Bioelectric activity of selected muscle groups in people with impingement syndrome.

The aim of this study was to assess the changes of the bioelectric activity of the selected muscles and their impact on the functioning of the shoulder joint in people with impingement syndrome. The study covered 58 subjects aged between 24 and 85, who were treated for impingement syndrome in the years 2004-2006. The average duration of the disease was 40 months. The following muscles were tested for bioelectric activity using surface myography: deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, latissimus dorsi, greater pectoral and biceps brachii on the healthy and the diseased sides. A significant drop in activity of the deltoid and the infraspinatus muscles on the diseased side was observed. The following muscles showed comparable activity on both sides: the supraspinatus, latissimus dorsi and the greater pectoral muscle. The activity of the biceps brachii muscles grew during resisted movements. The drop in the activity of the deltoid and the infraspinatus muscles on the affected side is an important factor responsible for changes of the active mobility of the shoulder and for the development of instability of the shoulder joint. A similar activity of the latissimus dorsi, greater pectoral and biceps brachii muscles on both sides indicates a development of the compensatory mechanisms and the role of those muscles in the dynamic stabilisation of the shoulder joint.

Analysis of three-dimensional motion of the glenohumeral joint in impingement syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Impingement syndrome (IS) is one of the most common causes of progressive dysfunctions of the shoulder joint. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in the joint's mobility in patients with IS and to find correlations between the angular values of particular motion ranges. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study involved 58 people aged 24-85 years, treated for IS from 2004 to 2006. The average duration of the disease was 40 months. A comparative examination of active mobility on the healthy and affected side was carried out according to the SFTR method. RESULTS: A comparison of mean values of the motion ranges indicated significant limitations of active mobility in the affected shoulder. The greatest mobility deficit was found in the external rotation range. Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation between the angular values of internal rotation and the values of the remaining motion ranges. CONCLUSIONS: Impingement syndrome.

Posture in people with shoulder impingement syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The posture of people with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is a result of adaptive defensive posturing to decrease the intensity of pain in the affected joint. The aim of this work is to characterise trunk and shoulder girdle positioning in patients with SIS. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study involved 58 patients treated for SIS in the years 2004-2006. Symptoms had been present for 40 months on average. A photogrammetric study was performed with the use of a MORA 4G system. It consisted in measuring lordosis and kyphosis, as well as the symmetry of some selected anthropometric points in the frontal plane. RESULTS: Changes in posture presenting as an increased angle of trunk inclination in the sagittal plane and in the frontal plane were observed in all patients. There was asymmetry of bony points as regards the position of the scapula and the waist triangles. CONCLUSIONS: The impingement syndrome is associated with displacement of all bony points analysed. Changes in posture are a result of adaptive mechanisms. Trunk asymmetry is secondary to changes in the spatial position of the scapula.

The effectiveness of self-correction of body posture in girls with idiopathic scoliosis.

Background. The aim of our study was to assess self-correction of body posture depending on the position assumed. We made observations of the body posture of subjects in the habitual-unrestrained position and the forced erect position, and on that basis we assessed the capacity for self-correction in girls with lateral idiopathic scoliosis. Material and method. The research group consisted of 20 girls, aged 11-18 years (ave. 13.8), divided into two groups depending on the location of the primary scoliosis. The quality of the body posture in habitual and erect position was assessed by computerized photogrammetry, using the moiré technique. Results. In both groups, the mean values in habitual position indicate moderate (indicated by angular indexes) or large asymmetry (indicated by linear indexes). After the subjects had assumed upright position, linear indexes indicated moderate scoliosis and angular indexes indicated slight scoliosis. There were statistically significant differences in asymmetry of the trunk between the habitual and right position in the group of primarily thoracal and primarily thoracolumbar scolioses. A high correlation coefficient may be useful for detecting these types of scolioses. In both groups the asymmetry of the bone points was primarily large or moderate. The differences between the two types of scoliosis were not statistically significant. The only statistically significant correlation was observed between the differences in the distance of the lower scapular angles from the spine (OL).

Outcome assessment after the surgical correction of scoliosis using the Cotrel-Dubousset method.

Background. The goal of our study was to assess the outcome of the surgical treatment of scoliosis using the Cotrel- Dubousset method. Material and methods. The study population consisted of 30 girls, aged 13-19 years, with right-sided thoracic scoliosis, grades II, III and IV. All these subjects were operated using the Cotrel-Dubousset method. The research program included measurements of the primary scoliosis angle (Cobb's angle), the vital capacity (VC) of the lungs, chest mobility, and body height. Examinations were performed before surgery, immediately after surgery, and one year after surgery. Results. Comparison of the Cobb's angle before, directly after, and a year after surgery showed that the Cotrel-Dubousset method caused significant correction of scoliosis. The mean VC was below normal before surgery, and despite some improvement remained below physiological values one year later. Chest mobility examinations found that respiratory mobility was adequate before surgery. The mean body height increase one year after surgery was statistically significant. Based on the Risser test performed before surgery we found that ossification was still in progress in the majority of patients one year later. Conclusions. Surgical treatment using the Cotrel-Dubousset method had a significant impact on the correction of scoliosis, as measured by Cobb's angle. The operation did not, however, cause a significant increase of VC in girls with lateral, primarily thoracic scoliosis. A large increase in height was observed in the operated patients. This may have been evoked by significant correction of the scoliosis.

Impact of physiotherapy on the functional status of elbow and knee joints and quality of life in patients with hemophilia.

Background. The objective of our research was to assess the impact of physiotherapy on the frequency of intraarticular and intramuscular hemorrhages and on elbow and knee joint function, in hemophilic patients. Material and methods. We examined 22 boys, 6-14 years of age, suffering from hemophilia A. The research program included patient history in respect to intraarticular hemorrhages in elbows and knees before therapy, observation of intra-articular bleeding during physiotherapy, goniometric measurements of the range of movement in the elbow and knee, measurement of the circumference of the arm, forearm, thigh and calf, and momentum dynamometric measurements of the relative and absolute force of the flexors and extensors of the lower leg at the knee joints and of the forearm at the elbow joints, in static conditions. The treatment program included deficit coagulant agent replacement therapy, physiotherapy, and kinesitherapy. Results. The physiotherapy program we applied resulted in a considerable improvement in mobility, as well as increased muscle strength and mass. Conclusions. Our research showed that, due to the application of the appropriate replacement treatment, there was a decrease in the frequency and size of intraarticular hemorrhages, despite intense rehabilitation and physical activity.

Somatic features and parameters of anterior-posterior spinal curvature in 7-year-olds with particular posture types.

Background. One of the key elements in the examination and evaluation of body posture is defining the shape and size of anterior-posterior curvature of the spine and the location of symmetrical bone points in the trunk area. The aim of our study was to determine which somatic features and parameters of spinal curvature in the sagittal plane show statistically significant differences among children with given types of body posture. Material and methods. We examined 298 children (146 boys and 152 girls) attending four primary schools in Wroclaw, Poland. The examinations were carried out in specially prepared darkened rooms, using computer equipment to evaluate body posture. Results. The most significant similarities regardless of gender were observed in the inclination of the lumbosacral spine (a) and the angle of thoracic kyphosis, as well as in the size and index of thoracic kyphosis. The highest values in these parameters were found in children with lordotic posture, in whom the lowest values were found in the inclination of the upper thoracic segment (g) and the angle and size of lumbar lordosis. However, in children with kyphotic posture the most significant differences were observed in the length of thoracic kyphosis, and the least significant in the actual length of lumbar lordosis. Conclusions. The size parameters and indexes of anterior-posterior spinal curvature appeared to be the least differentiating factors among posture types. The strongest similarity of posture types was found in somatic features and weight-height ratios.