Search Results (24)

Background/Objectives: Physiotherapy is a clinical discipline that provides services in healthcare centres, the community, at home, and in school. School Physiotherapy (SP) focuses its practice on children with disabilities or special motor needs during the school period. SP addresses psychomotricity, ergonomics, and posturology issues in order to improve health and academic performance. The objective of this study was to identify qualitative evidence on the experience and opinions of physiotherapists, children, parents, and teachers about school-based physiotherapy-led interventions. Methods: Metasynthesis of qualitative studies. The search included articles published between 2015 and 2025 on the PubMed, WOS, SCOPUS, and CINAHL databases. Results: The review included 15 selected studies. Three main themes emerged from this analysis: (1) Clinical and school physiotherapy: separated by a fine line. (2) Ensuring healthcare for children with specific conditions in schools. (3) The challenge of incorporating SP in educational settings. Conclusions: Physiotherapists, children, parents, and teachers perceive significant advantages in implementing SP in educational settings. Participants advocate for the development of collaborative goals and the inclusion of physiotherapists within educational teams. Understanding the experiences of physiotherapists, children, parents, and teachers may help improve SP in practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Body posture is developmentally variable and individually diversified. As a chain of numerous unconditioned and conditioned reflexes, it is, in its essence, a psychomotor habit. The aim of the study was to create an original typology of body posture based on measurements using the Diers Formetric III 4D system. Methods: The research included 303 children aged 10–12. Results: Taking the ranges of standards for the angle of thoracic kyphosis (42–55°) and lumbar lordosis (33–47°) into account, it was shown that there are nine types of body posture. These are as follows: reduced kyphosis, reduced lordosis (K < 42°; L < 33°); reduced kyphosis, normal lordosis (K < 42°; 33° ≤ L ≤ 47°); reduced kyphosis, increased lordosis (K < 42°; L > 47°); normal kyphosis, reduced lordosis (42° ≤ K ≤ 55°; L < 33°); normal kyphosis, normal lordosis (42° ≤ K ≤ 55; 33° ≤ L ≤ 47°); normal kyphosis, increased lordosis (42° ≤ K ≤ 55°; L > 47°); increased kyphosis, reduced lordosis (K > 55°, L < 33°); increased kyphosis, normal lordosis (K > 55°; 33° ≤ L ≤ 47°); and increased kyphosis, increased lordosis (K > 55°; L > 47°). Conclusions: In the final evaluation of the Diers Formetric III 4D examination, the traditional division into round, concave, round-concave, and flat backs should be supplemented and expanded to include the nine posture types mentioned above. This will enable a more precise selection of corrective exercises, which will significantly improve their quality and effectiveness. Full article

Background/Objectives: Inappropriate posture, overweight, and physical inactivity are common causes of pathologies on muscles, ligaments, joints, and bone structures, which could negatively impact the quality of present and future life. The challenge of this work was to develop a diagnostic approach to identify the causes of musculoskeletal disorders in an adolescent population in order to implement preventive procedures. Methods: A total of 147 subjects aged between 14 and 18 years who were affected by musculoskeletal disorders and who accessed the Clinical Posturology unit of the IRCCS San Gerardo hospital, Monza, Italy, from 2015 to 2023, were enrolled. The clinical evaluation of each subject included a posturology visit, a physical examination, instrumental devices, such as stabilometric platform, gait analysis, MuscleLab, and imaging tests, such as Radiographic and Magnetic resonance, and a final diagnosis. Results: Ninety-eight (66.6%) subjects reported pain at the lumbar spine (33.3%), followed by knee/lower limb (22.4%), cervical spine (13%), and dorsal spine (12.3%). Imaging diagnostics underlined alterations in the musculoskeletal components, bone dimorphism, and asymmetry of the skeleton in 68% of cases. Thirty-one (21%) subjects received a diagnosis of postural dysfunction, seventy-two (49%) received a diagnosis of somatic dysfunction, and ten (7%) received a diagnosis of both postural and somatic dysfunctions. Conclusions: Our work highlighted that the three instrumental devices used allowed us to detect somatic and postural functional changes that cause musculoskeletal pathologies in adolescents. Full article

Dental professionals are exposed to significant unavoidable physical stress, and theoretical ergonomic recommendations for a sitting workplace are inapplicable in many dental activities. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a serious health problem among dental professionals (prevalence: 64–93%), showing involvement of 34–60% for the low back and 15–25% for the hips. Muscle stress; prolonged sitting; forward bending and twisting of the torso and head; unbalanced working postures with asymmetrical weight on the hips and uneven shoulders; and others are inevitable for dental professionals. Therefore, the approach for the prevention and treatment of WMSDs must be therapeutic and compensatory. This project was conceived to provide a Yoga protocol for dental professionals to prevent or treat WMSDs from a preventive medicine perspective, and it would represent a Yoga-based guideline for the self-cure and prevention of musculoskeletal problems. Methods: Specific Yoga positions (āsana, such as Virāsana, Virabhadrāsana, Garudāsana, Utkatāsana, Trikonāsana, Anuvittāsana, Chakrāsana, Uttanāsana, Pashimottanāsana) have been selected, elaborated on and adapted to be practiced in a dental office using a dental stool or the dental office walls or a dental unit chair. The protocol is specifically devised for dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants) and targeted for the low back, hips and legs (including knees and ankles). The protocol includes Visranta Karaka Sthiti (supported positions) in sitting (Upavistha Sthiti) and standing (Utthistha Sthiti) positions, twisting/torsions (Parivrtta), flexions/forward bend positions (Pashima) and extensions/arching (Purva) for musculo-articular system decompression and mobilization. Results: Over 60 Yogāsana—specifically ideated for back detensioning and mobilization, lumbar lordosis restoration, trunk side elongation, hip release and leg stretches and decontraction—are shown and described. The paper provides a meticulous description for each position, including the detailed movement, recommendations and mistakes to avoid, and the breathing pattern (breath control) in all the breath-driven movements (āsana in vinyāsa). An exhaustive analysis of posture-related disorders affecting the lower body among dental professionals is reported, including low-back pain, hip pain and disorders, piriformis syndrome and quadratus femoris dysfunction (gluteal pain), iliopsoas syndrome, multifidus disorders, femoroacetabular and ischiofemoral impingement, spinopelvic mobility, lumbopelvic rhythm, impairment syndromes, lower crossed syndrome, leg pain, knee pain and ankle disorders. Conclusions: A detailed guideline of āsana for low-back decompression, hip joint destress, piriformis and gluteal muscle release, lumbar lordosis recovery and a spinopelvic mobility increase has been elaborated on. The designed Yogāsana protocol represents a powerful tool for dental professionals to provide relief to retracted stiff muscles and unbalanced musculoskeletal structures in the lower body. Full article

Extensive literature reports an increase in physical disorders (pain, pathologies, dysfunctions) and mental malaise/uneasiness (stress, burnout) affecting dental professionals in relation to fast and pressing rhythms of work, long working hours, increasingly demanding patients, ever-evolving technologies, etc. This project has been conceived to bring the science of yoga around the world to dental professionals as a preventive (occupational) medicine and to provide knowledge and means for self-care. Yoga is a concentrative self-discipline of the mind, senses, and physical body, that requires regular daily exercise (or meditation), attention, intention, and disciplined action. M&M: The study aimed to design a Yoga protocol specifically devised for dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants) including positions (āsana) to be practiced/used in the dental office. The protocol is targeted for the upper body, namely neck, upper back, chest, shoulder girdle, and wrists, being areas greatly affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This paper represents a yoga-based guideline for the self-cure of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals. Results: The protocol includes both sitting (Upavistha position) and standing (Utthana or Sama position) āsana, with twisting (Parivrtta), side bending (Parsva), flexion and forward bending (Pashima), and extension and arching (Purva) āsana to mobilize and decompress, and to provide nourishment and oxygen to the musculo-articular system. The paper delivers different concepts and theories developed and deepened by the authors and introduces and spreads yoga as a medical science among dental professionals for the prevention and treatment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. We articulate notions ranging from stretching out using the vinyāsa method (breath-driven movement) and inward-focused attention to contemplative/concentrative science, interoceptive attention, self-awareness, the mind–body connection, and receptive attitude. The theory of “muscles are bone ties” is coined and delivered with regard to tensegrity musculoskeletal fascial structures connecting, pulling together, and nearing the bone segments where they are anchored. The paper describes over 60 āsana envisaged to be performed on dental stools or using the walls of a dental office or a dental unit chair. A detailed guideline on the work-related disorders that can find relief with the protocol is provided, including the description of breath control for the practice of āsana in vinyāsa. The foundations of the technique reside in the Iyengar Yoga method and Parināma Yoga method. Conclusions: This paper represents a guideline for self-cure in the prevention or treatment of musculoskeletal disorders affecting dental professionals. Yoga is a powerful concentrative self-discipline able to provide physical and mental well-being, representing great help and support in daily life and business for dental professionals. Yógāsana restores retracted and stiff muscles, giving relief to the strained and tired limbs of dental professionals. Yoga is not intended for flexible or physically performing persons but for people who decide to take care of themselves. The practice of specific āsana represents a powerful tool for the prevention or treatment of MSDs related to poor posture, forward head, chronic neck tension (and related headache), depressed chest, compressive disorders on wrists and shoulders as carpal tunnel, impingement syndromes, outlet syndrome, subacromial pain syndrome and spinal disc pathologies. Yoga, as an integrative science in medicine and public health, represents a powerful tool for the prevention and treatment of occupational musculoskeletal disorders and an extraordinary path for the self-care of dental professionals, sitting job workers, and healthcare providers suffering from occupational biomechanical stresses and awkward postures. Full article

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between sensory integration and balance deficits as well as scoliotic changes in young schoolgirls. The study comprised 54 girls aged 11 years with scoliotic changes. The Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance of the Biodex Balance System platform were used to analyze the deficits in sensory integration and balance. Scoliotic changes were assessed using the Diers Formetric III 4D optoelectronic method. In the present study, there was a significant relationship between sensory integration and balance deficits as well as spine curvature angle (°) (p = 0.01), vertebral surface rotation (°) (p = 0.03), pelvic tilt (°) (p = 0.02), and lateral deviation (mm) (p = 0.04). The integration of the sensory systems has a positive effect on the structure of the intended and controlled movement as well as body posture and the development of the spine. In the treatment of scoliotic changes, one should also consider exercises that improve sensory integration as well as position and balance reactions. Full article

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between idiopathic asymmetry in infants and body posture in children at an early school age. The study included 45 girls aged nine. The Diers Formetric III 4D device was used to assess body posture, which allows photogrammetric registration of the back surface using the raster stereography process. For the purposes of the re-search project, the examination was performed via DiCAM using the “Average measurement” mode. Despite physiotherapy, these children had more postural defects later on compared to the control group due to asymmetry. They mainly concerned pelvic skewness, scoliosis angle, deviation from the vertical line and lateral deviation, as well as surface rotation. Positive correlations were observed between direction of asymmetry and pelvic skewness (r = 0.40), and between the location of asymmetry and the location of curvature (r = 0.39). Significant negative correlations were also found between the age of treatment initiation and trunk length (r = −0.42). There was also a negative correlation between the number of physiotherapeutic appointments and deviation from the vertical line, which means that along with an increase in the number of physiotherapeutic visits, the value of deviation from the vertical line decreased (p = −0.40). For scoliosis angle, the most important predictor was the direction of asymmetry (p = 0.05). For the location of the curvature, the most important predictor was the direction of asymmetry (p = 0.04), as well as the number of physiotherapeutic appointments (p = 0.04). Additionally, regression analysis allowed us to show that the number of physiotherapeutic visits (p = 0.03) was the most important predictor of curvature direction. The applied physiotherapy probably contributed to the occurrence of a smaller number of postural defects in these children at a later age. Physiotherapy as a specific and targeted form of physical activity among infants with idiopathic asymmetry should play a very important role in the prevention of body posture defects. Full article

Coronavirus disease 2019 represents the pandemic of the 21st century that has negatively affected the lives of the whole of humanity. For many months, the only weapons to fight against this infection were protective masks and social isolation. During recent months, fear of the virus has led people to avoid crowded environments and events, and to reduce medical checks, limiting them only to emergencies. Outpatient clinics, doctors’ offices, and all closed-in environments were required to limit the patients’ access. Nowadays, the presence of specific protocols around the world, and the extended vaccination campaign, have allowed a reduction of many restrictions. Unfortunately, the virus is still widespread, and dental practice and dental treatments suffer the consequences. Dental therapies in general, and in particular orthodontics, are not considered lifesaving. Due to this, orthodontists, in this historical time, must find solutions for motivating patients to start or continue therapies, while providing a safe way for them to do so. There are orthodontists who have developed, during this period, different ways to help them in treating and communicating with patients. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the influence of the pandemic on the choice to start orthodontic treatment, oral health care, and the importance placed on the appearance of dental occlusions. Materials and Methods: This study is a survey analysis of 159 people, which was posted in Facebook groups of adult orthodontic patients. The timestamps and answers of responses were analyzed to avoid duplicated or interrupted questionnaires. Conclusions: This study found that the current health emergency has not reduced the demand for orthodontic care, while some patients’ behaviors are changing in relation to oral hygiene and the importance that they attribute to dental health. It seems that dentists’ availability plays a key role in this period of sanitary emergency. Full article

The objective of the present research was to assess the relationship between muscle tone of the erector spinae and the concave and convex sides of spinal curvature in low-grade scoliosis found among children. The study included 251 children, aged 7–8. Examination of the spine and body posture was carried out using the Diers Formetric III 4D optoelectronic method. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to assess erector spinae muscle tone. The trial was carried out using the 14-channel Noraxon TeleMyo DTS apparatus. The highest generalised tone (sEMG amplitude) of the erector spinae occurred in the case of scoliosis. The higher the angle of curvature, the greater the erector spinae muscle tone. Regardless of the position adopted during examination of the thoracic spine, greater erector spinae tone (sEMG amplitude) was exhibited on the convex side of the spinal curvature. However, in the area of the lumbar spine, greater tone (sEMG amplitude) of the erector spinae occurred on the curvature’s concave side. The exception was the test performed in a standing position, during which greater muscle tone was noted on the side of the convex curvature. In therapeutic practice, within the thoracic section, too tense erector spinae muscles should be stretched on the convex side of the scoliosis, while in the lumbar region, this should be performed on the concave side. However, each case of scoliosis requires individually tailored treatment. The current research has applicative value and does fill a research gap with regard to erector spinae muscle tone in young children experiencing low-grade scoliosis. The development of scoliosis is associated with asymmetry and an increase in erector spinae tone. The uneven distribution of its tone, occurring on both sides of the spine and in its various segments, causes destabilisation and its abnormal progression. Full article

Nociceptive innervation of the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) has been investigated over the past few decades; however, these studies have not been compiled or collectively appraised. The purpose of this scoping review was to assess current knowledge regarding nociceptive innervation of the TLF to better inform future mechanistic and clinical TLF research targeting lower back pain (LBP) treatment. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched in January 2021 using relevant descriptors encompassing fascia and pain. Eligible studies satisfied the following: (a) published in English; (b) preclinical and clinical (in vivo and ex vivo) studies; (c) original data; (d) included quantification of at least one TLF nociceptive component. Two-phase screening procedures were conducted by a pair of independent reviewers, after which data were extracted and summarized from eligible studies. The search resulted in 257 articles of which 10 met the inclusion criteria. Studies showed histological evidence of nociceptive nerve fibers terminating in lower back fascia, suggesting a TLF contribution to LBP. Noxious chemical injection or electrical stimulation into fascia resulted in longer pain duration and higher pain intensities than injections into subcutaneous tissue or muscle. Pre-clinical and clinical research provides histological and functional evidence of nociceptive innervation of TLF. Additional knowledge of fascial neurological components could impact LBP treatment. Full article

Background: Authors refer to different methods to assess subjects’ foot posture. All methods present several limitations depending on the examiner or the chosen test. This study aims to investigate the relationship between different tests and Footprints parameters to diagnose subjects with a flat and neutral foot. Methods: The sample consisted of 37 participants, where 16 were included in the flatfoot group and 21 in the neutral foot group. Only subjects who presented a Navicular Drop Test value of >9 mm were included in the flatfooted group. All participants were submitted to Resting Calcaneal Stance Position and plantar pressure platform assessment for Footprints analysis. Associations between all tests and Footprints parameters were determined by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results: Regarding both groups, significant correlations between tests were moderate to nearly perfect to identified both conditions of foot posture. All correlations were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The diagnosis accuracy of foot posture condition can be compromised depending on the used test. The Navicular Drop Test and the Resting Calcaneal Stance Position were shown to mislead foot posture condition assessment, unlike Footprints parameters that can be important evaluation tools in a clinical environment. Full article

Dental professionals often perform physically and mentally demanding therapeutical procedures. They work maintaining muscular imbalance and asymmetrical positions for a long time. The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence and the factors associated to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among Italian dental professionals and the most affected body regions. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between March 2019 and February 2020. The Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was implemented with questions related to working habits (dental occupation, working hours per week and per days, years of work) and lifestyle (practiced physical activity, including frequency and duration, mobilization activities, and knowledge of ergonomic guidelines) was used. The-chi square test was carried out to detect any statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Logistic regression was carried out to detect the most significant factors associated to WMSD occurrence. A total of 284 questionnaires have been used for the analysis. A high proportion of dental professionals (84.6%) were affected by WMSD in the last 12 months. A higher prevalence was found in females (87%) when compared to males (80%). The prevalence of WMSD was correlated to the working hours/day and hour/week, with a higher risk for operators working >5 h/day and >30 h/week. In addition, a high prevalence was found in operators working for 2–5 years after graduation. Most of the surveyed dental professionals practiced physical activity (70.1%) but only a few had satisfactorily knowledge of ergonomic guidelines (12.7%). Interestingly, participants who practiced yoga or stretching as physical activities demonstrated lower WMSD (77%) when compared to other physical activities (84%). We can highlight that generic physical activities have no functional effect on WMSD for dental professionals. The most affected body areas were neck (59.9%), shoulders (43.3%), lumbar region (52.1%), dorsal region (37.7%) and wrists (30.6%). Considering the magnitude of the problem, there is an urgent need to implement the education in ergonomics among dental professionals, that may be achieved by teaching biomechanics, posturology and integrative functional therapies (such as yoga) during the university education and by promoting holistic health of dental operators. Full article

The aim of this research was to assess relationships between the level of vocabulary and selected elements of sensory integration and balance in 5-year-old girls and boys, showing the differences between them. The study group consisted of 290 5-year-old children (172 boys and 118 girls) with different levels of vocabulary development and selected disturbances in sensory integration and balance processes. To evaluate the developmental deficits of speech with regard to vocabulary, the Children’s Dictionary Test was used. The Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance was also employed. In our research’s overall assessment, 118 children, i.e., 41%, had a low level of vocabulary, while 108 (37%) had an average level and 64 (22%) had a high level. However, the average score of all examined children (3.71 stens) indicates a low level of vocabulary development. Less developed vocabulary skills included the ability to create subordinate words and define concepts. There were no significant differences in the level of vocabulary between girls and boys. We observed disorders concerning selected elements of sensory integration and balance in most of the children, and more often in boys. There were statistically significant relationships between the level of vocabulary and selected disorders of sensory integration and balance; however, they were not unambiguous. Children with the lowest level of vocabulary in overall assessment obtained significantly the worst results in the Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (CTSIB) open eyes, hard surface test. However, in the closed eyes, hard surface test, the lowest score was obtained by children with a high overall assessment. In turn, in the open eyes, soft surface test, the lowest score was noted for children with average overall assessment. In the complex CTSIB test, the lowest score was achieved by children with low ability to define concepts. The problem of the relationship between vocabulary level of and sensory integration as well as balance requires further research. The demonstrated significant relationships between some aspects of vocabulary level and selected elements of sensory integration as well as balance confirm the need to care for the overall psychomotor sphere of a child. Full article

The aim of the study was to analyse the body composition among women after radical mastectomy. The body compositions of 30 women after radical mastectomy (study group) were compared with those of 30 healthy females (control group). The method of electrical bioimpedance was used to analyse body composition. The significant differences between the groups, unfavourable for women, following mastectomy concerned body mass (p = 0.021), BMI (p = 0.049), fat mass (%) (p = 0.007), fat mass (kg) (p = 0.005), total body water (%) (p = 0.002), left upper limb fat mass (p = 0.013) as well as right upper limb fat mass (p = 0.022). The body composition of women after radical mastectomy was significantly worse compared to the control group. The majority of subjects were overweight and had high levels of body fat. Abnormal body composition is a modifiable risk factor of breast cancer; therefore, improving lifestyle is important in the prevention and treatment of this disease. There is a need for education, dietary supervision and physical activity in women following radical mastectomy. The innovation of our study was the use of the modern bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method, which does not cause ionisation and is a gold standard in the field of body composition analysis. In future research, we plan to broaden the assessment of lifestyle and the significance of diet and physical activity in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Full article

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the shape of the anteriorposterior spinal curvature and body composition in schoolchildren. The study included 257 children, aged 11–12. Correct spinal curvature was established in 106 (41.08%) subjects. Other types included: decreased kyphosis and correct lordosis—40 participants (15.50%), correct kyphosis and decreased lordosis—24 individuals (9.30%), increased kyphosis and correct lordosis—17 subjects (6.59%), correct kyphosis and increased lordosis—22 children (8.53%), decreased kyphosis and decreased lordosis—32 people (12.40%), decreased kyphois and increased lordosis—four of the examined subjects (1.55%) increased kyphosis and lordosis—13 people (5.04%). In addition, 134 (51.94%) demonstrated scoliotic posture and eight (3.10%) scoliosis. There were significant relationships between the shape of the anteriorposterior curvatures and body composition in schoolchildren. Those with a strong body build (predominance of mesomorphs) were generally characterised by the correct formation of these curvatures. In contrast, lean subjects (with the predominance of ectomorphic factors) were more likely to experience abnormalities. No correlations with body composition were observed in the group with scoliotic posture or scoliosis. Both in the prevention and correction of postural defects, one should gradually move away from one-sided, usually one-system, therapeutic effects. An approach that takes into account both somatic and neurophysiological factors seems appropriate. With the correct body composition and structure, shaping the habit of correct posture is much easier. Full article