The relationship between cognitive functions and postural stability in university students

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Eva Lukáčová, Gabriela Škrečková, Cyril Grus, Matúš Kozel, Jakub Čuj, Rút Lenková – The relationship between cognitive functions and postural stability in university students –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(4); 118-123

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZGA431V3NN

Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between cognitive functions and postural stability in university students.
Material and methods: The research sample comprised 40 students from the Faculty of Health Care Professions at the University of Prešov in Prešov (age: 21.08±2.04 years; height: 1.74±0.09 m; weight: 69.93±11.83 kg; BMI: 23.10±2.50 kg/m²), divided by sex into male (n=20; age: 21.00 ±1.84 years; height: 1.74±0.09 m; weight: 78.20±10.18 kg) and female (n=20; age: 21.15 ±2.22 years; height: 1.73±0.09 m; weight: 61.65±7.05 kg). Posturographic parameters like travelled distance and ellipse surface area were assessed using the FootScan® baropodometric platform (Materialise Motion, Paal, Belgium), monitoring latero-lateral and antero-posterior foot loading.
Results: Our analysis revealed significantly higher anterior foot loading (p = 0.01) and sex-specific changes in postural control during cognitive tasks. Men showed increased left lower limb and anterior/forefoot loading across all cognitive tasks (p < 0.05), while women primarily had increased anterior/forefoot loading (p = 0.01) and a significant effect on travelled distance (p = 0.001) during verbal fluency.
Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate a significant association between cognitive functions and postural stability among university students, particularly regarding latero-lateral and antero-posterior loading.
Key words
postural stability, FootScan®, cognitive functions, dual task, baropodometric platform
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Comparison of the effect of sensorimotor stimulation and the Spiraldynamik® method on the function and disability of the ankle joint after distortions: a comparative prospective randomized clinical study

Michal Macej, Lucia Demjanovič Kendrová, Wioletta Mikuľáková, Pavol Nechvátal, Matúš Kozel

 

Michal Macej, Lucia Demjanovič Kendrová, Wioletta Mikuľáková, Pavol Nechvátal, Matúš Kozel – Comparison of the effect of sensorimotor stimulation and the Spiraldynamik® method on the function and disability of the ankle joint after distortions: a comparative prospective randomized clinical study –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(2); 217-221

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG00E17FVM

Abstract
Aim. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of sensorimotor stimulation and the Spiraldynamik® method on ankle function and disability after distortions.
Materials and methods. Sixty patients (47 men and 13 women) from the Žilina Region (Slovakia), with a mean age of 27, were randomly assigned to two groups of 30: one group practiced sensorimotor stimulation (SMS) exercises, while the other followed the Spiraldynamik® method. At baseline, the level of ankle joint disability was assessed using the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) questionnaire. Ankle function was evaluated using the Karlsson and Peterson scale. A follow-up assessment was conducted after 10 weeks of treatment.
Results. In both groups, after 10 weeks of treatment, outcomes significantly improved (p < 0.05), except for the disability assessment in the Spiraldynamik® group, which did not show significant improvement. No statistically significant difference was found between the SMS and Spiraldynamik® methods (p > 0.05).
Conclusions. Both therapeutic methods are equally effective in improving ankle joint function after distortions. However, the SMS method also showed a significant benefit in reducing ankle joint disability, which was not observed in the Spiraldynamik® group.
Key words
ankle distortion, disability, function, sensorimotor stimulation, Spiraldynamik® method
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Pain therapy in horseback riders – physiotherapeutic intervention

Gabriela Škrečková, Matúš Kozel, Eva Lukáčová, Martina Čerevková, Alexander Kiško

Gabriela Škrečková, Matúš Kozel, Eva Lukáčová, Martina Čerevková, Alexander Kiško – Pain therapy in horseback riders – physiotherapeutic intervention –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(4); 418-422

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG01A8H2J3

Abstract
Introduction. Horseback riding is a complex physical activity that significantly affects a rider’s physical and mental health. Postural insufficiency can have a negative impact on a rider’s physical health as well as their his or her riding technique.
Objective: The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of a three-month physiotherapy intervention on lower limb stability and mobility, activation of the torso and pelvis muscles, and the reduction of pain in specific areas of the body.
Methods. The study involved 15 non-professional riders with an average age of 25.26 years who had ridden for at least 2 days a week in the last three years. Respondents completed the entry and exit measurements over a span of 3 months. The stability and mobility of the ankle, knee and hip, the ability to generate and maintain intra-abdominal pressure and the incidence of pain in the lumbar area, before and after physiotherapy intervention were evaluated.
Results. After the three-month intervention, there was an improvement in the hip test (FABER), the Varus stress test, the Time and balance and the SEBT test. In the Valgus stress test before and after kinesiological intervention, there was no improvement but no worsening of the condition either. We confirmed the improvement of ankle joint stability with the Time in Balance test (66.67% improvement) and the SEBT test (32.67% improvement). Respondents experienced the greatest pain during the entry measurements in the hip joint (ø 1.53), and the lowest pain experienced during the entry testing was in the ankle joint (ø 0.33). The most significant changes occurred after the lumbar spine intervention.
Conclusion. Improvement of postural stability and posture through compensatory exercises, corrective measures and proper technique is crucial for successful and safe horseback riding.
Key words
Horse rider, physiotherapy, pain, stability
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Comparison of the researched analyses evaluating the physiotherapy of the pain with a cause in the region of the cervical spine

Matúš Kozel, Gabriela Škrečková, Eva Lukáčová, Eleonóra Klímová

 

Matúš Kozel, Gabriela Škrečková, Eva Lukáčová, Eleonóra Klímová – Comparison of the researched analyses evaluating the physiotherapy of the pain with a cause in the region of the cervical spine –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(3); 400-404

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG020AD5K

Abstract:
Introduction. Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal problem. This individual and socio-economic health problem is associated with a reduction in daily activities, a reduction in labour productivity and an impact on quality of life levels.
Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy of non-specific pain originating from the cervical region in terms of the applied physiotherapy methods.
Methods. 40 research articles published in 2018-2023 in journals with registration in databases Web of Science, Science Direct and Scopus were included in the research.
Results. The most frequent target studied was the education of patients on ergonomics, correct posture and home exercises. The preparation phase of therapy included the administration of thermotherapy and electrotherapy – ultrasound or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), classical massage, administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The techniques often used were manipulation and/or mobilization, trigger and tender points therapy – acupressure, acupuncture, dry needle application. Among the therapeutic methods, the most frequently chosen are exercises in the form of pilates, yoga, Alexander technique, sensomotor training, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, Jakobson progressive muscle relaxation. Reduction of painful mobility was addressed by the application of local immobilization and kineziotaping.
Conclusion. According to the results of our analysis, the combination of several physiotherapy techniques and methods appears to be significantly effective for reducing pain and improving quality of life.

Keywords:
kinesiotherapy, cervical spine, pain

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The effect of physical activity on selected somatic characteristics of older school bound children

Eva Lukáčová, Gabriela Škrečková, Matúš Kozel

Eva Lukáčová, Gabriela Škrečková, Matúš Kozel – The effect of physical activity on selected somatic characteristics of older school bound children –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(2); 77-82

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG5608C8G

Abstract
Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate the level and frequency of physical activity of older school-bound children and its effect on posture and muscle imbalance. Methods. 453 children aged between 13 and 15 years participated in this study. The examinations were carried out in the selected primary schools in the Eastern Slovakia. The quality of the postural system was assessed by the methodology of Jaroš and Lomnička. Muscle imbalance was assessed by standardized manual tests of Professor Janda. We determined the level of statistical significance at p = 0.05. Results. The outcome of our observation of the whole group was following: 59.8% of children have flaccid posture and 22.1% of children have poor posture. The most affected segment was the lower limb posture, which showed a statistically significant difference between the groups with the level of physical activity at the significance level of p = 0.030. The mean values of 2.77 (± 0.78) were the highest in the group of children with recreational sport activities.. A statistically significant difference was observed in the muscle group scores of m. trapesius l.dx. at the significance level p = 0.002, mm. pectorales l.dx. at the significance level p = 0.002, mm. pectorales l.sin. at the significance level p = 0.006, while the mean values in the degree of shortening were the highest in the group of children without physical activity. When looking at the effect of physical activity on the degree of weakening of muscle strength, we found out statistically significant differences in the scores of all selected muscle groups, with the lowest mean values in the group of children without physical activity. Conclusion. In clinical practice, we recommend regular screening of children’s posture, increasing the frequency of spontaneous and controlled physical activity in school and out-of-school settings.
Keywords
school age, physical activity, posture
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Monitoring and evaluation of flat-feet in children of pre-school age and younger school age

Matúš Kozel, Gabriela Škrečková, Eva Lukáčová, Cyril Grus

 

Matúš Kozel, Gabriela Škrečková, Eva Lukáčová, Cyril Grus – Monitoring and evaluation of flat-feet in children of pre-school age and younger school age. Fizjoterapia Polska 2023; 23(4); 144-148

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG20AF33

Abstract
Background. The issue of flat-feet in children of pre-school and younger school age has been a frequently discussed issue in recent times. This issue has been addressed in particular with regard to the deteriorating physical fitness and general health of children. The lack of sensory stimuli from the foot causes incorrect development of the arch of the foot, which later becomes apparent in other parts of the support-movement system.
Objective. The aim of the study was to monitor the current condition of flat-feet in children.
Method. In our study we observed the occurrence of flat-feet in children of pre-school (n:37; age ø: 5,22) and younger school age (n:52; age ø: 7,45). The study enrolled children of pre-school and younger school age between five and nine years of age. We used the examination device Podoscope to examine the condition of the arch of the foot. We used the subjective method Chipaux – Šmířák (CSI) to evaluate the fingerprints. For each child, both feet were always compared. The results were evaluated with descriptive statistics.
Results. We found that 70.79% of all children have a normally shaped longitudinal arch on both feet. In the preschool year, the percentage of normal arch on both feet indicates 64.86% of all children. In primary school children, the figure is 73.08%. Among preschool and school age children, there was also a high foot, which was found on both feet in 8 out of 89 children. Flat-foot was found on both feet in 6.74% of the participants. 8.11% of kindergarten children had a flat-foot on both feet. In 5.77% of primary school pupils, a bipedal flat-foot was found.
Conclusion. The arch of the foot shapes with age. However, it cannot be said that it always shapes into a physiologically correct shape in every circumstance. In kindergarten children, flat-foot predominates because children attending this facility have not yet had time to fully form the arch. It is necessary to consider which year the children attend. In younger school age pupils, i.e. first to fourth grades, all three types of arch of the foot are present.
Keywords
flat-foot, pre-school age, younger school age
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