Integrated Thermal Rehabilitation: A New Therapeutic Approach for Disabilities.

A mutual link between somatic and visceral neural pathways is known in medicine. This study addresses therapeutic effectiveness of an integrated rehabilitative approach of thermal aquatic environment, combined with neuromuscular manual stimulation, on activation of afferent sensory visceral and somatic efferent neuronal motor pathways in different pathologies of neuromuscular motor and respiratory systems. The study included 63 patients subjected to a protocol consisting of hydroponic treatment, hydrokinesitherapy associated with ozonized vascular pathway, and mud therapy associated with cardiorespiratory treatment performed in aquatic environment and aided by neuromuscular manual therapy. The therapeutic protocol consisted of rehabilitation sessions 5 days a week for 2 months. The outcome measures were spirometry tests and the following evaluation instruments: Tinetti Gait and Balance assessment scale, Functional Independence Measurement, visual analogue scale, and the EQ-5D-5 L instrument. The tests were applied before and after the protocol completion. The findings demonstrate a general increase in patients' everyday living autonomy and quality of life, with a particular improvement in respiratory function tests. We conclude that the integrated thermal approach holds promise in therapeutic rehabilitation of disabilities.

The use of adaptive neuro-stimulation for rebalancing posture and muscular tone in a soccer team.

BACKGROUND: Posture and somatic structure could positively influence athletic gestures for their biomechanical implications. Working on neuromuscular activity, offers the possibility of intervention on postural control. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the possibility of interacting with the human body system through the spinal reflex pathway, starting from the stimulation of cutaneous receptors. METHODS: Twenty soccer players were recruited: all were male aged 25.5±10.6 years. Patients were divided using a single-blind criterion into two groups, each containing ten subjects. The experimental group was treated with 2 pre-set programs 4 times a week with an adaptive neuro-stimulation (ANS) able to interact with cutaneous receptors through an ENF Physio® device with a range of electrical frequency of about 15-350 Hz; the placebo-controlled group received the treatment with the device switched off. Patients performed a myometric evaluation with the MyotonPRO® system and a postural one with the Rarog software at T0 before the treatment and at T1 after the four-week treatment. RESULTS: After our intervention, we identified an improvement in muscular tone, in particular in the hamstring muscles (17.69%, right P<0.01 / left P<0.05) and a rebalancing of the principal bone points in the postural system (shoulder 71%, P<0.05, hips 65.6%, P=0.056, sagittal AP and frontal LL center of gravity, respectively 40%, P<0.05 and 52.7%, P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we could hypothesize the usefulness of an ANS to act on these parameters. ANS could be used not only for treatment of injuries but also in the field of prevention.

Bioprogressive Paradigm in Physiotherapeutic and Antiaging Strategies: A Review.

This review updates the knowledge on the use of bioprogressive philosophy in current rehabilitation paradigms, focusing on age-related ailments and antiaging strategies. It is a holistic approach that combines aspects of biology and function into the realm of rehabilitation therapy. The bioprogressive philosophy, with assistance of modern technological developments, such as microgravity-producing devices and techniques, enables personalized and targeted therapeutic approach that seems the most effective in rehabilitation and prevention of neuro-myo-sensory disorders that compromise the homeostatic body harmony, particularly in old age. The review defines the aging, discusses the most common physical dysfunctions, linked to posture, balance, or gait, and gives cues to modern antiaging rehabilitative approaches. The emphasis is put on the proprio-neuromuscular facilitation, a combination of stretch technique that steps into the bioprogressive approach, as currently the best method in the world of physical rehabilitation.