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Physiotherapy in fracture of the lateral part of the base of the proximal phalanx of the hallux of the left lower limb

Justyna Hochman, Paulina Zasada

Justyna Hochman, Paulina Zasada – Physiotherapy in fracture of the lateral part of the base of the proximal phalanx of the hallux of the left lower limb –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 102-114

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFAZKIY

Abstract
Aim of the study. The aim of the study is to present the course of physiotherapy in a single patient with a fracture of the lateral part of the base of the proximal phalanx of the hallux, as well as to describe the applied special methods, including PNF and dynamic taping (kinesiology taping), in addition to other procedures from the fields of kinesiotherapy and physical therapy. This paper is a case report and does not allow for generalization of the effectiveness of the presented physiotherapeutic interventions to the patient population.
Material and methods. The article is based on the available subject literature concerning physiotherapeutic procedures. The second part of the article constitutes a description of a single clinical case.
Conclusions. The applied physiotherapeutic management in the described patient contributed to a reduction in pain complaints, an increase in the muscle strength of the hallux, improvement of proprioception, and enhancement of scar elasticity. However, it should be emphasized that the presented results concern a single clinical case and cannot constitute a basis for generalizing the effectiveness of the applied physiotherapeutic interventions. The observed improvement may have resulted both from the applied therapy and from natural healing processes occurring since the onset of the injury.
Key words
fracture, hallux, physiotherapy, PNF, kinesiology taping, dynamic taping
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Multidimensional effects of dual-task-focused training added to structured neurological rehabilitation in individuals with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Yasemin Sahbaz, Begum Buyukerik, Yaren Urhan, Ahmet Yigit Dincel, Safa Kavak, Seyhan Erkinov, Serhat Beytekin, Yusuf Ciftci, Nergiz Batur, Ipek Yeldan, Tugba Sahbaz, Hatice Kubra Asik

Yasemin Sahbaz, Begum Buyukerik, Yaren Urhan, Ahmet Yigit Dincel, Safa Kavak, Seyhan Erkinov et al. – Multidimensional effects of dual-task-focused training added to structured neurological rehabilitation in individuals with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 93-100

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFAYV72

Abstract
Purpose. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the multidimensional effects of dual-task-focused exercises added to structured neurological rehabilitation on balance, mobility, anxiety, cognitive function, and quality of life in individuals with chronic stroke.
Materials and Methods. In this evaluator-blinded randomized controlled trial, forty individuals with chronic stroke were assigned to two groups. Both groups received six weeks of structured neurological rehabilitation, while the experimental group additionally completed dual-task training. Balance, walking speed, mobility, anxiety, verbal fluency, cognitive function, and quality of life were assessed before and after treatment.
Results. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between groups. Compared with controls, the dual-task group showed significantly greater improvements in mobility, anxiety, and quality of life, with particularly notable gains in anxiety and quality of life. Both groups improved in balance and cognitive function, with some measures favoring the control group. No significant between-group difference was found in walking speed.
Conclusions. Adding dual-task-focused exercises to structured neurological rehabilitation provides significant benefits in mobility, anxiety, and quality of life in individuals with chronic stroke. Variability in balance and cognitive outcomes indicates the need for further research to determine optimal protocols and long-term effects.
Key words
dual-task training, chronic stroke, quality of life, cognitive function, balance
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The impact of Vojta therapy on the level of functional independence in children with cerebral palsy

Aleksandra Szynal, Martyna Brychcy, Anna Mickiewicz

Aleksandra Szynal, Martyna Brychcy, Anna Mickiewicz – The impact of Vojta therapy on the level of functional independence in children with cerebral palsy –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 84-92

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFACOZI

Abstract
Aim of the Study. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of an intensive, week-long rehabilitation program based on Vojta therapy on the level of functional independence in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Material and Methods. The study involved 20 children aged 1 to 6 years, diagnosed with CP and classified as level III or IV according to the GMFCS scale. Each child underwent Vojta therapy three times a day for 50 minutes over the course of a week. The effects were assessed before and after the rehabilitation program using the GMFM-66 and WeeFIM scales. The study employed a pre–post design without a control group. No parallel observation of a control group was conducted and the analysis assessed within-subject changes in the same cohort of children before and after the intervention.
Results. Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in total scores on both scales (GMFM-66 and WeeFIM) after the therapy. In the studied group of children with cerebral palsy, the average GMFM-66 score increased by 5.4%, and the WeeFIM score by 4.18% following a week-long rehabilitation program based on Vojta therapy. The greatest improvements were observed in domains related to more complex motor activities.
Conclusions. In the studied group of children with cerebral palsy, a short-term improvement in gross motor function and functional independence was observed following the completion of an intensive, one-week rehabilitation program based on Vojta therapy. Due to the lack of a control group and the continued use of Vojta therapy outside the intensive rehabilitation program, it is not possible to unequivocally attribute the observed effects solely to short-term intensive intervention. The results should be interpreted in the context of a comprehensive rehabilitation process.
Key words
Vojta therapy, cerebral palsy, functional independence
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A pilot study of a designed website for providing information on sports practice and sleep quality

Nia Sri Ramania, Tommy Apriantono, Muhamad Fahmi Hasan, Agung Dwi Juniarsyah, Irana Mery Alviana, Bagus Winata

Nia Sri Ramania, Tommy Apriantono, Muhamad Fahmi Hasan, Agung Dwi Juniarsyah, Irana Mery Alviana, Bagus Winata – A pilot study of a designed website for providing information on sports practice and sleep quality –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 79-83

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFA331O

Abstract
Background. Limited research has examined efforts to educate the public about proper exercise practices and sleep quality. This study aimed to (1) develop and evaluate a co-designed website that provides information on proper exercise practices and sleep quality, and (2) examine the correlation between VO2max and the sleep quality index. Material/Methods. Website development was carried out over a period of three months. Internal testing was conducted to ensure the functionality of both the front-end and back-end components. Participants underwent three types of assessments: (1) anthropometric measurements, (2) the Cooper 2.4 km run test, and (3) a sleep quality questionnaire. After completing the assessments, participants were required to input their individual results into the website. Results. The satisfaction questionnaire revealed that 13 out of 20 participants rated their satisfaction with the website as 5 (the highest score). Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between VO2max and the sleep quality index (rs = 0.79, p = 0.001). Conclusions. This study describes the development of a website that was positively evaluated by users. Furthermore, a positive correlation between VO2max and the sleep quality index was observed in a small sample.
Key words
application, cardiovascular, health, performance, remote e-health
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Assessment of the impact of physiotherapy on the perception of pain, fatigue levels and functional status in patients with multiple sclerosis

Anna Luba, Robert Irzmański, Małgorzata Kilon

Anna Luba, Robert Irzmański, Małgorzata Kilon – Assessment of the impact of physiotherapy on the perception of pain, fatigue levels and functional status in patients with multiple sclerosis –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 72-78

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFA2SKU

Abstract
Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of physiotherapy on the sensation of pain, the severity of fatigue and the functional status in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Material and methods. Thirty-two people, of both sexes, aged 29 to 77 years (57.5 ± 14.0), members of the Polish Multiple Sclerosis Society in Łódź, participating in a 4-week rehabilitation stay were qualified for the study.
The study used an original questionnaire and the following tests and scales: Time Up and Go (TUG), Hand Grip Strength (HGS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Barthel. The study assessed the effects of physiotherapy by comparing the results before and after the interventions, within one study group.
Results. The treatments reduced pain (p < 0.001) and improved TUG (p = 0.002) and FSS (p < 0.001). Older patients had lower scores in HGS (rho = -0.67, p < 0.001) and TUG (rho = 0.54, p < 0.01). Longer disease duration translated into lower scores in HGS (rho = −0.61, p < 0.001), TUG (rho = 0.42, p < 0.01), and Barthel (rho = −0.39, p < 0.01).
Conclusions. Physiotherapy reduced the severity of fatigue and pain and improved functional status, but did not increase HGS. Patients’ functional status was influenced by age, disease duration, pain intensity, and the number of comorbidities.
Key words
multiple sclerosis, pain, fatigue, functional status
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The effect of physical activity level on pain and anxiety in dentistry faculty students

Sena Gizem Arslan, Ayşenur Toçoğlu, Sıla Karasu, Kübra Avci, Hümeyra Aydin

Sena Gizem Arslan, Ayşenur Toçoğlu, Sıla Karasu, Kübra Avci, Hümeyra Aydin – The effect of physical activity level on pain and anxiety in dentistry faculty students –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 65-71

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFAANBO

Abstract
Objective. The aim of our study is to assess the relationship between physical activity levels, pain, and anxiety among dental students.
Materials and methods. A total of 237 volunteer participants from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th-year students of Sakarya University Faculty of Dentistry were included in the study. Students who participated in the study completed a demographic form, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to determine physical activity levels, the Beck Anxiety Inventory to assess anxiety levels, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to identify pain areas.
Results. Of the 237 students, 81 were in the 2nd year, 59 were in the 3rd year, 60 were in the 4th year, and 37 were in the 5th year. The physical activity levels of the 2nd-year students were significantly higher than those of the 3rd-, 4th-, and 5th-year students (p < 0.05). Negative correlations were found for all painful areas: shoulder, upper back, elbow, lower back, knee, and ankle. However, only the upper back correlation was statistically significant (r = −0.152, p < 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was found between physical activity level and upper back pain and lower back pain experienced on the last day (r=0.217, p<0.001; r= − 0.152, p < 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was found between physical activity level and lower back pain experienced in the last month (r = −0.109, p < 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was also found between physical activity level and hip pain experienced in the last 12 months (r = −0.129, p < 0.05).
Conclusion. Dental students’ physical activity levels have been observed to decrease as they approach their professional lives. A negative correlation was observed between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain, but this correlation was weak and fragmented. Furthermore, no significant relationship was found between physical activity level and anxiety. Further studies in this area are recommended.
Key words
dentistry, students, physical activity, anxiety, pain
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Can high-intensity training cause rectus abdominis diastasis in women? A pilot study

Aneta Dąbek

Aneta Dąbek – Can high-intensity training cause rectus abdominis diastasis in women? A pilot study –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 57-64

DOI: DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFACM19

Abstract
Introduction. Although physical activity provides numerous health benefits, increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), generated during physical exertion, may also have negative consequences.
The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the type of undertaken training and the extent of rectus abdominis diastasis.
Material and methods. The study included 88 healthy and physically active women aged 18–30 years. The participants completed an author-designed questionnaire. The following were assessed: rectus abdominis diastasis (curl-up test), level of physical activity (IPAQ-SF), joint hypermobility (Beighton scale), and WHR (measured using a measuring tape). Due to the intensity of undertaken training, the participants were assigned to one of four groups.
Results. Rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) was diagnosed in 39% of the participants. A significant relationship was demonstrated between RAD and the intensity and frequency of undertaken training (p < 0.001), as well as the overall level of physical activity (p = 0.001). A significant correlation was found between RAD and BMI (p = 0.036), waist circumference (p = 0.041), and joint hypermobility (p = 0.009).
Conclusions. The results of this pilot study indicate the need for individual assessment of joint hypermobility in women undertaking high-intensity training and require further prospective studies.
Key words
exercise safety, intra-abdominal pressure, rectus abdominis diastasis
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The effect of caffeine mouth rinsing on high-intensity intermittent exercise and physiological variables

Adam Linoby, Maisarah Mohd Saleh, Rozella Ab Razak, Nurul Diyana Sanuddin, Fatin Aqilah Abdul Razak, Siti Aishah Abd Rahman, Zharif Aqil Rozaidi, Ariff Faizul

Adam Linoby, Maisarah Mohd Saleh, Rozella Ab Razak, Nurul Diyana Sanuddin, Fatin Aqilah Abdul Razak et al. – The effect of caffeine mouth rinsing on high-intensity intermittent exercise and physiological variables –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 52-56

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFASP5O

Abstract
This study examined whether acute caffeine mouth rinsing (CMR) influences high-intensity intermittent performance, cognitive outcomes, and blood lactate levels in collegiate male hockey players. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 22 male athletes (age 18 ± 1.49 years, height 182 ± 9 cm, mass 60 ± 6.8 kg) completed the Yo-Yo IR1 protocol following CMR (1.3% solution, 3 mg/kg in 75 ml, 10 s exposure) or placebo. No significant differences were observed in distance covered (1360 ± 391 m vs. 1300 ± 360 m, p = 0.16, Cohen’s d = 0.16), reaction time (787.12 ± 191.76 ms vs. 765.55 ± 124.84 ms, p = 0.61, d = 0.13), or blood lactate (8.70 ± 1.91 vs. 8.51 ± 2.24 mmol/L, p = 0.68, d = 0.09). Acute CMR did not significantly enhance high-intensity intermittent exercise performance, cognitive reaction time, or blood lactate levels in this population.
Key words
caffeine mouth rinse, high-intensity intermittent exercise, cognitive performance, blood lactate, endurance
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Activities of daily living assessments, interventions, and adaptive products in the area of eating: a review

Safa Heybet, Ceren Yaşar

Safa Heybet, Ceren Yaşar – Activities of daily living assessments, interventions, and adaptive products in the area of eating: a review –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 45-51

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFAA98H

Abstract
Introduction. Eating is a fundamental activity within activities of daily living (ADL) in terms of individual independence, safety, and social participation. Neurological, neurodevelopmental, and age-related functional impairments may negatively affect eating performance, thereby reducing quality of life. Therefore, addressing the assessment of eating activity, intervention approaches, and adaptive equipment in a holistic manner holds an important place in occupational and physiotherapy rehabilitation practice. This study is a narrative review of the literature focusing on assessment tools, intervention approaches, and adaptive equipment related to eating activity.
Aim of the study. The aim of this review is to examine the assessment tools used in the evaluation of eating activity, occupational therapy–specific intervention approaches, and adaptive/compensatory equipment in line with the literature, and to provide a conceptual framework for clinical practice.
Materials and methods. This study is a review of studies focusing on assessment scales, intervention approaches, and adaptive equipment that address eating activity within the context of activities of daily living. The literature was analyzed to include general ADL scales, activity-specific assessment approaches, remedial and compensatory interventions, and adaptive feeding equipment.
Results. The reviewed studies indicate that assessment tools for eating activity reveal different levels of independence and performance, while intervention approaches are shaped by remedial and compensatory strategies according to the individual’s functional capacity. Adaptive feeding equipment and environmental modifications have been reported to have potentially beneficial effects on eating performance and independence.
Conclusion. In occupational and physiotherapy rehabilitation practice, integrated planning of assessment, intervention, and adaptive equipment for eating activity contributes to the development of safe, effective, and individualized clinical approaches.
Key words
functional independence, adaptive equipment, self-feeding
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Functional assessment and aerobic capacity evaluation of physiotherapy students using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the shuttle test – Beep Test

Piotr Kuliś, Piotr Stasiak, Sławomir Motylewski

Piotr Kuliś, Piotr Stasiak, Sławomir Motylewski – Functional assessment and aerobic capacity evaluation of physiotherapy students using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the shuttle test – Beep Test –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 34-44

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFA539R

Abstract
Introduction. According to a 2022 study, more than half of Polish adults (52.2%) aged 20 and over were overweight (BMI of 25 or more), with 13.6% struggling with obesity, defined as a BMI of 30 or more. Habits formed during college often accompany us throughout our lives, which is why it is so important to ensure a healthy diet and regular physical activity already during this period.
Aim. The aim of the study was to assess aerobic capacity using the multi-stage shuttle test – Beep Test and functional assessment using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test in 2nd year physiotherapy students, Medical University of Lodz.
Materials and methods. The study involved 126 randomly selected physiotherapy students of the Medical University of Lodz, including 85 females and 41 males, aged 19 to 25 years (±20.25). Two separate tests were conducted: Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the multi-stage pendulum Beep Test.
Results. More than 85% of the Beep Test subjects scored below average in the test, very good and good results in the aerobic capacity assessment test were obtained by only 1 person. Significant differences were found among the FMS test group in the test of deep squat, trunk stabilization, active straight leg raise according to BMI classification.
Conclusions. The FMS test and Beep test are effective tools for assessing physical fitness in the population.
Key words
Functional Movement Screen, Beep Test, functional assessment, physiotherapy
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