Effects of carrying a backpack in a symmetrical manner on the shape of the feet

Selected hallmarks of hallux valgus in older women with symptomatic hallux valgus compared to middle-aged women with and without deformation of the forefoot

The aim of the study was to compare the shape of the feet, the mobility of the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints and the flexibility of the calf muscles in older women with hallux valgus versus middle-aged women with and without this deformation to identify the presence of features which correlate particularly strongly with hallux valgus, and on which prophylaxis and conservative treatment should focus. The study involved 201 women: 92 aged 60-84 years with hallux valgus of both toes, 78 aged 38-59 with hallux valgus of both toes, and 31 aged 38-57 years with correctly shaped feet. The intensity of pain in the foot, the valgus angle of the big toe and fifth toe, the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot, the symmetry of foot load with body weight, toe joint mobility and muscle flexibility were analysed. Both groups of women with hallux valgus differed from women with normal feet in the height of the transverse arch, the extent of dorsal extension in the first metatarsophalangeal joint and plantar flexion in the first interphalangeal joint. Older women were additionally characterised by reduced plantar flexion in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, limited flexibility of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles as well as less pain in the toe area than in the foot itself. The most characteristic changes which were observed in older women with hallux valgus are a limited range of motion in the MTP and IP joints of the big toe, a reduced transverse arch and increased restriction of calf muscle flexibility.

The occurrence of overload at work and musculoskeletal pain in young physiotherapists

BACKGROUND

A job requiring stooping, lifting, carrying loads and multiple repetitions of the same movement patterns leads to overloading the musculoskeletal system.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the work-related load experienced by physiotherapists and the occurrence of the musculoskeletal system overload.

METHODS

The study included 108 young physiotherapists, 69 women and 39 men, aged from 25 to 35 years (mean 27.12 ± 3.72 years). The study used an anonymous questionnaire and Quick Exposure Check.

RESULTS

The most common musculoskeletal complaints were as follows: 70 physiotherapists (64.8%) reported low back pain, 60 (55.6%) cervical pain, and 34 (31.5%) pain in the wrists and fingers. Statistically significant positive correlations were revealed between the number of years worked in the profession and shoulder pain. The number of hours of work per week was positively correlated with the occurrence of pain in all analyzed body areas. Professional experience was negatively correlated with the level of stress felt. Physiotherapists dealing with manual therapy and exercise physiotherapy were particularly vulnerable to musculoskeletal overload.

CONCLUSIONS

Popularization of knowledge regarding ergonomics among physiotherapists could reduce the occurrence of musculoskeletal overload.

Influence of the Weight of a School Backpack on Spinal Curvature in the Sagittal Plane of Seven-Year-Old Children

The aim of the paper was to determine a correlation between the weight of a child's backpack, their body weight, and certain features of their body posture. Material and Methods. The study group consisted of 109 children, all aged seven years. The parameters of body posture were determined using the Zebris Ultrasonic System. Results. The number of children carrying a school backpack in accordance with recommendations was 44 subjects (40.37%). Statistically significant changes were found in the total length of the spine (Z = 2.223, p = 0.026) and between backpack weight and changes in the following parameters: the total length of the spine (r_s = −0.3999, p = 0.017), the length and the angle of the lumbar lordosis (r_s = −0.3352, p = 0.049), the angle of the lumbar lordosis (r_s = −0.5065, p = 0.002), and the sacral angle (r_s = −0.4279, p = 0.010). Conclusions. Wearing a backpack heavier than 10% of one's body weight can cause shallowing of the lumbar lordosis and a tendency towards a vertical position of the sacrum. Monitoring the weight of children's school backpacks and enabling them to leave books and notebooks at school would probably be beneficial in reducing the daily burden put on children's spines.