Evaluation of the Accuracy of the Postural Stability Measurement with the Y-Balance Test Based on the Levels of the Biomechanical Parameters of 14-Year-Old Girls

Background

Dynamic balance monitoring involves the assessment of the muscular control during changes of the centre of gravity location in space above the supporting plane. We aimed to determine the structure of the Y-Balance Test and its accuracy based on measurements of strength and resistance to fatigue of muscles acting on the knee joint under static conditions, as well as joint motion ranges and static balance in girls aged 14 years.

Methods

The study included 40 girls aged 14, who attended Gymnasium No. 2 in Cracow (Poland). The research was conducted in October 2020. Postural stability was examined with the use of the YBT. The measurements of muscle strength and knee joint extensor and flexor resistance to fatigue during an isometric contraction were performed in a standard position on the test bench. The measurements of lower extremity joint range of motion were performed in accordance with the SFTR methodology. Static balance was assessed with the use of the modified FBT.

Results

The factor structure obtained for both lower extremities has satisfactorily explained the common variance (about 70%) and showed slight differences between the left and right extremities.

Conclusion

The factor structure in the group of examined girls suggests a highly hybrid nature of the Y-Balance Test with a wide spectrum of biomechanical variables that have little influence on the measurement results.

Tilt and mobility of the hip girdle in the sagittal and frontal planes in healthy subjects aged 19-30 years

BACKGROUND

Disturbances in pelvic girdle tilt can cause compensatory changes affecting postural dysfunctions, and can lead to hip and groin strain changes and back pain. However, we still have no clear information on the normative values of pelvic girdle tilt and mobility.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to (1) evaluate the position and mobility of the pelvic girdle in the sagittal and frontal planes in asymptomatic adults aged 19-30, (2) evaluate the possible variation of results according to gender and to develop a proposal for normative values, and (3) evaluate whether body mass, height and BMI are related to the magnitude of hip girdle position and mobility.

METHODS

The research was conducted in a sample group consisting of 346 men and women using the scaled form of the anthropometric level of the Duometr® The values of position and mobility of the pelvic girdle in the sagittal and frontal planes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Differences were noted in the values of the pelvic tilt (p= 0.033) between the men and women. The women showed slightly higher values of posterior range of motion (p= 0.0002) and total range of motion (p= 0.002). The other parameters did not show any significant variation. There was no clear association between body weight, height and BMI and the study variables, except for a small, significant correlation between BMI and posterior pelvic tilt in women (r= 0.175, p= 0.005). In the frontal plane there were no differences in the analyzed variables in terms of gender or side of the body measured.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no association between the anthropometric variables and the pelvic girdle tilt and mobility. No size variation by gender was observed in the frontal plane. Slight differences were observed in the sagittal plane. Normative values are proposed.

Dog Therapy in Supporting the Rehabilitation Process of Children with Autism

Introduction: Autism is not a specific condition. It is, however, a comprehensive disorder of psychomotor and social development. A number of factors, both environmental (family-related) and genetic, are believed to be the cause of autism. The percentage of children affected by autism has been increasing over the past 20 years. It is assumed that statistically, approximately 20 children in every 10,000 will become affected by this condition. Autism is 4 times more common in boys than in girls. The disorder is characterised by impaired mental growth, and, consequently, social and motor development. Research objective: The aim of the article is to present the role of dog therapy in supporting the process of therapeutic rehabilitation among children with autism. In particular, the following aspects were taken into account: breeds of canines used in dog therapy, mechanisms of influence concerning dog therapy on the child's body, as well as the forms and results obtained. Material and methods: The work is a narrative review. It was written on the basis of the document analysis method with the use of quantitative and qualitative techniques, as well as database searches for Polish and foreign scientific literature on the subject, i.e. Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar. In the article, the research results are presented in relation to the efficiency of applying dog therapy in the treatment of autistic children between 2002 and 2017, with emphasis on foreign literature. Results: The most commonly used forms of dog therapy used are: Animal Assisted Activity (AAA), Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Animal Assisted Education (AAE). Conclusions: The use of dogs in the process of therapeutic rehabilitation has positive influence both on the autistic child and his/her family environment. It helps cope better with many difficulties and motivates to take up more activities. Dog therapy affects all spheres of personal development, i.e. mental, motor and socio-emotional.

Evaluation of the thermal factor in the vacuum therapy

Introduction: The aim of the work was to analyse changes in values of temperatures measured inside the cup and on the surface of the skin in the place where the cup was applied, using two slightly different variants of applying hot glass cups.<br/> Methods: The temperature was measured using two measuring instruments, the so-called multimeters, which were connected by wires with two K-type probes (thermocouples). One of them measured the temperature of the skin covered by the cup, and the other – the temperature inside the cup.<br/> Results: In variant I at the beginning of the test the temperature of the interior of the cup was 48.4°C, and of the skin inside the cup was 40.3°C. The difference between the temperature inside the cup and the temperature of the skin was therefore 8.1°C, i.e. 16.7%. In variant II, the temperature of the inside of the cup and of the surface of the skin were similar and amounted to 42.2 °C and 43.9 °C respectively. It means that right after applying the cup, the body temperature in the place of its application increased by 7.3°C, i.e. by 19.8% in relation to the normal body temperature.<br/> Conclusions: The experiment that was carried out allows us to claim that the applied vacuum therapy affects the tissues by two factors: vacuum pressure and heat, and that is why the hot cup should be considered more effective in the therapy than the cold cup.

The Concept of Chiropractics by Daniel D. Palmer and its Development over the Years

The history of orthopedically-oriented manual therapy goes back to the earliest times; those who dealt with this issue, although under different names, were: Hippocrates, Galen and many others. However, osteopathy is considered as the moment of birth of the field. Itoriginated in the USA in the second half of the 19th century, and its founder is A.T. Still. Chiropractics are, apart from osteopathy, the main trend in modern manual therapy. The aim of the article was to show the biography of the creator of chiropractics - Daniel David Palmer (1845-1913), taking into account his concept of manual therapy, referring to both theoretical and diagnostic issues as well as means of treatment (mobilisation). In this article, the following issues are also discussed: 1) characteristics of blocking, its causes and symptoms, with particular emphasis on subluxation; 2) trends in chiropractics: conservative and liberal; 3) diagnostics illustrated by the example of the sacroiliac joint with an indication for recommended functional tests; 4) the most important methods of manual therapy currently used; 5) a survey among specialists of manual therapy concerning selected aspects of teaching in the course of study and the use of mobilisation and manipulation by physiotherapists during their everyday practice with patients. The paper was written on the basis of a literature search using databases, i.e. Web of Science, New PubMed and Google Scholar.

Photogrammetric evaluation of body posture of 6-year-old boys training judo, in three repeated assessments

PURPOSE

The purpose of this work was to assess changes in body posture in a group of 6-year-old boys training judo, compared to a control group, in three repeated examinations.

METHODS

The study included 88 boys aged 6. Fifty-one of them started judo training in sports clubs at the beginning of the school year (JU). The control group included 37 boys attending reception classes in primary schools, selected at random (NT). Body posture was assessed 3 times at 3-month intervals, according to the general methodology of the Moire's technique, and 15 body posture indices were obtained as a result: 7 in the sagittal plane, 1 in the axial plane and 7 in the coronal plane. The system for photogrammetric body posture assessment of CQ Elektronik System was used in this study.

RESULTS

The ANOVA test showed that neither the group factor - the fact of judo training - nor the time factor had any significant effect on the number of "deviations from normal values" of body posture (p > 0.05). Statistically significant intergroup differences were noted for six body posture indices measured with the Moire's method.

CONCLUSIONS

Steadily decreasing numbers of "deviations from normal values" of body posture indices in the JU group were observed over the three examinations. Regular 6-month judo training had a statistically significant effect on a decrease of body rotation in the axial plane - the effect of judo training may be considered corrective in this case.

The assessment of the relationships between body posture indices and the Y-Balance Test results in the adolescents

PURPOSE

The purpose of this work was to assess the differences of the values of body posture indices, measured with the Moire's method, between girls and boys aged 13 and the relationships of these values with the results of the Y-Balance Test.

METHODS

The study involved a group of healthy volunteers attending junior high schools in Cracow. The group consisted of 20 girls and 35 boys. Basic somatic parameters were measured within this work: body height and weight. Body posture was assessed according to the general methodology of the Moire's technique and 14 body posture indices were obtained as a result: 6 in the sagittal plane, 1 in the axial plane and 7 in the coronal plane. Postural stability was assessed with the Y-Balance Test (YBT).

RESULTS

The studied girls and boys had practically the same body posture - statistical differences were found only in 3 out of 14 assessed indices measured with the Moire's technique. Scoliosis was found in as many as 51% of the subjects, however, mean values of deviations from the C7-S1 line were not large.

CONCLUSIONS

In the group of girls, the set of blades (below - above) was statistically significantly correlated with the global YBT result for the right inferior extremity, and in the group of boys - the set of the waist triangles (below - above) was statistically significantly correlated with the global YBT results for the right and left inferior extremities.

Massage efficacy in the treatment of autistic children - a literature review

Autism is one of the most serious contemporary medical problems. The causes of this disorder remain unknown however there are many hypotheses on the development of this specific symptom constellation. Autistic children have difficulties with contact establishment, they do not like to be touched and do not react to the external stimuli. Studies show that emotional, social, and cognitive development of an autistic child depends to a large extent on his/her early tactile experiences. Therefore it seems that effective treatment methods should be sought in this area. These methods include various tactile therapies, predominantly massages. The purpose of a massage is to induce physiological reactions in the body that have preventive, therapeutic, and relaxing effects. The purpose of this work was to present selected massage forms as supportive rehabilitation methods of autistic children. Massage forms were selected that show high effectiveness in relieving autism symptoms. The results of clinical studies by various authors prove that massages reduce child's anxiety, improve social communication, and favor formation of closeness and bonds with the parents thus bringing the prospects for better development of the child.

Evaluation of the accuracy of the postural stability measurement with the Y-Balance Test based on the levels of the biomechanical parameters

PURPOSE

The study of dynamic balance involves tests that assess the muscle control of spatial changes of the position of the centre of gravity over the base of support. The purpose of this work was to determine the structure of the Y-balance test and its accuracy based on the measurements of strength performance of the muscles acting on the knee joint as well as the flexibility and balance in boys aged 14 years.

METHODS

The study included 43 schoolboys regularly participating in physical education lessons. The examination of postural stability was conducted with the use of the Y-balance test. The measurements of muscle strength and of resistance to fatigue of the extensors and flexors of knee joints in isometric contraction were performed on a measurement stand in a standard position with the use of tensometric sensors. The measurement of mobility range of the lower extremity joints was performed according to the SFTR. The examination of balance was performed with the use of the modified "Flamingo balance test".

RESULTS

The factor structure of the Y-balance test results for the left and right lower extremities is similar and includes five principal independent factors that characterise the structure of analysed variables. They explain 76% and 74% of communality in total for the left and the right extremity, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The extracted factor structure points to a hybrid structure of the Y-Balance Test and shows its accuracy in the measurements of the lower limb joint mobility and strength performance of knee joint extensors.

Assessment of the impact of regular judo practice on body posture, balance, and lower limbs mechanical output in six-year-old boys

BACKGROUND

Physical activity is beneficial for young children. The aim of this study was to monitor the changes in body posture and balance, as well as in the level of lower limbs mechanical output in six-year-old boys practicing judo (JU) and in a group not practicing that sport (NT).

METHODS

In 12 matched pairs of boys (JU+NT) body mass and height were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated at three time points (baseline, three months, six months). Body posture was evaluated with the use of Moiré method (TT, DTK, MR, LALBC-F, DALBS). The balance was examined by means of the UPST Test with the eyes open (EOA) and closed (ECA). Ground reaction and relative power were assessed in standing vertical jump on the dynamometric platform. In the subsequent calculations, the MANOVA with the GLM procedure using 10 dependent above variables (excluding BMI and Pr indices), and next Factorial Repeated Measures ANOVA were used.

RESULTS

In MANOVA a significant interaction of the time, and group, factor was ascertained. Next, the series of univariate ANOVAs yielded following results: for MR the difference between groups was significant after three months (with JU having better results than NT group), but not at the baseline or after six months. For UPST EOA, JU group had higher results after three months than those of NT group. For impulse (J), the interaction and time positive trend were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

A six-month practice of judo results in a significant improvement in the quality of body posture, balance, and lower limbs muscle strength impulse.

Topography of spinal column and kidney receptors as illustrated by microsystem of the foot

OBJECTIVE

To test the accuracy of the distribution of reflective zones on the feet as proposed by William Fitzgerald using the spine and kidney receptors as reference points.

METHODS

Spine and feet lengths were measured first along straight lines and then again, taking into consideration the anatomical curves. The spinal column was further measured with regard to its individual regions (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum-coccyx). Straight-line measurements were taken with the help of an anthropometer. Measurements that took into account all of the curves were performed with the opisometer (also known as a "map measurer"). All the measurements were accurate to within 1 mm. The study subjects were a healthy, physically fit 16-year-old female student and a 53-year-old male office employee exposed to an average dose of physical exercise.

RESULTS

The kidney receptor in the foot did not reflect onto the predetermined lumbar section of the spinal column as measured along the straight line or with regard to curves. Instead, in both subjects the kidney receptor reflected onto the thoracic spine.

CONCLUSION

Te particular level of the spinal cord that innervates the given organ controls the distribution of receptors of individual organs in the foot.

Evaluation of relations between body posture parameters with somatic features and motor abilities of boys aged 14 years

INTRODUCTION

Body posture is an individual characteristic for everyone, it shows great differentiation - especially in people during their progressive development. As a result, the variability of the development and lack of physical activity impose body posture defects in children and youth. In the literature there is a great lack of measureable data on the relations between correct body posture with somatic features, especially motor features in children at the developing age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relations between correct body posture parameters, measured with the photogrammetric method, with some of the somatic features and motor abilities of boys at the age of 14.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 133 boys aged 14 attending junior secondary schools in the Kraków area of Poland. Only boys with the correct body posture were examined. Posture was examined by the Moire method, through which six parameters were obtained in the sagittal plane, seven in the frontal plane, and one in the transverse plane. The somatic measurements included basic parameters, such as body weight and body height. The measurements of motor features included: marching balance test, speed movement test of the arms and their functional strength. To evaluate the relationships between correct body posture with the characteristics of somatic and motor abilities, the Spearman rank correlation was used. The lowest level of statistical significance was accepted at p≤0,05.

RESULTS

No correlations were noted between some of the correct body posture features and the somatic features, and some of the motor abilities of the examined boys at the level of p≤0.05 and p≤0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

The irregular correlation between the correct body posture and somatic and motor features probably results from the rather big development variability of the boys during puberty.