal response and health status. A literature search of the Web of Science, Science Direct, and PubMed databases was performed to identify relevant studies that used IRT with wild species as a complementary diagnostic tool. Implementing IRT in zoos or conservation centers could also serve as a method for determining and monitoring optimal habitat designs to meet the needs of specific animals. In addition, we analyze the limitations of using IRT with various wildlife species under human care to understand better the differences among animals and the factors that must be considered when using infrared thermography. Full article

In this paper, double slot podal and antipodal ultra-wideband (UWB) microstrip antennas for a fluid property measurement system are proposed. Among different feeding techniques, out of phase uni-planner power divider approach is used. The performance verification of the proposed antenna is explained, along with a performance comparison of the antenna bandwidth, feeding, and the realized gain. The suggested podal antenna has an impedance bandwidth from 2.4 to 15.4 GHz, with a maximum gain of 11.3 dBi in the 12 GHz region while the antipodal antenna has a 2.8 GHz to 16 GHz impedance bandwidth, with a maximum gain of 10.4 dBi in the 10 GHz region. Within the intended band, the radiation pattern had an excellent directivity characteristic. The implementation of the proposed antenna is calibrated by measuring the propagated signals response via various liquid specimens using UWB radar, which might be applied for fluid sensing and prediction purposes. The proposed antenna was connected to an NVA-R661 module of Xethru Inc. for measuring the sample delay and peak-to-peak amplitude of the received signals passing through specimens. The measured parameters at a different radar frequency range of transmission are applied by drawing the fluid viscous analogy based on Poiseuille’s law hypothesis, showing clear differentiation between the test specimens. Full article

Background: The American Psychiatric Association has identified dyslexia as a neurobiological disorder. The aim of the study was to evaluate podalic support, balance control, and dyslexia’s effects on interpersonal relationships. Methods: Fifty-seven subjects were enrolled for this study. The subjects were divided into two groups. The experimental group was composed of children with diagnosis of dyslexia. The control group was composed of healthy subjects. Each subject underwent baropodometry and posturographic analysis. In addition, the Multidimensional Self-esteem Assessment test by Bracken was used for a precise measurement of self-esteem in both groups (TMA). Results: The static baropodometry and posturographic results of the experimental group were significantly higher compared to the control group. The analysis showed significant differences: Surface left and right, Surface forefoot left, Surface forefoot right, Retro foot surface left, Retro foot surface right, and the Ellipse surface area. The test for multidimensional self-esteem assessment (TMA) analysis showed a significant difference. The Pearson correlation index showed a high correlation between the following parameters: Surface ellipse vs. TMA; Length of sway path vs. average speed of movement. Conclusion: The dyslexic children showed a flat-footed trend and an unstable balance compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, the Multidimensional Self-Esteem test showed significantly lower self-assessments in the experimental group compared to control group. Full article