Evaluating the manner of performing selected activities of daily living in the light of early prevention of low back pain

Aleksandra Rudzińska, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Henryk Knapik

Aleksandra Rudzińska, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Henryk Knapik – Evaluating the manner of performing selected activities of daily living in the light of early prevention of low back pain. Fizjoterapia Polska 2001; 1(4); 381-384

Abstract
Background. Low back pain is both a medical and a social problem. One way to limit its dimensions is prevention, broadly understood. In our research we attempted to determine how activities of daily living that are particularly burdensome for the spine are performed. Material and methods. Our research involved 265 healthy subject (i.e. without spinal pain symptoms at the moment of testing), among whom 136 were manual laborers and 129 were white-collar workers. The subject were asked to perform 3 movement tasks: to change body position from lying to standing, to assume a sitting position on a chair, and to lift a weigh from the floor. Results. The results we obtained indicate a lack of proper movement habits, which are essential in the prevention of low back pain in the great majority of subjects. Conclusions. It would be advisable to conduct training in the area of preventing strain on the spine, as a result of which spinal pain symptoms can develop. The general public should be made aware of the importance of the problem, with particular emphasis on the consequences of the errors committed on a daily basis.

Key words:
Low Back Pain, prevention, back school

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An evaluation of familiarity with the principles of preventing cervical spinal pain and their application in the daily living activities of women

Aleksandra Rudzińska, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Henryk Knapik

Aleksandra Rudzińska, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Henryk Knapik – An evaluation of familiarity with the principles of preventing cervical spinal pain and their application in the daily living activities of women. Fizjoterapia Polska 2002; 2(1); 6-10

Abstract
Background. The cervical spine is expose to overload resulting from lifestyle, work-related strain, and unawareness of the principles governing the ergonomics of exertion. In our research we examined the manner of performing activities of daily living that are particularly burdensome for the cervical spine and ascertained how often exercises were performed to compensate for incorrect behavior.Material and methods. The research involved 166 women who were not complaining of pain in the cervical spine, either during the research or in the past. Among the subject 84 persons were performing physical labor, while 82 were office workers. The research questionnaire contained questions pertaining to those aspects of their behavior that were essential from the point of view of preventive spinal pain symptoms.Results. In the great majority of subjects the results indicate a lack of proper performance of daily living activities that have an impact on the prevention of cervical spinal pain.Conclusions. In a distinct majority of the young women we studied, the cervical spine is exposed in daily life to various kinds of overload, especially incorrect unilateral spinal load resulting from improper carrying of object, especially in women engaged in manual labor. Regular exercising to relieve spinal overload is performed by only a small percentage of women engaged in manual labor, the results obtained by women engaged in white-collar occupation were somewhat better.

Key words:
Neck Pain, Activities of Daily Living, ergonomics

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The perception of vertical and horizontal orientation in children with incorrect body postures

Anna Brzęk, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna

Anna Brzęk, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna – The perception of vertical and horizontal orientation in children with incorrect body postures. Fizjoterapia Polska 2008; 8(4); 445-453

Abstract
Background. Maintaining a correct body posture depends on the proper processing and interpretation of sensory information furnished primarily by proprioceptors. Postural reflexes play an essential role in the maintenance of a vertical position. A key role is played here by the labyrinth and receptors situated in the ankle joint region. When the support plane is altered, they induce dislocations of the higher body parts to ensure balance. Proprioception is aided by visual control, which ensures spatial orientation. The aim of this paper was to examine the effect of changes in the support plane on the perception of vertical and horizontal orientation in children with scoliosis and those with correct body postures.Material and methods. Thirty children with scoliosis were examined. A control group consisted of 31 children with correct postures. The perception of vertical and horizontal orientation was assessed first in a standing position on a horizontal support plane, followed by four assessments with the supporting platform tilted in different directions.Results. The subjects (88.3%) performed the poorest when the platform was tilted in the direction of the curvature. The scoliotic children performed inferiorly compared to the controls. The differences depended partly on the degree, direction and location of scoliosis.Conclusions. 1. Inappropriate perception of the orientation of vertical and horizontal lines by scoliotic children appears to be one aspect of a more profound disturbance of postural reflexes 2. It is difficult to state at this stage whether these disturbances are the cause or the result of scoliosis.
Key words:
incorrect body posture, the vertical and horizontal lines orientation, postural reflexes
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The influence of external loading on weight compensatory changes and pelvic behaviour during walking in scoliotic children

Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Krzysztof Czupryna, Anna Brzęk, Małgorzata Domagalska, Andrzej Szopa

Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Krzysztof Czupryna, Anna Brzęk, Małgorzata Domagalska, Andrzej Szopa – The influence of external loading on weight compensatory changes and pelvic behaviour during walking in scoliotic children. Fizjoterapia Polska 2008; 8(4); 436-444

Abstract
Background. Compensatory changes in the spatial arrangement of body segments are a characteristic sign of the development of scoliosis. Additional external loads may lead to intensification of existing signs in both static and dynamic conditions. The manner of carrying heavy objects on a daily basis is a key factor here. The aim of this paper was to assess some changes in static and dynamic parameters associated with carrying the school pack in children with scoliosis.Material and methods. Thirty-six children aged 8-15 years with low-grade scoliosis were examined. Foot pressure in static conditions was recorded using a force platform without additional loading, and with a 4 kg external load carried in a symmetric or asymmetric manner. Three-dimensional gait analysis was also performed using a Zebris® system. Parameters were registered during walking without and with the external load.Results. Signs of asymmetric foot pressures were observed that intensified during external loading of spine (both symmetric and asymmetric). These changes were not clearly related to body posture parameters. There were also signs of gait asymmetry that intensified during walking with asymmetrical external loading. The most marked changes were observed with respect to pelvis-related gait determinants. The magnitude of changes was related to the manner of carrying the school pack rather than to body posture parameters. Conclusions. External loads intensify the asymmetry of foot pressure distribution as a result of spontaneous and unpredictable compensatory dislocations. The manner of carrying the school pack is not irrelevant in children with scoliosis.
Key words:
scolioses, foot pressure, gait, locomotion, external loading, gait determinants
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Some late sequelae of scoliosis diagnosed at school age

Anna Kowalczyk, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Iwona Gęgotek

Anna Kowalczyk, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Iwona Gęgotek – Some late sequelae of scoliosis diagnosed at school age. Fizjoterapia Polska 2008; 8(4); 418-424

Abstract
Background. Body posture changes throughout life and is influenced by a number of external and internal factors. Scoliosis may develop at any point in a child’s development. It is not only a cosmetic defect, but also one disturbing the normal function of many systems and organs in the body. Marked abnormal curvatures may progress in adult life, mainly because of repeated non-ergonomic body positions. After age 20, spinal pain, limitation of movement, and even distinct abnormalities in the functioning of internal organs may develop. The aim of this study was to determine current angles of scoliotic curvatures in adults as compared to school age records. Some late sequelae of the scoliosis were also identified. Material and methods. The study group consisted of 20 people (aged 18-30 years) who had attended corrective gymnastic classes to correct their scoliosis while at school. Present body posture, in free and corrected standing, was evaluated photogrammetrically. Results were compared with corresponding data obtained at school age. On this basis, changes that had appeared over several years were determined.Results. Half of the subjects were found to have increased curvature angles by about 5°. Following completion of their corrective gymnastics courses, few of the subjects regularly took part in various forms of exercise. More than 90% of the group reported spinal pain, especially in the lumbar spine. Conclusions. Scoliosis diagnosed at school age progresses only slightly after the body growth period but may be associated with spinal pain in adult life.
Key words:
scoliosis, adults, late sequelae, non-ergonomic body positions
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The effect of derotation exercises on correction of spinal alignment

Anna Brzęk, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Janusz Nowotny

Anna Brzęk, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Janusz Nowotny – The effect of derotation exercises on correction of spinal alignment. Fizjoterapia Polska 2008; 8(4); 384-392

Abstract
Background. Scoliosis is a three-plane defect. The correction of scoliosis should therefore be a global process involving all three planes, which, however, is not always the case with postural reeducation. More emphasis, especially in corrective exercises in schools, is placed on the correction of lateral curvatures in the frontal plane, elongation exercises, and exercises to strengthen the postural muscles, while the rotary component is usually ignored. The aim of this paper was to analyse derotation exercises and answer the question whether and how the correction of spinal alignment during derotation exercises results in immediate changes in body posture. Material and methods. 73 persons in two age groups (schoolchildren and adults) were examined. All participants had been diagnosed with scoliosis of the thoracic spine. Posture was assessed photogrammetrically in various free positions, following active spinal correction and during a derotation exercise using the bancho device.Results. There were considerable differences regarding active spinal correction between the children and adults. There was also a statistically significant correlation between age and the ability to actively correct spinal alignment during a derotation exercise. Conclusions. 1. The possibilities of active scoliosis correction are increased if the rotational component is also involved. 2. Derotation exercises are a significant element of corrective gymnastics, particularly in school-age patients.
Key words:
scoliosis, arrangement of body, derotation exercises
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Body posture changes during first six years of school education

Janusz Nowotny, Krzysztof Czupryna, Aleksandra Rudzińska, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna

Janusz Nowotny, Krzysztof Czupryna, Aleksandra Rudzińska, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna – Body posture changes during first six years of school education. Fizjoterapia Polska 2008; 8(4); 378-383

Abstract
Background. Screening examinations undertaken in periods of intensive body growth (growth spurts) and including an assessment of body posture are a basic form of prevention. These examinations help to pick out children at risk of developing faulty postures or with established postural defects so that they can benefit from corrective measures, if necessary. The aim of the work was to examine body postures of adolescents during their second growth spurt and to compare the results with postural data obtained at the age of seven.Material and methods. The study initially involved 116 subjects, of whom 63 were qualified for further assessment. Their posture was examined twice, at the ages of 7 and 13, using a modified scoring system. The results were compared.Results. The results confirmed the presence of postural variability. The posture of a third of the participants did not change. Of the others, improved postures were seen in half of them and postural deterioration in the other half. The second examination did not reveal any severe posture faults, but there were fewer children with normal postures. In the period between the examinations most of the children with faulty postures had attended corrective gymnastics classes once a week at their schools.Conclusions. 1. The results confirmed variability of body posture, leading both to spontaneous improvement and postural deterioration. 2. There are some possibilities for spontaneous improvement but only in children with minor posture faults.
Key words:
body posture, screening examinations, variability of body posture
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Perception of the physiotherapist profession by first-year students of Polish universities of various educational orientations

Joanna Gotlib, Dariusz Białoszewski, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Aleksandra Bauer, Wojciech Kułak, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Maciej Płaszewski, Janusz Sierdziński

Joanna Gotlib, Dariusz Białoszewski, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Aleksandra Bauer, Wojciech Kułak, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Maciej Płaszewski, Janusz Sierdziński – Perception of the physiotherapist profession by first-year students of Polish universities of various educational orientations. Fizjoterapia Polska 2009; 9(2); 109-121

Abstract
Background. In Poland at present, physiotherapy studies are offered at three types of school: medical universities, universities of physical education, and schools not specialising in either the medical sciences or physical education. The aim was to compare the perception of the physiotherapist profession by first-year students of different types of universities. Material and methods. The study sample comprised 1145 1st year BA programme students from eleven schools in Poland. The study utili-sed the diagnostic poll method – a questionnaire, which comprised three parts. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used along with the median test and the Chi-squared test (p<0.05). Results. Most students stated that the professional status of physiotherapists is lower than that of doctors (above 52%), but is higher than that of nurses (above 70%). 92% of the students believed that physiotherapists and physicians should work together as partners (p=NS). The vast ma-jority (70%) of the students believed that the physiotherapist profession is related to medicine rather than physical education. Conclusions. 1. The educational orientation of the university did not influence first-year students’ perception of their futurę profession in this study with most of the surveyed stating that physiotherapist is a medical profession. 2. In the light of the findmgs of foreign authors, there is a ne-ed to carry out a study in Poland that would address the issue of the position of the physiotherapist in the therapeutic team in relation to the doctor and the team nurse as well as the other members of the team: dietitian, psychologist and occupational adviser.
Key words:
medical education, physiotherapy, type of university, perception of the profession
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Functional testing in physiotherapy

Janusz Nowotny, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Krzysztof Czupryna

Janusz Nowotny, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Krzysztof Czupryna – Functional testing in physiotherapy. Fizjoterapia Polska 2009; 9(3); 245-257

Abstract
Apart from clinical signs and symptoms, a trauma or disease will often give rise to a dysfunction that impairs the performance of activities of daily living. An optimal rehabilitation program should be based on a thorough understanding of the patienfs basie problems, including functional difficulties. This is madę possible not only by routine clinical examinations, but also by special tests and recently introduced functional evaluations using professional apparatus. The results of these examinations also enable evaluation of treatment progress. The aim of the paper was to review the issue of functional testing with respect to basie problems of disability and the planning and monitoring of rehabilitation. The consecutive parts of the paper discuss functional testing on the basis of examples of common postural and locomotor problems (impairments and limitations). Emphasis is placed on the need of objective examinations and possibilities for quantifying test results. Attention is also drawn to the ability to place various manifestations of disease within cause-and-effect chains and the necessity of appropriate interpretation of test results.
Key words:
handicaps, disabilities, functional evaluation, treatment planning
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Motivations for studying physiotherapy and familiarity with employment situation among physiotherapy students at variously oriented university-level schools in Poland

Joanna Gotlib, Dariusz Białoszewski, Anna Cabak, Katarzyna Barczyk, Aleksandra Bauer, Wojciech Kułak, Piotr Majcher, Olga Nowotny-Czupryna, Maciej Płaszewski, Janusz Sierdziński

Tomasz Wolny, Edward Saulicz, Rafał Gnat, Mirosław Kokosz, Michał Kuszewski, Andrzej Myśliwiec – Motivations for studying physiotherapy and familiarity with employment situation among physiotherapy students at variously oriented university-level schools in Poland. Fizjoterapia Polska 2009; 9(3); 232-244

Abstract
Background. There is considerable interest in studying physiotherapy in Poland and in many countries of the European Union. The objective was to identify the factors that motivate applicants to choose Physiotherapy studies and find out what students know about working in Poland and other EU countries. Material and methods. The study sample comprised 954 1st year BA students from eleven universities: medical sciences (MS), physical education (PE), and other universities (OU). The statistical analysis was based on questionnaires obtained from : 211 MS, 118 PE and 625 OU. Results. Students relied on advice of active physiotherapists when choosing a study programme: 62% ME, 57% PE and 68% OU. Respondents would like to study for the Master’s degree and take up work: 55% PM, 56% PWF and 62% IP. Students were not familiar with employment opportunities: 87% MS, 91% PE and 73%. The most important factors aiding in finding a job are knowledge and skills: 43% MS, 42% PE and 45% OU. Conclusions. 1. The respondents did not choose studies by accident but based their decision on stereotypes. 2. Universities should set great store by their teaching standards as applicants decide to choose a university on the basis of opinions about the particular university. 3. There is a need to develop a professional information service on study opportunities in physiotherapy in Poland that would necessarily include objective information regarding employment opportunities for physiotherapists in EU countries and in the world.
Key words:
employment situation, motivation, European Union, physiotherapy, type of university
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