Tag: rehabilitation

Return to competitive judo after surgical treatment of L4–L5 lumbar spinal stenosis in a master athlete – a case study

Hubert Pawlin

Hubert Pawlin – Return to competitive judo after surgical treatment of L4–L5 lumbar spinal stenosis in a master athlete – a case study –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(2); 39-48

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG560A2XPL

Streszczenie
Introduction. Lumbar spinal canal stenosis is a common cause of pain and functional limitations. Returning to sport after surgical treatment represents a particular challenge, especially in disciplines involving high axial loads.
Objective. The aim of this study was to present the course of surgical treatment and a fast-track rehabilitation pathway enabling a return to international-level competition in a judo athlete aged 60+.
Material and methods. This study is a case report. Medical records, MRI findings, and the course of rehabilitation were analyzed. Clinical assessment was based on neurological examination and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The follow-up period lasted 3 years.
Results. L4–L5 spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis was diagnosed. Fenestration, laminotomy, discectomy, and dynamic stabilization were performed. A progressive rehabilitation program was implemented. The patient returned to international competition within 7 months, winning medals at the European and World Championships. During the 3-year follow-up, no pain (NRS 0) or progression of MRI findings was observed.
Conclusions. Surgical treatment combined with individualized rehabilitation may enable a return to competitive sports.
Key words
lumbar spinal stenosis, rehabilitation, judo, return to sport
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Effects of graded backward treadmill training on quadriceps strength, quadriceps muscle mass, and quality of life after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial

Diker Dev Joshi, Vikram Shetty, Pravin Aaron, Dhanesh Kumar KU

Diker Dev Joshi, Vikram Shetty, Pravin Aaron, Dhanesh Kumar KU – Effects of graded backward treadmill training on quadriceps strength, quadriceps muscle mass, and quality of life after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(5); 18-25

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZGA431Z4K7

Abstract
Background. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is frequently associated with persistent quadriceps weakness and reduced quality of life. Graded backward treadmill walking has emerged as a promising intervention to enhance neuromuscular rehabilitation.
Objective. To investigate the effects of graded backward treadmill training on quadriceps strength, quadriceps muscle mass, and quality of life in individuals after ACL reconstruction.
Methodology. Sixty participants (aged 18–45 years) who underwent ACL reconstruction using a semitendinosus graft were randomly assigned to five groups (A–E; n = 12 per group). Groups A–D performed backward treadmill walking at inclinations of 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°, respectively. Group E served as the control group and received conventional rehabilitation. Training was conducted for 20 minutes per session, three days per week, for four weeks. Outcome measures included quadriceps strength (assessed using a dynamometer), quadriceps muscle mass (assessed by ultrasound), and quality of life (measured using the IKDC and ACL-QOL questionnaires). Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and non-parametric tests.
Results. All groups demonstrated improvements in quadriceps strength, muscle mass, and quality of life following the intervention. Group B exhibited the greatest mean improvement in quadriceps strength, whereas Group D showed the largest increases in quadriceps muscle mass and quality of life scores. Significant between-group differences were observed at baseline for quadriceps strength (p < 0.001) and at post-test for ultrasound-derived muscle mass (p = 0.010), IKDC scores (p = 0.033), and ACL-QOL scores (p = 0.016).
Discussion. The findings indicate that backward treadmill training led to improvements in quadriceps strength, muscle mass, and quality of life across all intervention groups. The superior strength gains observed in Group B suggest that moderate incline backward walking may be optimal for enhancing force production, whereas the pronounced increases in muscle mass and quality of life in Group D indicate that higher inclinations may be particularly effective for promoting muscular hypertrophy and psychosocial recovery.
Conclusion. Graded backward treadmill training following ACL reconstruction improves quadriceps muscle mass and quality of life, with higher inclinations showing greater effects. Further research is warranted to determine long-term outcomes and to identify optimal training parameters.
Key words
anterior cruciate ligament, backward treadmill walking, rehabilitation, quadriceps strength, quality of life
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The influence of hydrotherapy rehabilitation methods and land exercises: optimization of ACL injury recovery in football athletes

Arif Kurniawan, Sumaryanto, Sulistiyono, Ali Munir, Andy Widhiya Bayu Utomo

Arif Kurniawan, Sumaryanto, Sulistiyono, Ali Munir, Andy Widhiya Bayu Utomo – The influence of hydrotherapy rehabilitation methods and land exercises: optimization of ACL injury recovery in football athletes –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(4); 150-157

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZGA4313SX3

Abstract
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury is a common condition among football athletes that can significantly affect their performance and career. Optimal recovery requires effective rehabilitation methods to allow athletes to safely and efficiently return to competition. This study aimed to analyze the effects of hydrotherapy rehabilitation methods and land exercises on ACL injury recovery, specifically in improving the range of motion (ROM) of knee flexion and extension. A two-group pretest–posttest design was used, involving a hydrotherapy rehabilitation group and a land exercise group. ROM of the knee joint was measured using a goniometer. The results of the paired sample t-test indicated that both methods significantly improved ROM in flexion and extension (p = 0.000). These findings suggest that both methods are effective in accelerating ACL recovery. Therefore, they are recommended for inclusion in ACL injury rehabilitation programs, especially in the early recovery phase. This research contributes to the development of efficient, evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for sports medicine practitioners.
Key words
rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, land exercise, ACL, athletes
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Impact of targeted trunk training on bed mobility in stroke patients

Indhu. M, Rajarajeswari. A

Indhu. M, Rajarajeswari. A – Impact of targeted trunk training on bed mobility
in stroke patients –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(3); 259-264

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D19I16E

Abstract
Background. Stroke usually results in unilateral motor deficits in the upper and lower extremities, but its impact on trunk muscles is bilateral due to their architecture. The muscles on one side rely on the stability of the other side. While most literature focuses on improving hemiplegic limb function, the trunk is often overlooked. Impaired trunk control affects bed mobility, which is one of the basic functions that must be achieved before progressing to other activities. Early rehabilitation plays a crucial role in maximizing neuroplasticity and spontaneous recovery, leading to better outcomes.
Aim. To evaluate the impact of targeted trunk training on bed mobility in stroke patients.
Methods. Forty acute hemiparetic stroke patients with impaired bed mobility (Motor Assessment Scale [MAS] supine to side-lying grade ≤ 3) were included in this study and assigned to either a control or interventional group. Both groups underwent conventional physiotherapy, but the interventional group received additional trunk training. Bed mobility was assessed before and after 10 days of intervention using MAS components 1 and 2 and STREAM (Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement) component 5.
Results. Both groups showed significant improvement in bed mobility. However, the interventional group demonstrated much better improvement than the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion. Targeted trunk training significantly improved bed mobility compared to conventional physiotherapy in acute stroke patients.
Keywords
bed mobility, targeted trunk training, stroke, rehabilitation
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The effect of virtual reality-based exergaming on hand function and fine motor skills in post-stroke patients in a low-resource setting

Amelia Virshany Latif, Rumaisah Hasan, Wa Ode Sri Nikmatiyah, Yose Waluyo, Husnul Mubarak, Andi Alfian Zainuddin

Amelia Virshany Latif, Rumaisah Hasan, Wa Ode Sri Nikmatiyah, Yose Waluyo, Husnul Mubarak, Andi Alfian Zainuddin – The effect of virtual reality-based exergaming on hand function and fine motor skills in post-stroke patients in a low-resource setting –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(3); 193-202

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D19QDHS

Abstract
Introduction. Stroke is a major cause of long-term morbidity, with more than 60% of stroke survivors experiencing persistent neurologic deficits in the upper extremities that significantly impact patients’ independence and quality of life.
Methods. This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial involving 60 post-stroke subjects. The research was conducted from January to October 2024. Data collection included interviews, physical examination, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremities Hand (FMA-UE Hand) to assess hand functional ability, and the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) to assess fine motor function. The experimental group received both conventional and virtual reality therapy exercises, while the control group received only conventional exercises for 8 weeks. The FMA-UE Hand served as the primary outcome, and the NHPT as the secondary outcome.
Results. After 8 weeks, the intervention group showed greater improvement than the control group in both hand function and fine motor skills. When added to traditional treatment, virtual reality exergames provided even more improvement in motor function than conventional therapy alone. Benefits persisted for at least one week after the end of treatment. The results indicate that, when used alongside traditional rehabilitation, virtual reality exergames offer a more enjoyable and effective method to help stroke survivors improve their motor skills and hand function.
Conclusion. This research finds that adding virtual reality (VR) exergames to traditional rehabilitation significantly improves hand functional status and fine motor ability in post-stroke patients compared to conventional therapy alone. The combined therapy offers a more effective and engaging approach to motor rehabilitation, with sustained benefits observed up to one week after treatment. These findings highlight the potential of VR exergames as a valuable addition to post-stroke rehabilitation programs.
Key words
virtual reality, rehabilitation, hand function, stroke
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Consequences of war-related amputations among soldiers – a literature review

Bernadeta Piwowar-Kuczyńska, Joanna Adamska, Łukasz Szewczyk, Mateusz Curyło

 

Bernadeta Piwowar-Kuczyńska, Joanna Adamska, Łukasz Szewczyk, Mateusz Curyło – Consequences of war-related amputations among soldiers – a literature review –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(2); 252-258

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG00E1I5IN

Abstract
Introduction. Lower-limb amputations have long been an integral element of military medicine, and contemporary armed conflicts more clearly expose the scale of the problem in terms of the number of injured soldiers and the challenges linked to their treatment. The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war is generating an unprecedented number of amputations, demanding effective solutions in treatment, rehabilitation and long-term care.
Aim. The aim of this paper is to present the scale of amputations performed among soldiers and their health-related and economic consequences, while drawing attention to the need to improve current, or develop new, models of treatment and rehabilitation for war veterans.
Material and methods. This literature review was based on an analysis of publications available in the PubMed, Google Scholar and Google databases. Of 70 identified sources, 21 publications that met thematic and temporal criteria (up to 10 November 2024) were selected for detailed analysis.
Results. Amputations are a frequent consequence of combat injuries and of numerous complications. They affect mainly young soldiers, resulting in many years of treatment, rehabilitation and high care costs.
Conclusions. War-related amputations, particularly in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, constitute a serious medical and social challenge. Drawing on experience from earlier conflicts, a detailed analysis of complications and costs is required to improve, or introduce, more effective models of treatment and rehabilitation
Key words
amputations, military medicine, war injuries, rehabilitation
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Hand functions in response to a designed occupational therapy program in juvenile diabetes mellitus

Fatma M. Abd El Aziz, Nanees E. Mohamed, Ola A. Taha, Gehan H. El-Meniawy

Fatma M. Abd El Aziz, Nanees E. Mohamed, Ola A. Taha, Gehan H. El-Meniawy – Hand functions in response to a designed occupational therapy program in juvenile diabetes mellitus –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(1); 306-312

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG007D6TB3

Abstract
Purpose. This study was conducted to verify the influence of an occupational therapy program on hand grip, pinch grip, and manual dexterity in children with type 1 diabetes.
Methods. Sixty children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, including 31 girls and 29 boys aged 6 to 8 years, participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A received a traditional physiotherapy program, while group B received the same traditional physiotherapy program combined with a designed occupational therapy program. All participants underwent laboratory investigation of standardized hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. Hand grip was measured using a JAMAR hand-held dynamometer. Manual dexterity and pinch strength (tip, tripod, and key strength) were evaluated using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, second edition, and the Baseline Mechanical Pinch Gauge, respectively, before and after the treatment over a 3-month period with three weekly sessions.
Results. After the treatment, the study group exhibited significant improvements in manual dexterity as well as hand and pinch grip strength compared to their baseline levels (p < 0.01). Additionally, post-treatment comparisons between the study and control groups showed significant enhancements in manual dexterity, hand grip, and pinch grip strength in the study group (p < 0.001). Both groups also demonstrated significant reductions in HbA1c levels post-treatment compared to their pre-treatment measurements (p < 0.001).
Conclusions. A designed occupational therapy program can enhance hand functions in children with type 1 diabetes.
Key words
diabetes, hand functions, manual dexterity, occupational therapy, rehabilitation, pinch grip
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Evaluation of the impact of shockwave therapy on the functioning of a patient with a lower calcaneal spur

Agata Pętek-Podymniak

 

Agata Pętek-Podymniak – Evaluation of the impact of shockwave therapy on the functioning of a patient with a lower calcaneal spur –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(4); 6-12

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG01A8M5X1

Abstract
Introduction. A common cause of heel pain is the presence of a calcaneal spur. This condition may disrupt the posterior superficial fascia chain and can also lead to problems in distant areas of the body. Among the physical methods used, shockwave therapy is often applied. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of shockwave therapy and its effect on the tension of the gastrocnemius muscle, which is part of the posterior fascia chain.
Materials and Methods. A 52-year-old female patient diagnosed with a left lower calcaneal spur underwent a series of six radial shockwave therapy sessions, performed twice a week. The method for assessing the therapy’s effectiveness involved measuring pain on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and changes in tissue temperature before, immediately after, and five minutes post-therapy. Electromyographic (EMG) examination was used to assess the tension of the gastrocnemius muscle.
Results. An average decrease in temperature was observed immediately after the treatment (from 25.3°C to 24.45°C). After five minutes, the temperature increased to 27.05°C compared to the initial measurement. The resting tension of the gastrocnemius muscle, as measured by EMG, decreased as follows: channel 1: from 0.6 µV to 0.4 µV, channel 2: from 4.3 µV to 3.2 µV. Pain decreased from a level of 7 to 2 on the VAS scale.
Conclusions. Shockwave therapy is an effective solution for alleviating pain in the case of a calcaneal spur. The reduction of resting tension in the gastrocnemius muscle leads to a decrease in elevated tension within the posterior myofascial chain, which may help reduce the risk of secondary pathologies in distant areas along the chain.
Key words
calcaneal spur, shockwave therapy, rehabilitation
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Post-operative rehabilitation and return to sport criteria following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction – a survey of physiotherapists in the United Arab Emirates

Sara Atef Ali, Cecilia Ferreira Aquino, Achraf Ammar, Ashokan Arumugam

Sara Atef Ali, Cecilia Ferreira Aquino, Achraf Ammar, Ashokan Arumugam – Post-operative rehabilitation and return to sport criteria following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction – a survey of physiotherapists in the United Arab Emirates – Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(2); 344-355

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG5608IV0

Abstract
Background. The rehabilitation and return to sport (RTS) criteria used after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction seem to vary between physiotherapists in different countries. However, no study has been conducted to investigate the post-operative rehabilitation and RTS criteria following ACL reconstruction used by physiotherapists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Aim. The purpose of this study is to summarize the clinical practice and RTS criteria used by physiotherapists treating patients following ACL reconstruction in the UAE, and to investigate the factors associated with the commonly used RTS criteria.
Material and methods. An electronic survey questionnaire was distributed to UAE physiotherapists. The questionnaire included questions related to demographic information, clinical practice, and RTS criteria employed by UAE physiotherapists.
Results. A total of 108 physiotherapists voluntarily participated in the study. Approximately only 25% adhered to the established RTS criteria before RTS. About 88% of physiotherapists base their clearance decisions on how well they do in functional assessments like balance checks, hop tests, and running and sprinting biomechanics. A multidisciplinary team decided on the RTS clearance, according to 47% of physiotherapists. The most often utilized RTS criteria did not significantly correlate with parameters including academic standing, years of experience, nationality, specialty certification, or the type of license held by UAE physiotherapists, according to the study.
Conclusion. Most physiotherapists in the UAE were not adhering to the most recommended RTS criteria post-ACL reconstruction in their clinical practice, and none of the evaluated physiotherapist-related factors showed a significant association with RTS criteria following ACL reconstruction.
Keywords
anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, rehabilitation, clinical decision-making, physical therapy, return to sport criteria
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Rehabilitation impact on the work ability and functional status of hospitalized COVID-19 survivors

Michal Macej, Gabriela Škrečková, Lucia Demjanovič Kendrová, Pavol Nechvátal, Jakub Čuj

Michal Macej, Gabriela Škrečková, Lucia Demjanovič Kendrová, Pavol Nechvátal, Jakub Čuj – Rehabilitation impact on the work ability and functional status of hospitalized COVID-19 survivors – Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(2); 298-302

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG56088XJ

Abstract
Aim. The aim of the work is to determine the rehabilitation impact on the work ability and functional status of the hospitalized COVID-19 survivors. Materials and methods. The study covered 163 probands (101 women; 62 men) from the Prešov Region (Slovakia) that were hospitalized with COVID-19 disease. Age of the subjects ranged from 32 to 62 years. The experimental group contained 87 patients (55 women; 32 men) and underwent inpatient rehabilitation treatment during their stay in the hospital. The control group consisted of 76 patients (46 women; 30 men), who were not provided with the rehabilitation treatment. In all probands we assessed the work ability index (WAI) and a Patient self-report methods for the Post-Covid-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS). Results. The experimental group of patients after returning to work showed significantly higher work ability (p = 0.005) and functional status (p = 0.001) compared to the control group. Patients with psychologically demanding type of work that underwent rehabilitation treatment had also significantly higher work ability (p = 0.022) and functional status (p = 0.042) compared with the other group. Similar results were recorded among the probands with a combination of both types of work – physically and psychologically demanding (p < 0.001). In the physically demanding type of work the result was not statistically significant between the groups. Conclusions. The inpatient form of rehabilitation for the patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has a beneficial effect on the work ability and functional status after discharge from the hospital.
Keywords
COVID-19, functional status, rehabilitation, work ability
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