Back pain and body posture of non-professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of back pain in non-professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners (NP-BJJ practitioners), and to assess the relationship between their back pain and postural disorders. Methods: The study involved 61 subjects (age: 30.7 ± 4.9 years old; body mass: 79.4 ± 12.9 kg; body height: 179.6 ± 8.4 cm; 8 woman and 53 man), 31 who trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and 30 subjects who had never trained any combat sport. The mean time of training BJJ in the study population was 3.9 ± 4.1 years. Postural assessments were conducted with the use of the photogrammetric method. The assessment of back pain and injuries was conducted with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and with our proprietary questionnaire. Results: Among both populations, 37 subjects reported back pain. There were no differences in back pain location between the two groups or in functional state on the ODI. Significant differences between the groups in the values of the postural parameters (spinal height, length of kyphosis, length of lordosis, pelvis inclination angle) were observed. Statistically significant differences between the NP-BJJ practitioners with and without back pain in the length of the thoracic kyphosis and the differences in the height of the waist triangles were found. Conclusions: Both in the study population and in the control group the spinal pain was minimal or moderate on the ODI. BJJ practitioners who reported back pain had characteristic postural changes in some of the analysed postural parameters in comparison to BJJ practitioners who did not report back pain.

Postural stability disorders-early signs of aging-in physically non-active prisoners.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for a study of possible relationship between serving a prison sentence and developing postural stability dysfunction. The aim of the study was to analyze postural stability of physically inactive prisoners. The study group consisted of 24 male prisoners aged 34.6 ± 7.02 years, imprisoned in closed prison and 30 healthy, non-active physically, aged 36.9 ± 7.5 years, who consisted control group. The subjects were imprisoned for a mean of 105.43 ± 58.48 months. METHODS: The static balance test was conducted on bi-modular stabilometric platform CQStab2P. RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences in several stability parameters. Prisoners results were significantly worse in parameters measured with eyes open: MA (mean amplitude p < 0.01), MAAP (mean amplitude in anterio-posterior plane p < 0.03), MAML (mean amplitude in medio-lateral plane p < 0.04), MaxAP (maximal sway in AP p < 0.01), MaxML (p < 0.01). With eyes closed the prisoner's results were significantly worse in SPML (sway path in medio-lateral plane p = 0.01), better in MAML (p < 0.01) and MaxML (p < 0.01), and faster in MVML (mean velocity in medio-lateral plane p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: (1) Diagnostics aimed at early diagnoses of ageing symptoms should be performed in prisons. It would allow for better prisoner management in terms of assessment of ability to work, free time activity offer and falls prevention. (2) In prisons, in addition to counteracting the typical causes of balance disorders, action should be taken to counteract the causes for balance disorders typical for prison environment, inter alia: sensory deprivation-by implementing programmes comprehensively activating prisoners, and hypokinesis-by implementing physical activity programmes that cater for the needs of older prisoners.

Balance and functional disorders in geriatric patients after total hip prosthesis removal.

BACKGROUND: One of the most difficult complications of total hip arthroplasty is an infection in the area of the implant with an incidence of 0.5% to 2.5% resulting in the most severe situation in prosthesis removal. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess postural stability and functional disorders in patients after hip prosthesis removal. METHODS: A group of 15 patients after hip prosthesis removal was compared to a control group of 15 healthy persons who were age-matched without any symptoms of degenerative disorders in the lower spine and lower extremities. The static balance test was conducted on a bi-modular stabilometric platform, registering the movement of the centre of foot pressure. The functional state of the patients was assessed on the basis of the Harris Hip Score (HHS). RESULTS: Patients had poor functional result (HSS mean 62.29 ± 12.92 points). Obtained results of postural stability of patients showed huge difficulties maintaining stability and showed statistically significant differences in a majority of the analysed parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Several stability parameters showed significantly worse results in patients after hip prosthesis removal. Special attention should be paid and focused physiotherapy should be undertaken for patients with a stability disorder and functional status to prevent falls and improve functioning.

Agreement of Three Posturographic Force Plates in the Assessment of Postural Stability.

This study was designed to assess how the results obtained for three different posturographic platforms agreed with each other in an assessment of static postural stability. The study included 111 young healthy participants. A measurement of postural stability was made for each participant, with their eyes open and then closed, on each platform in a random order. The Romberg ratio, path length, and center of pressure (COP) area were analyzed. For all measures, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among the three force plates. The highest Spearman's rank correlation was observed between Alfa vs. CQStab2P (0.20 to 0.38), and the lowest between Alfa vs. AccuGait (-0.19 to 0.09). Similar results were obtained for the concordance correlation coefficient (0.10 to 0.22 for Alfa vs. CQStab2P and -0.6 to 0.02 for Alfa vs. AccuGait). Bland-Altman analysis for values standardized (z-scores) against AccuGait indicated a low level of agreement between compared platforms, with the largest error between AccuGait vs. Alfa, and a slightly lower error between AccuGait vs. CQStab2P or Alfa vs. CQStab2P. The 95% limits of agreement ranged from 2.38 to 7.16 (Alfa vs. AccuGait), 2.09 to 5.69 (CQStab2P vs. AccuGait), and 1.39 to 7.44 (AccuGait vs. Alfa) in COP length with eyes open and COP length Romberg ratio, respectively. Special care is recommended when comparing values relating to COPs from different devices that are analyzed by different software. Moreover, unperturbed stance tests among young healthy adults can be questioned as a valid postural control parameter.

Postural stability and functional disorders in patients with loosened hip prosthesis.

PURPOSE: The number of primary hip arthroplasties is growing every year. One of the most common long complications is the aseptic loosening of the prosthesis leading to serious complications in patients life, pain and following surgeries. In the literature, there is a lack of studies regarding balance impairment in this group of patients, which is why there was a need to conduct the study in order to find possible falling risk factors and simple functional, diagnostic test. The aim of the study was to assess functional state and static balance disorders in patients admitted to orthopaedic department due to loosened hip prosthesis prior to its replacement or removal. METHODS: The study population were 30 patients (15 women and 15 men) admitted to Orthopaedic Department for diagnosis and treatment of loosened hip prosthesis. Patients' mean age was 71.67 ± 9.21, body height 169.20 ± 8.75 cm, body weight 77.83 ± 12.96 kg. The clinical control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects age-, body height- and weight-matched, without degenerative disorders of lower extremities. Function was assessed with Harris Hip score. The static balance test was conducted in the mornings, in quiet separate room on bi-modular stabilometric platform CQStab2P, registering the movement of centre of foot pressure (COP). RESULTS: Measurements with eyes open and closed showed significant differences in limb loads - the load to the healthy limb was several times greater. Results of tests on the platform with eyes closed showed significantly worse balance in patients group. Their total statokinesiogram path was longer, and their COP sways number was greater. Similarly to the test with eyes open, the load of the healthy limb was much greater. CONCLUSION: Hip replacement loosening results in significant worsening of balance parameters. Balance assessment could be an additional useful diagnostic tool for hip replacement loosening available for physiotherapists.

Body Fat and Muscle Mass in Association with Foot Structure in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Prior studies have investigated associations between body mass index (BMI) and foot structure; however, these studies are limited only to the evaluation of the longitudinal arch of the foot and do not evaluate associations with body composition. Therefore, this study examined associations between body fat percentage (BFP) and muscle mass percentage with foot structure in adolescents. This study was conducted with 158 healthy subjects aged from 11 to 13 years. Body fat percentage and muscle mass percentage were estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. A podoscope was used to calculate Clarke's angle (CL), the Wejsflog index (WI), hallux valgus angle (ALPHA), and the angle of the varus deformity of the fifth toe (BETA). Lower values of CL were found in participants with excessive BFP (p = 0.021). No differences were observed in the values of the Wejsflog, ALFA or BETA indices between normal and excessive BFP groups. Participants with the lowest muscle mass percentage were significantly more likely to have lower values of CL and WI (p = 0.014 and p < 0.001, respectively). Excess BFP appeared to have a significant effect on the longitudinal arch and low muscle mass percentage on the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot in adolescents. There was no association between fat and muscle content with positions of the big and fifth toes.

Evaluation of vitamin D3 levels and morphotic parameters of blood in prematurely born children at six years of age.

In Poland the preterm children, with the birth rate reaching 6.3%, constitute a serious medical problem. The system of specialistic clinics provides them with the multidisciplinary care for the first 3 years of life, including the monitoring of hematologic parameters in relation with anemia and osteopenia. The aim of this study was to assess the vitamin D3 level and morphotic parameters of blood in children who were prematurely born at the time when they are about to start school. The study was carried out in a group of 92 children, aged 6 years ±0.63, including 54 preterm children born at gestational age <32 weeks - and 38 full-term children. A basic anthropometric measures and assessment of morphotic parameters and the vitamin D3 level were assessed. Statistical analyses were carried out using Shapiro-Wilk W-test, Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Preterm children had significantly lower the vitamin D3 level than controls. This also refers to some morphotic parameters of blood, such as level of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and platelets. Prematurely born 6-7 year-old children have significantly lower vitamin D3 levels in blood serum than normal and significantly lower hemoglobin levels than full-term children.

Author Correction: Assessment of body adiposity in preterm children at the beginning of school age.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Assessment of body adiposity preterm children at the beginning of school age.

In Poland, like in other developed countries, 6.3% of babies are born prematurely. Preterm babies suffer from numerous health issues. The aim of the study was to assess body adiposity in preterm children at the beginning of school age. The study population consisted of 61 children aged 5 to 8 years who had been born preterm. We performed standard anthropometric measurements according to internationally recognized methodology. The following parameters were used: Body Weight (BW), Body Heigh (BH), Waist Circumference (WC), Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist to Height Ratio (WtHR), Triceps Skinfold Thickness (TST), Subscapular Skinfold Thickness (SST), Umbilical Skinfold Thickness (UST), as well as total sum of the above parameters, or the Global Adiposity (GA). The anthropometric measurements were taken according to international anthropometric methodology. All anthropometric parameters for body adiposity were significantly lower in the study population than in the reference system. We found a statistically significant relationship between: the number of fetuses and: UST (p = 0.007) and z-score UST (p = 0.030); combined number of unfavorable perinatal events: and UST (p = 0.013) and z-score UST (p = 0.007), GA (p = 0.038) and z-score GA (p = 0.040). Preterm children who are about to start school have significantly lower values of anthropometric features that characterize their body adiposity. In preterm children at early school age number of fetuses diversifies UST; and combined number of unfavorable perinatal events diversifies UST and GA. It is recommended that more studies are conducted on positively oriented modification of body adiposity in these children, as well as its long term monitoring.

Assessment of Foot Shape in Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disability: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND Available publications provide little evidence pertaining to assessment of foot shape in children with intellectual disability. The aim of this study was to assess the parameters of foot shape in children and adolescents with intellectual disability and to evaluate the relationship between the degree of disability and these parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 90 individuals aged 7-15 years, including 45 subjects with mild and moderate levels of intellectual disability (study group) and 45 peers with normal intellectual development (control group). Each participant was subjected to photogrammetric assessment of foot shape based on the projection moire effect. RESULTS Analysis of the relationship between the disability level and the assessed parameters showed that the length of the right (p=0.006) and left (p=0.004) foot, as well as Wejsflog's rate for the right (p<0.001) and left (p<0.001) foot, were significantly higher among children with mild disability, whereas GAMMA angle of the right (p=0.028) and left (p=0.006) foot was significantly higher among children with moderate disability. CONCLUSIONS The findings show a significant relationship between the degree of disability and the assessed foot parameters. Significant differences between the subjects with intellectual disability and the control group were identified in the basic parameters defining foot structure.

Urinary incontinence due to lumbar spinal stenosis causing disability and lowering quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: Lumbar spinal stenosis may lead to urinary inconsistence and can have a negative impact on the quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of urinary incontinence and quality of life in female patients with spinal canal stenosis comparing to control group. METHODS: The study population consisted of 50 women diagnosed with severe lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Their mean age was 55.32 ± 12.97 years. The clinical control group consisted of 30 women who did not suffer from any spine disorders. Their mean age was 54.87 ± 12.01 years. There was no difference between both groups regarding age, weight, BMI and number of parity. The women diagnosed with clinical and radiographic symptoms of spinal canal stenosis filled out an anonymous questionnaire, ODI, ICIQ-UI-SF, and ICIQ-LUTSqol questionnaires. RESULTS: We found urinary incontinence in 56% of women with lumbar spinal canal stenosis and in 43% of clinical control group. We also found a statistically significant correlation between duration of lumbar stenotic symptoms, the SLR sign, number of deliveries and the intensity of urinary incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary incontinence in women with lumbar spinal canal stenosis is significantly different from the control group. Leakage of urine happened more frequently, the amount of urine leaked was greater, and the general impact on everyday life is harsher, as compared to the clinical control group.

Concurrent validity of photogrammetric and inclinometric techniques based on assessment of anteroposterior spinal curvatures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate correlations between parameters of anteroposterior spinal curvatures in the sagittal plane, measured with the use of photogrammetric technique and inclinometer in healthy elderly women. METHODS: Randomized study involved 50 females, ranging from 50 to 70 years of age (mean 62.26 ± 6.94); mean body mass index (BMI) 27.69 ± 4.79. The examined parameters included angle of inclination in lumbosacral spine (ALFA), thoracolumbar transition (BETA), upper thoracic segment (GAMMA), angle of lumbar lordosis (LLA) and thoracic kyphosis (TKA). Results obtained with gravitational inclinometer were compared with those identified with photogrammetry method. Statistical analyses were performed with Mann-Whitney U test, regression analysis and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: In Mann-Whitney U test, with correction due to continuity, no statistically significant differences for any variable were found. Regression analysis was significant only for the variable of BETA angle. Bland-Altman coefficient for the respective angles was: ALFA 2.0%, BETA 4%, GAMMA 0%, LLA 2% and TKA 0%. CONCLUSIONS: The results acquired with gravitational inclinometer and with photogrammetric technique are comparable, as the parameters of anteroposterior spinal curvatures acquired with these two methods are found to be compatible in the case of measurements of lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis.

Body Posture Asymmetry in Prematurely Born Children at Six Years of Age.

AIMS: The purpose of the study was to assess body posture asymmetries in the standing and sitting position in prematurely born children at six years of age. STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: We measured trunk symmetry in coronal plane. The study was carried out in a group of 101 children, aged 6-7 years, mean age of 6.63, including 50 preterm children born at gestational age <32 weeks (preterm group) and 51 full-term children (control group). OUTCOME MEASURES: Trunk symmetry in coronal plane was measured using photogrammetric technique with Mora 4G CQ Elektronik. The subjects were examined in standing and sitting position. Statistical analyses were carried out using Shapiro-Wilk W-test, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson's chi-squared test. Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the groups in the asymmetries identified in the relevant anthropometric points, relative to the position assumed during the examination or to the subjects' sex. CONCLUSIONS: There are no significant differences in body posture in the coronal plane, between preterm children and full-term children. Premature birth does not have adverse effects related to body posture asymmetry in preterm children at the age of six.

Analysis of Anteroposterior Spinal Curvatures in Child Violinists from Music Schools.

Young musicians often report problems with their upper limbs and spine due to their specific and asymmetric positions and actions while playing, which may contribute to overloading these structures. Diagnosing any disorders to the upper limbs or spine early may help to minimize the risk of developing any serious instrument-related health problems in the future. The aim of this study was to assess the anteroposterior (AP) spinal curvatures in children learning to play the violin. Previous studies have shown anthropomorphic differences in young adult musicians, and our study examined if these differences appeared early or late in the musician's career. METHODS: Body posture of 101 children, aged 7-12 yrs (mean 11.09±1.48), was assessed. The study population consisted of 49 child violinists and a control group of 52 children who did not play any musical instrument. There were 81.19% girls and 18.81% boys. Body posture was analyzed using the MORA 4G. RESULTS: The violinist group showed significant differences in the thoracolumbar region angle (p=0.004) compared to the non-musical children. The remaining parameters did not reveal significant differences between groups. The parameter characterizing the location of kyphosis peak calculated from the spinous process of the C7 vertebra was significantly higher in the study population. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in body posture in children who play the violin appear early in their training. Body postures when playing the violin lead to some changes in parameters characterizing AP spinal curvatures in the sagittal plane.

The impact of saddle chairs on spinal curvatures.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the parameters of the postural changes between two sitting positions: sitting on a saddle chair compared to sitting on an office chair. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the impact of an adjustable saddle chair compared to an adjustable office chair with a backrest on sitting posture. METHODS: The study involved 60 healthy subjects, mean age 24.7±2.3 years. The study used a MORA 4G system, operating on the basis of spatial photogrammetry. RESULTS: It was found that there were statistically significant differences regarding the depth of thoracic kyphosis and the angle of the trunk forward inclination. These values were lower when measured on a saddle chair, and the inclination of the upper thoracic section and the lumbar lordosis depth were significantly higher when sitting on a saddle chair. CONCLUSIONS: Sitting on the saddle chair caused the positive effect of an increase of lumbar lordosis. A significant increase in the protraction in the cervical spine was observed, which would be considered to be a negative effect.

Assessment of body parameters' symmetry in child violinists.

BACKGROUND: Playing violin may lead to overload of the locomotor system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess body parameters for trunk symmetry in child violinists and compare with the control group. METHODS: We analyzed body posture of 101 children aged 7-12 years, mean age 11.09 ± 9.46, 49 child violinists and control group of 52 children. RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences for the difference in depth of the lower corners of scapulae and upper posterior spina iliaca, though greater asymmetries were found in the clinical control group. The remaining parameter values are close to significance, which may suggest that the process of postural change among the children had just started and that the existing asymmetries were easy to correct. We found positive correlation between body height and the difference in distance of the lower corners of scapulae from the spine: OL (p= 0.029, correlation coefficient value was 0.167) and the Thales triangle height: (p= 0.018, correlation coefficient was 0.214). CONCLUSIONS: Position maintained while playing the violin changed some parameters characterizing the curvature of the spine in frontal plane. We found the importance of detailed analysis of children body posture and its critical assessment.

Analysis of Relationship between the Body Mass Composition and Physical Activity with Body Posture in Children.

Introduction. Excessive body mass in turn may contribute to the development of many health disorders including disorders of musculoskeletal system, which still develops intensively at that time. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between children's body mass composition and body posture. The relationship between physical activity level of children and the parameters characterizing their posture was also evaluated. Material and Methods. 120 school age children between 11 and 13 years were enrolled in the study, including 61 girls and 59 boys. Each study participant had the posture evaluated with the photogrammetric method using the projection moiré phenomenon. Moreover, body mass composition and the level of physical activity were evaluated. Results. Children with the lowest content of muscle tissue showed the highest difference in the height of the inferior angles of the scapulas in the coronal plane. Children with excessive body fat had less slope of the thoracic-lumbar spine, greater difference in the depth of the inferior angles of the scapula, and greater angle of the shoulder line. The individuals with higher level of physical activity have a smaller angle of body inclination. Conclusion. The content of muscle tissue, adipose tissue, and physical activity level determines the variability of the parameter characterizing the body posture.

The occurrence of overload at work and musculoskeletal pain in young physiotherapists.

BACKGROUND: A job requiring stooping, lifting, carrying loads and multiple repetitions of the same movement patterns leads to overloading the musculoskeletal system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the work-related load experienced by physiotherapists and the occurrence of the musculoskeletal system overload. METHODS: The study included 108 young physiotherapists, 69 women and 39 men, aged from 25 to 35 years (mean 27.12 ± 3.72 years). The study used an anonymous questionnaire and Quick Exposure Check. RESULTS: The most common musculoskeletal complaints were as follows: 70 physiotherapists (64.8%) reported low back pain, 60 (55.6%) cervical pain, and 34 (31.5%) pain in the wrists and fingers. Statistically significant positive correlations were revealed between the number of years worked in the profession and shoulder pain. The number of hours of work per week was positively correlated with the occurrence of pain in all analyzed body areas. Professional experience was negatively correlated with the level of stress felt. Physiotherapists dealing with manual therapy and exercise physiotherapy were particularly vulnerable to musculoskeletal overload. CONCLUSIONS: Popularization of knowledge regarding ergonomics among physiotherapists could reduce the occurrence of musculoskeletal overload.

The effect of unilateral osteoarthritis of the hip on postural balance disorders.

BACKGROUND: Postural stability is of great importance because imbalances and muscle weakness are significant risk factors for falls experienced by the elderly. Hip arthrosis, which causes pain and gait disorders that affect balance control, is common in the ageing population. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess postural stability in patients with unilateral hip arthrosis before total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: The study population consisted of 52 patients with hip arthrosis (study group) and 47 subjects with no history of clinical symptoms of hip pain. The groups did not differ statistically in terms of age and BMI. Static balance was assessed by conducting a quantitative analysis of balance reaction parameters in a quiet standing position with the eyes open and closed. RESULTS: Analysis of the collected data revealed numerous statistically significant differences between patients with unilateral hip arthrosis before total hip arthoplasty and the asymptomatic group for parameters tested with eyes closed (p<0.05). We observed higher values of total length of centre of pressure (COP), sway path (SP), length of COP path in the medial-lateral plane (SPML), maximal amplitude between the 2 most distant points in the medial-lateral plane (MaxML), mean COP velocity (MV), and mean COP velocity in medial-lateral (MVML) in the study group.

Assessment of postural stability in patients with lumbar spine chronic disc disease.

PURPOSE: The pain, motor and sensory deficits are common symptoms of the lumbar disc disorder, and they can significantly affect human postural control. The aim of this study was to assess postural stability in patients with severe symptoms of lumbar spine disc disease qualifying them for surgical treatment and to compare them with a control group. METHODS: The study involved 103 subjects: 54 patients and 49 healthy subjects. Patient's mean age was 46.4 ± 11.3 years, mean body height 172.2 ± 10.3 cm, mean body mass 83.1 ± 18.9 kg, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.9 ± 5.2 kg m-2. The mean time of their recent pain episode was 9.7 ± 8.5 months. RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences between postural stability in patients with lumbar spine disc disease and the control group. The measurements taken with eyes closed, as compared with the clinical control group, revealed higher and statistically significant values of the mean amplitude of COP, mean amplitude of COP on sagittal plane, and maximal sway in sagittal plane parameters. The analysis of pressure value differences between the right and left lower limbs in both groups revealed statistical significance. In the study population the difference was significantly greater in comparison to the control group. The patients had significantly greater asymmetry of lower limb load. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Patients with lumbar spine discogenic pain had decreased postural control. 2. The patients had significant asymmetry in foot pressure resulting from pain radiating to a lower limb.