The effect of lateral electrical surface stimulation (LESS) on motor end-plates in an animal model of experimental scoliosis.

The treatment of idiopathic scoliosis is challenging because of its diverse etiology, age of onset, and long duration of intensive treatment. We examined the effect of lateral electrical surface stimulation (LESS) in an animal model of experimental scoliosis (ES) assessing the number of motor end-plates (MEPs) as a study end-point. The control group (n=5) was adapted to the experimental apparatus without stimulation, whereas ES was induced in rabbits by one-sided LESS of the longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) for a duration of 2 months. The ES group (n=5) were subjected to a short-term corrective electrostimulation applied at the contralateral side of the spine compared to the previous LESS stimulation for 2 h daily for 3 (n=5) or 6 months (n=5). Another group of ES rabbits was subjected to a long-term corrective electrostimulation applied for 9 h daily for 3 (n=5) or 6 months (n=5). LESS applied for 2 months (ES), significantly increased the number of MEPs in LDM. The short-term corrective electrostimulation for 3 months resulted in an increased number of MEPs. However, a decrease was observed in the animals treated for 6 months. The long-term corrective electrostimulation for 3 months did not change the density of MEPs in the LDM, but for 6 months the number of MEPs in the LMD significantly decreased by ES and control groups. Thus, the results of the present study clearly show that the short-term LESS is able to influence both the number of MEPs and the effectiveness of muscle correctional adaptation in a more efficient and harmless manner than the long-term procedure.

Assessment of trunk asymmetry in transversal plane by geometric outline of trunk deformation (GOTD).

Due to its variety and changeability in time, trunk asymmetry is a symptom of body silhouette distortions, which is difficult to assess objectively. The parametric method involving a geometric outline of trunk deformation (GOTD) has been developed in order to provide a tool for an objective measurement comparable to further examinations. Despite the technology rapid development it still seems reasonable to use simple diagnostic methods available in all conditions, hence the authors' interest in the simplified topographic method employing the body contour tracer. For the diagnosis purpose it is particularly important to assess the parametric asymmetry of the body contour. Such result allows to determine objectively the degree of deformation and standards for the investigatory classification. The obtained coefficients and facilitate the description of deformation in a manner independent of trunk size, and therefore factors such as age and sex do not affect the measurement, which is an important advantage of this method. The body contour tracer is a simple and relatively inexpensive device. Its use does not require training or experience. Examination is noninvasive and harmless to the organism. Collected database provides clear material in the form of digital images, its processing and results, useful for simple comparative analysis. Due to the phase of the investigation, the discussion on the correlation, conclusions about deflection and norms standardization were omitted.

The effect of spinal electrostimulation on the testicular structure in rabbit.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to create an experimental model of idiopathic scoliosis (i.s.), and to assess the effect of Lateral Electrical Surface Stimulation (LESS) on the organism both intra vitam and post mortem. The experiment made it possible to determine the extent to which LESS affects overall development of the organism, apart from its positive clinical effect in correcting i.s. in children and youth. An attempt is also made to explain the basis of systemic complications accompanying this method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Studies were carried out on 10 white New Zealand male rabbits aged 3.5 months. They were divided into two groups, 5 animals in each group. The LESS group was stimulated using an SCOL-2 apparatus, 9 hours a day. The second group served as controls. After three months, the animals were sacrificed. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed on the rabbits' testicles. Scraps were collected immediately after the animal's death, from the free brim of the testis. The ultrastructure was examined with a TESLA BS-500 electron microscope. RESULTS: In the LESS group, histopathological examination of the testicles revealed considerable necrosis of the seminiferous epithelium, frequently coupled with peritubular fibrosis, atrophy of seminal tubules, and proliferation of Leydig cells. Ultrastructural examination revealed a multi-layered basal lamina, collagen appearing in the proper membrane of the seminiferous epithelium and blood vessels, lysis of supporting and sex cells of the tubular epithelium, mitochondrial damage, and the formation of myelin-like bodies in the round spermatids and the middle segment of the elongated spermatid tails. Lysis of the cytoplasm of Leydig cells was observed in the testes. CONCLUSION: Traditional electrostimulation induced regressive changes in the testes, in the form of necrosis of the seminiferous epithelium, atrophy of seminal tubules, and destruction of Leydig cells.

An authorial modification of kinesitherapy in idiopathic scoliosis.

The goal of this article is to present present modified program of kinesitherapy that has been developed for the conservative treatment of idiopathic lateral curvature of the spine. The research involved a group of 84 female patients under clinical observation, ranging in age from 12 to 15 years. 44 of these patients received therapy under a new kinesitherapeutic program based on elements of autocorrection and stretching of weakened muscles, and stimulation of the central nervous system. This method was applied 3 times a week for 45 minutes in 4-person hospital groups over a period of one year. Therapy was continued daily at home. The remaining 40 girls underwent rehabilitation using the traditional method of symmetrical correctional exercises. In the group with the modified program, 70% of the patients in the 100-190 range obtained improvement of curvature averaging 60 according to Cobb, as did 22% of the patients in the 200-290 group. In the control group, improvement was noted in 63% and 13% of the patients respectively. In the 300-490 group, all the scoliosis progressed in the control group, it contrast few non progressing cases were noted in the group with the modified program.

Experimental scoliosis in the course of unilateral surface electrostimulation of the paravertebral muscles in rabbits: effects according to stimulation period.

Scoliosis among children and adolescents is a persistent problem. Worldwide, it afflicts between 0.3 to 15.3% of the population. One of the treatment methods of this disorder is to administer lateral electrical surface stimulation (LESS) for 9 h/day; unfortunately, however, this results in side-effects. Improvements are therefore sought. The main aim of the study was to investigate the effects of the duration of LESS on scoliosis progression and to evaluate, qualitatively, any associated macroscopic effect on other internal organs. The length of the LESS period was based on the results of previous clinical trials in children. The experiment was performed on 13 developing rabbits (aged 3.5 months), divided into three groups: group 1, rabbits subsequently treated for 9 h/day (n=5); group 2, animals treated for 2 h/day (n=5); group 3, control rabbits without electrostimulation (n=3). Stimulation was carried out using an electric stimulator SCOL-2 according to the method modified by Kowalski. The animals were killed after 3 months and examined macroscopically, and their adrenal glands were dissected and weighed. The X-rays of the spine of the animals were taken to analyse spinal deformity. Macroscopic lesions in rabbits from groups 2 and 3 (control) were mostly absent. While there was considerable deviation in group 1, all the stress features were apparent. The enlargement of the adrenal glands observed in group 2 was significantly less marked than in group 1. The degree of scoliotic deformity (according to the Cobb method) ranged from 21 degrees to 410 degrees (mean, 31.2 degrees) and from 23 degrees to 330 degrees (mean, 30 degrees) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. LESS resulted in spinal deformity to a similar degree in the rabbits treated for either 9 or 2 h/day over a 3-month period. Short LESS therapy (2 h/day) significantly reduced detrimental effects associated with the treatment on internal organs of laboratory animals.

Post-traumatic rehabilitation of the knee joint.

Early rehabilitation was administered to 44 patients (ranging in age from 5 to 19) with post-traumatic and post-operational damage to the knee joint. A positive outcome for the treatment of injuries in the vicinity of the knee joint proved to be dependent on rehabilitation treatment, among other factors. Early commencement of movement and joint mobilization after injury and surgical treatment produces a number of positive physiological changes. The overall plan for rehabilitation is conditioned by the patient's psychological condition, and by the anatomical and functional condition of the joint. A methodology based on muscle strength training using isotonic or isometric work causes specific and non-specific changes in the muscular system. On the basis of the isometric and isotonic training used here in the rehabilitation process after trauma and surgery to the knee joint, it was determined that training based on isometric work is more effective in assisting the convalescence of these patients.

Preliminary assessment of ultrastructural changes in muscle fibres of rabbits after electric stimulation.

Studies were carried out on the effect of lateral electric surface stimulation used to treat lateral idiopathic spinal curvature in children and youth upon ultrastructural changes in the muscles which take part in spine stabilization. The experiment was carried out for 3 months on 10 rabbits. It was found that this stimulation, performed for 9 hours daily for 3 months, resulted in both progressive and regressive changes. Deviations from a norm suggest that the stimulation process destroys the sensory part of the reflex arc and chronic destructure of motoric neuron. In addition to this, overstraining of the muscle fibres with work was reflected in fibre hypertrophy and changes in the mitochondria.