The ability of selected plant essential oils to enhance the action of recommended antibiotics against pathogenic wound bacteria.

The aim of this work was to characterize the ability of essential oils to support antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria in wounds. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria obtained from wound infections were identified according to standard microbiological methods. Essential oils were analysed by GC-FID-MS. The susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics, essential oils and their combination was assessed using the disc-diffusion method. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of the essential oils were established by the micro-dilution broth method. Although cinnamon, clove, thyme and lavender essential oils were found to have the greatest antibacterial activity when used alone, the greatest additive and synergistic effects against pathogenic wound bacteria in combination with recommended antibiotics were demonstrated by basil, clary sage and rosemary oils.

The influence of NDT-Bobath and PNF methods on the field support and total path length measure foot pressure (COP) in patients after stroke.

In stroke patients, the NDT - (Bobath - Neurodevelopmental Treatment) and PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) methods are used to achieve the main objective of rehabilitation, which aims at the restoration of maximum patient independence in the shortest possible period of time (especially the balance of the body). The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of the NDT-Bobath and PNF methods on the field support and total path length measure foot pressure (COP) in patients after stroke. The study included 72 patients aged from 20 to 69 years after ischemic stroke with Hemiparesis. The patients were divided into 4 groups by a simple randomization. The criteria for this division were: the body side (right or left) affected by paresis and the applied rehabilitation methods. All the patients were applied the recommended kinesitherapeutic method (randomized), 35 therapy sessions, every day for a period of six weeks. Before initiation of therapy and after 6 weeks was measured the total area of the support and path length (COP (Center Of Pressure) measure foot pressure) using stabilometer platform - alpha. The results were statistically analyzed. After treatment studied traits decreased in all groups. The greatest improvement was obtained in groups with NDT-Bobath therapy. NDT-Bobath method for improving the balance of the body is a more effective method of treatment in comparison with of the PNF method. In stroke patients, the effectiveness of NDT-Bobath method does not depend on hand paresis.

A comparative analysis of analgesic efficacy of ultrasound and shock wave therapy in the treatment of patients with inflammation of the attachment of the plantar fascia in the course of calcaneal spurs.

INTRODUCTION: Troublesome heel spur is a nuisance condition that affects people of all ages. Treatment of patients with heel spur is a difficult and lengthy process requiring patience from both the patient and the therapist. Sometimes, the only and ultimate method of treatment is surgery, although spurs tend to recur. The aim of the study is a comparative analysis of the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound and shock wave therapy in patients with heel spur. The cause of pain in the course of calcaneal spur is inflammation of the attachment of the plantar fascia, which plays an important role in the process of walking and is seriously strained during different types of movement. Treatment of patients is a difficult and lengthy process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on a group of 47 patients of both sexes, aged 38-60 years (mean 51.3) with a plantar calcaneal spur confirmed by X-ray images. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups using a simple randomization: Group 1-ultrasound therapy group (a series of ten treatments) and Group 2-the radial shock wave group (series of four treatments). In all patients, pain intensity was assessed three times: before therapy, after the first and second weeks of treatment. A version of Laitinen's pain assessment questionnaire and the Huskisson visual analogue scale (VAS) were used. Of the group of studied respondents, 47 patients of both sexes and aged 38-60 years (mean age 51.3) with a heel spur (confirmed on X-rays), who had pain for at least a month, were randomly included in the study. The patients were classified into: Group 1-US therapeutic group (a series of ten treatments) and Group 2-with RSWT (a series of five treatments). Pain intensity was assessed three times: before the treatment, after the first and second week of the treatment with the application of the VAS and the Leitinen Pain Questionnaire. RESULTS: However, a decrease in pain sensation was reported in all test intervals, and its largest decrease occurred in both groups within 1 week of beginning treatment. More dynamic change in this period was recorded in Group 1. CONCLUSION: The conclusion is that while ultrasound and shock wave therapy show significant analgesic efficacy in patients with heel spur, fewer shock wave therapy sessions are needed than ultrasound sessions for effective relief, suggesting that the shock wave therapy has greater analgesic efficacy. A similar analgesic effect was achieved with the administration of a smaller number of shock wave treatments and a full series of ultrasound treatments.

Influence of the surface electrostimulation controlled by muscle contraction on the bioelectric muscle activity and restoration of the hand function in cerebral stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: Impaired limb mobility is the most troublesome condition in patients after cerebral stroke. The application of the electrode-glove might reduce dysfunctions in patients treated due to stroke. OBJECTIVE: The electrode-glove use in rehabilitation is investigated. The study was conducted on 54 patients aged 28 - 72 (the mean age 54.3 ± 10.3) with hemiparesis who had suffered from cerebral stroke. The patients from Group 1 were applied bipolar stimulation of forearm muscles (flexors and extensors of the wrist joint and hand) with the use of two flat electrodes of the same size. With regards to Group 2, in the study used an electrode-glove. METHODS: The excitation threshold was determined once a week with the use of the EMG. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: The evaluation of the electromyographic bioelectric activity of flexor and extensor muscles in the forearm, of the functional mobility of the hand according to the Brunnström test and of the functional mobility of the hand according to the seven-graded task Frenchay scale. RESULTS: The authors of the study observed a much greater improvement in the function of the hand in Group 2, where the mean value increased by 2.1 points. With regards to Group 1, the mean value increased by 1 point and the differences of the results in the studied groups after the therapy were statistically significant (p = 2.830). CONCLUSIONS: The electrical stimulation method controlled/triggered by muscle contractions is an effective method of normalization of muscle tension in the forearm and hand as well as restoration of the hand function in patients with cerebral stroke.

[Evaluation of effectiveness of local cryotherapy in patients with post-stroke spasticity]. / Ocena skutecznosci krioterapii miejscowej u osób ze spastycznoscia po udarze mózgu.

INTRODUCTION: Spasticity is a source of functional limitations in patients. It leads to weakening of muscles, reduced mobility, muscle fatigue and irreversible changes in tissues. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of local cryotherapy in patients with post-stroke spasticity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 56 patients with post-stroke spasticity. They were divided into two groups (Group 1 was administered cryotherapy and kinesitherapy and Group 2- kinesitherapy only). The researchers assessed the level of spasticity according to the Modified Ashworth Scale as well as functions of lower limbs, upper limbs and hands according to the Brunnström Scale twice (before and after the therapy). The findings were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: In the treatment groups decreased muscle tone. An improvement of the efficiency of locomotion and hand in performing activities of daily living. More favorable results were observed in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Local cryotherapy combined with kinesitherapy appeared to be more effective in treating spasticity rather than kinesitherapy alone. A decrease in spasticity and an improvement of the limb function indicate a stabilization of muscular tension in patients with disorders upper motor neuron.

[Influence of toxin botulin on walk stereotype of children with juvenile cerebral palsy. The functional examination performed by BTS, comprehensive movement analysis system. A preliminary report]. / Wplyw toksyny botulinowej na stereotyp chodu dzieci z mózgowym porazeniem dzieciecym. Analiza funkcjonalna z wykorzystaniem systemu do kompleksowej oceny chodu - BTS. Doniesienie wstepne.

INTRODUCTION: Juvenile Cerebral Palsy--is caused by damage of the motor control centers of the developing brain (cerebral refers to the cerebrum, which is the affected area of the brain, although the disorder probably involves connections between the cortex and other parts of the brain and palsy refers to disorder of movement). The clinical symptoms of juvenile cerebral palsy are very diversified and include gross and fine motor-coordination disorders, manual ability, locomotion, perception and response, speech, psychomotor retardation, emotional disorders. The primary therapeutic problem in children with cerebral palsy is learning to move in a lower position and learning to walk. The aim of this research is evaluation the action of the botulinum toxin on gait pattern of children with cerebral palsy. Application of a comprehensive BTS analysis of gait will get accurate, consistent EBM (Evidence Base Medicine) results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The children with pyramidal syndrome of juvenile cerebral palsy have been included in the examinations. The children have been divided into 2 random groups: group I--children treated with standard therapy a neurodevelopmental rehabilitation and classic kinesiotherapy, group II--hildren treated with standard therapy --eurodevelopmental rehabilitation, classic kinesiotherapy and a botulinum toxin. The children were examined three times: before the therapy, after 6 weeks of treatment and after 3 months of treatment. In the research BTS comprehensive motion analysis system have been used where influence of toxin botulin on walk stereotype of children was assessed. RESULTS: The treatment connected with standard rehabilitation and using botulinum toxin brings quicker walk improvement. Comparing the above treatment methods of influence on the walk stereotype of children with juvenile cerebral palsy, we can confirm, that standard treatment brings regular improvement, still, it requires longer period of time, often even 3 months. Using botulinum toxin brings quicker walk improvement, after 6 weeks only, which is a clear, but short-term result. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin has a positive effect on gait parameters in children, especially until 3 months, after this time parameters are not better..Concomitant treatment with standard therapy and botulinum toxin should be used becouse it is possitive treatment for locomotion of children with cerebral palsy.

[Evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy of ultrasound and currents of TENS professionally active in patients with pain of the lumbar spine]. / Ocena skutecznosci terapii skojarzonej ultradzwieków i pradów TENS u czynnych zawodowo pacjentów z bólem czesci ledzwiowej kregoslupa.

INTRODUCTION: Back pain most often affects people whose work is related to the load while performing activities related to lifting and in addition to the method and type of work performed, as well as office workers. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy of ultrasound and TENS in the analgesic effect in patients with disorders of the lumbar spine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 115 patients aged from 24 to 65 years (mean 45.22 +/- 10.38 years) with pain complaints in the lumbar degenerative against overload and, as a result of long-term work involved in taking a forced static position or sitting. Twice (before and after treatment) pain intensity was assessed using of the modified questionnaire of indicators according to Laitinen and scale VAS and physical fitness bythe Oswestry questionnaire (ODI--Oswestry Disability Index). RESULTS: It has been demonstrated greater analgesic efficacy of combination therapy than the monotherapy, which had a characterizing effect on the improvement of mobility of patients according to the Oswestry questionnaire. Afterthe completion of the combination therapy was observed the highly statistical higher than in the monotherapy groups, reducing the intensity and frequency of pain, increase physical activity and reduce quantities medications you are taking. CONCLUSIONS: Combination antiretroviral the action of ultrasound and currentsTENS has a more effective analgesic effect and improve the efficiency of patients with pain in the lumbar spine than monotherapy with ultrasound or TENS currents. Enables faster recovery professional and social activity and a reduction in sickness absence at work.

[Analgesic efficacy of magnetoledotherapy in patients with low back pain syndromes]. / Ocena skutecznosci przeciwbólowej magnetoledoterapii u chorych z zespolami bólowymi kregoslupa ledzwiowo-krzyzowego.

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain syndromes most often occur due to overloading of the musculoskeletal system. The cause is a frequent, improper lifting of heavy objects, most commonly by those working physically, with repetitive movements of bending and straightening of the trunk (turning and bending with load). This problem affects not only adults but also children and adolescents. There is a growing interest in new forms of analgesic therapy nowadays, especially in those that exhibit synergistic therapeutic effects. The aim of this work is to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of magnetoledotherapy in patients with lumbar--sacrum spinal pain syndromes caused by joints degenerative changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examination was carried out in 66 patients of both sexes aged 30 to 76 (average 54.7 +/- 13.8) with low back pain syndrome caused by spinal degenerative changes. The patients were divided into three groups according to the applied analgesic therapy (magnetoledotherapy, magnetostimulation, TENS currents). Level of pain has been evaluated four times in all patients--before the start of therapy and after 5, 10 and 15 applications with the use of the modified Laitinen Questionnaire and Visual-Analoque Scale (VAS). RESULTS: Post therapy levels of pain in the studied patients decreased significantly. According to Laitinen questionnaire, the greatest improvement was observed in the group treated with magnetoledotherapy and TENS currents and the smallest improvement was observed in the group treated with magnetostimulation. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Magnetoledotherapy shows significant analgesic efficacy in patients with low back pain syndrome and shows no side effects. 2. Concurrent application of both the infrared radiation generated by LED's and magnetostimulation synergistically reinforces analgesic effect in patients with low back pain syndrome, especially in level of pain and frequency of its occurrence, which results in the increase of movement activity and decrease in administration of analgesics.

[Influence of steroid therapy local injection of steroidal in the region of the stylomastoid foramen and physiotherapy on the recovery of stapedial reflex in patients with facial nerve paralysis]. / Wplyw leczenia steroidami stosowanymi miejscowo do otworu rylcowo-sutkowatego oraz fizjoterapii na powrót odruchu strzemiaczkowego u chorych z obwodowym porazeniem nerwu twarzowego.

There are much more publications which informates about positive effects of advisability propose steroid's cure in patients with facial nerve palsy. The aim of the studies was to evaluate the influence of steroidal and physical treatment on the recovery of stapedial reflex and of functions of the damaged nerve. The studies were performed on 37 patients with palsy of facial nerve. Taking into account the stapedial reflex (before the beginning of the treatment) and local injection of steroidal in the region of the stylomastoid foramen, the patients were divided into two groups: I group--21 persons with lacking stapedial reflex, who were not given steroid, II group--16 persons with lacking stapedial reflex who received steroid. Evaluation of results of treatment was performed by means of the Pietruski, House and Brackmann scales, registration of stapedial reflex and accommodation coefficient. The results indicate that local steroid in palsy facial nerve is the treatment of choice in cases of intratemporal branches injury (lack of stapedial reflex) and shortens of duration of stapedial reflex and the nerve function recovery.

[Advances in diagnosis of facial nerve paralysis: pathophysiology and clinical symptoms]. / Postepy w rozpoznawaniu porazen nerwu twarzowego--patofizjologia i objawy kliniczne.

Facial palsy is important clinical and social problem because of frequently appearance and to cause facial symmetry troubles which are visible for surroundings. Clinical picture of facial palsy, independently of its reason, contains a lot of symptoms depending on degree and place of nerve damage. The most visible and unpleasant for sick person unpleasant symptoms are abolition (in palsy) or considerably handicap (in paresis) function of facial countenance muscles which are hard to endure for patients. In special accidents patients demand psychology consultation and antidepression treatment to modify imagination about role of appearance in shape social relation. In place of damage nerve for particular attention deserve objective treatment the stapedius muscle reflex. It allows to objective estimation the facial nerve damage. Regress in paresis of this nerve decides on treatment. This treatment has a prognostic sense too--return of the stapedius muscle reflex announces return the function of damage nerve.