The purpose of this work was to assess the differences of the values of body posture indices, mea... more 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.
Purpose: Maintaining balance in humans involves continuous changes in parameters. The aim of this... more Purpose: Maintaining balance in humans involves continuous changes in parameters. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of hippotherapeutic exercises on development of the sense of balance in boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability. Methods: The study examined 50 randomly chosen boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability from the special education centre in Leżajsk, Poland. The study participants were divided into two groups: experimental group, who participated for 3 months in hippotherapeutic classes and the control group, with boys attending outdoor or indoor physical education classes. Before and after completion of the study, both experimental and control groups were diagnosed by means of Accu Sway Plus force plate. The force plate was used to determine alterations in the position of the centre of pressure (COP) on the platform in the frontal and sagittal planes in relaxed standing position with feet spread to the shoulder width and with eye control with respect to the base of support (BOS). The description was based on mean displacement of the centre of gravity (COG), mean velocity of displacements of the COG, mean radial displacement and total length of the COP pathway. Results: In the experimental group, equestrian exercises induced a series of significant changes that pointed to the improved balance reactions. The character of these changes in the positions analysed was similar: values of body sway in the sagittal plane and their range and mean displacements decreased statistically significantly after training. The same tendency was observed for mean radial displacements in the free open position and with closed support surface. Furthermore, the velocity of displacement and the length of the COP's projection pathway on the support surface in the free open position was also reduced. All significant changes and trends found for the experimental group, which occurred after 3 month of hippotherapeutic classes, suggest improved parameters of balance. Conclusions: The lack of changes in balance parameters in the control group shows that the hippotherapeutic classes significantly develop balance abilities in boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability.
Introduction. The purpose of the work was to assess the static and dynamic postural stability and... more Introduction. The purpose of the work was to assess the static and dynamic postural stability and to identify the risk of the locomotor system injuries in 14-year-old boys and girls. Methods. The study involved a group of 40 girls and 43 boys aged 14 who regularly attended physical education classes, 4 hours per week. The examination of static balance was carried out with the modified version of the first test of the Eurofit Physical Fitness Test Battery-the Flamingo Balance Test, and dynamic balance assessments were performed with the Y-Balance Test by using a specially designed test tool, the so-called Y-Balance Test Kit. To differentiate between the higher and lower risk of a motor system injury, an index proposed by Butler was applied. Results. With respect to both static and dynamic balance, the results obtained by the studied girls did not differ statistically significantly from those of the studied boys. Conclusions. in the group of girls, the index recommended by Butler was exceeded by 78% of the subjects for the left lower limb and by 80% of the subjects for the right one, while in the group of boys, the respective values were 74% and 79%. This indicates that the risk of a motor system injury among the study subjects was low.
Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences, 2018
Aim. The aim of the study is to characterise and compare the values of angle changes within the l... more Aim. The aim of the study is to characterise and compare the values of angle changes within the lower limb joints in the sagittal plane and spatial pelvic movements while running in minimalist and neutral footwear. Materials and methods. Research was carried out among a group of 13 participants (6 men and 7 women), highly qualified male and female athletes from the AZS AWF (University of Physical Education) Kraków club. Registration of the run and analysis of the results was performed using spatial motion analysis via the Vicon system with speeds at 3.94±0.45 m/s for men and 3.97±0.32 m/s for women, and 3.91±057 m/s and 4.1±0.36 m/s for men and women, respectively, in the group of highly qualified athletes. Results. At the initial point of foot contact with the ground, the minimalist footwear run was characterised by greater plantar flexion totalling about 5º compared to the run in neutral footwear. There was also a 8º higher value of dorsiflexion during the amortisation phase and a...
Issues of Rehabilitation, Orthopaedics, Neurophysiology and Sport Promotion - IRONS, 2020
Introduction Subjects with DS show a dysfunction of gait expressed by different values of the spa... more Introduction Subjects with DS show a dysfunction of gait expressed by different values of the spatiotemporal parameters of gait compared to the physiological norm. It is known that exercises and various activities have positive effect on balance and gait, but there is only a few scientific evidences concerning above mentioned in people with DS. Aim The aim of the study was to assess the spatiotemporal parameters of adult persons with DS following regular Nordic Walking training and rehabilitation programme and in a group that did not undergo training during the intervention period. Material and methods The study involved 32 adults with DS, aged 25-40 years, in Cracow. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: NW Group, which underwent a 10-week Nordic Walking training programme; the group, which attended rehabilitation programme (RP) over 10 weeks or the C Group, the control group. Subjects were examined twice: 1 week before training and a week immediately after intervention. Gait was evaluated by the Vicon 250. Results After the training, statistically significant changes were observed in many of the spatio parameters in the NW group, i.e. step length and cycle length increased and in some kinematic parameters in both of the experimental groups. The walk ratio was statistically different between NW and RP and also between NW and C after the 10-week programme. Conclusions NW training is better method of improving spatiotemporal parameters in persons with DS than rehabilitation programme. NW training programme is effective and should be included as a part of daily training of persons with DS.
Background & Study Aim: Previous studies taking judo contestants into consideration have demonstr... more Background & Study Aim: Previous studies taking judo contestants into consideration have demonstrated that some motor abilities indices correlated with technical and tactical excellence indices and sport skill level. However, it remains unclear what is the synthetic effect of motor abilities on the fights course and contestants’ sport skill level. The aim of the study was knowledge about relationships between the motor abilities level and the fighting method and between the motor abilities level and the achievement level among judokas. Material & Methods: Twenty five judo contestants participated in the study. The evaluation of activity, effectiveness of judoists’ actions and achievement level was based on the tournament matches analysis. Other measurements included coordination motor abilities, speed, strength and endurance. The objects’ ordering, according to the individual indices level, was achieved using a synthetic index. Results: In the senior group, high coordination abiliti...
Background (1) to evaluate the level of relative strength in judoists compared to untrained peers... more Background (1) to evaluate the level of relative strength in judoists compared to untrained peers; (2) identification of dominant muscle groups in strength preparation profile of judo contestants. Material/Methods: The study was carried out in 11 judoists (J) who took at least fifth place in national judo tournaments. Average age of the subjects was 17 years, average body mass 79.8 kg. Their fight was registered during national-level championships: all successful actions in standing and on the ground were recorded. A comparative group (N) consisted of fifteen boys at similar age and body mass, recruited from randomly assigned schools. In the Department of Biomechanics, measurements of muscle torques were taken in study participants for extensor and flexor muscles in hips, knees, elbows shoulders and trunk, in both left and right body sides. The analysis concerned relative torques. Mean values for left and right sides were calculated for upper and lower extremities. Results: Statisti...
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate effectiveness of rehabilitation in patients before a... more PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate effectiveness of rehabilitation in patients before and after rACL, based on stabilographic indicators. METHODS The research group was comprised of 31 men aged 20-57 with anterior cruciate ligament injury, qualified for reconstruction surgery. A measurement of static stabilometric indicators and muscle strength was taken twice for each patient - before surgery and after 6 months. To assess stabilographic indicators the stabilographic platform was used and to asses muscle strength a dynamometer was used. In order to assess knee function the Lysholm scale and VAS scale were used. RESULTS The rehabilitation programme improved static stability of the knee in the frontal plane, which is manifested by a significant shortening of the SPML path length. Rehabilitation proceedings should focus on improving static stability of the knee joint in the sagittal plane, because the results obtained indicate only a slight shortening of the SPAP length. The ...
Results of biotolerance investigations are presented of the metallic implants from the AISI 316L ... more Results of biotolerance investigations are presented of the metallic implants from the AISI 316L steel improved with the passive and passive-diamond coatings in experiments on the animal models featured by guinea-pigs. The purpose was to demonstrate their applicability in the traumatic-orthopaedic and maxillofacial surgery. The experiments were carried out according to the ASTM 981-86 standard. The implants were inserted into the subcutaneous, muscular, and osseous tissues of the animals. Histopathological observations of tissues of the animals from the control and experimental groups were carried out after 12, 26 and 52 weeks. Apart from examination of the peri-implant tissues, the histopathological examinations were also made of the parenchymatous tissues of the detoxication organs. Basing on these experiments, one can state that the passive and passive-diamond coatings deposited according to the method developed in the Division of Biomedical Materials Engineering of the Silesian ...
PURPOSE The study of dynamic balance involves tests that assess the muscle control of spatial cha... more 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 mod...
PURPOSE The purpose of this work was to assess changes in body posture in a group of 6-year-old b... more 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 &...
Objective: A number of studies on gait disturbances have been conducted, however, no clear patter... more Objective: A number of studies on gait disturbances have been conducted, however, no clear pattern of gait disorders was described. The aim of the study was to characterize the gait pattern in HD patients by conducting analysis of mean angular movement changes the lower limb joints and trunk (kinematics parameters). Methods: The study group consisted of 30 patients with HD (17 women and 13 men). The reference data include the results of 30 healthy subjects (17 women and 13 men). Registration of gait with the Vicon 250 system was performed using passive markers attached to specific anthropometric points directly on the skin, based on the Golem biomechanical model (Oxford Metrics Ltd.). The research group and the control group were tested once. Results: Statistically significant (p < 0.05) angular changes in gait cycle for HD patients were observed in: insufficient plantar flexion during Loading Response and Pre-swing phases; insufficient flexion of the knee joint during Initial Swing and Mid Swing phases; excessive flexion of the hip in Terminal Stance and Pre-swing phases and over-normative forward inclination of the trunk in all gait phases. It should be noted that the group of patients with HD obtained, for all the mean angular movement changes higher standard deviation. Conclusion: A characteristic gait disorder common to all patients with HD occurring throughout the whole duration of the gait cycle is a pathological anterior tilt of the trunk. The results will significantly contribute to programming physiotherapy for people with HD, aimed at stabilizing the trunk in a position of extension during gait.
Objective: There is no existing standard, evidence-based, scientific model for motor ability impr... more Objective: There is no existing standard, evidence-based, scientific model for motor ability improvement in Huntington's Disease (HD) patients aimed at maintaining independent gait for as long as possible, or performing activities of daily living, the effectiveness of which would be supported by the results of studies using objective research tools. Under these circumstances, the aim of this study was to analyze the influence of motor ability rehabilitation on the spatial-temporal parameters of gait in HD patients. Design: It was an experimental trial. The studied group consisted of 30 patients (17 women and 13 men) with HD. In hospital conditions, the patients participated in the 3-week motor ability l rehabilitation programme tailored to individual needs. The study group was tested using the Vicon 250 three-dimensional gait analysis system before and after the physical exercise programme. Results: Walking speed after therapy increased for the left lower limb from 1.06 (SD 0.24) [m/ s] to 1.21 (SD 0.23) [m/s], and for the right lower limb from 1.07 (SD 0.25) [m/s] to 1.20 (SD 0.25) [m/s]. The cycle length increased after the applied therapy for the left lower limb from 1.17 (SD 0.20) [m] to 1.23 (SD 0.19) [m]. Conclusion: The three-week motor ability rehabilitation programme positively influences spatial-temporal gait parameters in HD patients.
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of physical exercise on gait pattern disorders, ba... more The aim of this study was to assess the effect of physical exercise on gait pattern disorders, based on three-dimensional gait analysis in the sagittal plane in a group of people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Thirty-two subjects with PD (14 women and 18 men; age: 50-75 years) were qualified for the study, which ran for 3 weeks and included 18 therapeutic sessions. Thirty-five control subjects were included in the research (13 women and 19 men; age: 52-77 years). Gait analysis using the Vicon 3D system took place in the Biokinetics Laboratory. The research group was tested before and after treatment, and the control group was tested once. results: Comparing the average peak angle changes and average standard time results (% gait cycle) corresponding with angles of movement in the lumbar spine, cervical spine, elbow joint, and shoulder joint, statistically significant changes were observed. The study results are indicative of differences in spatiotemporal parameters and angular changes in gait for both groups. After therapeutic treatment, we observed improvement in the angular range of changes in thorax tilting, but there were no difference between the most affected and less affected side. For the cervical spine, a significant reduction in flexion during dual support was observed. The angular range of changes in shoulder joint was significant only in less affected shoulder during the initial contact (F1), terminal stance (F4), and terminal stance (F8) phases of gait (p < 0.05). After therapeutic treatment, significant angle and setting changes in the most affected limb of the elbow joint occurred during the initial contact and terminal swing phases (F1, F8). In the terminal stance phase (F4), an increase in range of motion by about ±4° was observed (p < 0.05). Abbreviations: angle, angular movement changes (degrees) in the sagittal plane; As I, assessment before treatment; As II, assessment after treatment; Ext, extension; Flex, flexion; LA, less affected side of a body; MA, most affected side of a body; Norm, angular variation observed during physiological gait in the control group; normalized, mean normalized time values (% cycle of gait).
B Ba ac ck kg gr ro ou un nd d a an nd d p pu ur rp po os se e: : Although Parkinson disease (PD)... more B Ba ac ck kg gr ro ou un nd d a an nd d p pu ur rp po os se e: : Although Parkinson disease (PD) patients suffer falls more frequently than other old people, only a few studies have focused on identifying the specific risk factors for falls in PD patients. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and risk factors of falls in a prospective study in comparison to a control group. M Ma at te er ri ia al l a an nd d m me et th ho od ds s: : One hundred patients with PD were recruited to the study along with 55 gender-and age-matched healthy controls. Both groups were examined twice; the second examination took place one year after the first one. Examination of the PD group included: medical history including falls, neurological examination, assessment of the severity of parkinsonism [Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Schwab and England scale (S&E), Hoehn and Yahr scale (H&Y), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)], Hamilton scale and quality of life scales (SF-36, EQ-5D) and Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG-Q). In both groups falls were recorded over the 12 months. Frequent fallers are defined as having more than 3 falls a year. R Re es su ul lt ts s: : Over the year falls occurred in 54% of PD patients and 18% of controls. In a prospective study 28% of PD patients fell more frequently than in retrospective analysis.
B Ba ac ck kg gr ro ou un nd d a an nd d p pu ur rp po os se e: : Falls are common events in Park... more B Ba ac ck kg gr ro ou un nd d a an nd d p pu ur rp po os se e: : Falls are common events in Parkinson disease (PD) but only a few prospective studies have focused on causes and consequences of falls in PD patients. The aim of the study was prospective analysis of direct causes and consequences of falls in PD patients in comparison to the control group. M Ma at te er ri ia al l a an nd d m me et th ho od ds s: : One hundred PD patients and 55 age-matched controls were enrolled in the study. The diagnostic workup in all patients included neurological examination, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, ultrasonography, otolaryngological, ophthalmological and autonomic function examination. During 12 months of follow-up, falls were registered in both groups, direct causes were classified according to the St. Louis and Olanow classification, and consequences were established. R Re es su ul lt ts s: : Falls occurred in 54% of PD patients and in 18% of control subjects. Analysis of direct causes of falls revealed that sudden falls were the most common (31%), followed by episodes of freezing and festination (19.6%), neurological and sensory disturbances (mostly vertigo) (12%), environmental factors (12%), postural instability (11%), orthostatic hypotension (4%), and severe dyskinesia (3.6%); 6.19% of falls were unclassified; 22% of patients had the same etiolo
Objective: The following question was set: Do special exercises decrease disturbances of gait in ... more Objective: The following question was set: Do special exercises decrease disturbances of gait in people with Down syndrome and allow for spacio-temporal parameters closer in values to the variables achieved by healthy people? The research involved 10 persons with Down syndrome, including 9 male pupils and 1 female pupil of the Complex of Special Schools in Cracow, Poland, aged 16-22, with the average age of 17.8±2.69. All the subjects had documented moderate and considerable mental handicap, with the average IQ equalling 37.6±4.29, measured in the Terman-Merrill scale. Background: People with Down syndrome have problems with keeping their balance, both while standing and walking. The dysfunction of lower extremities, manifesting itself in a gait different from the norm of healthy people, releases compensation mechanisms levelling disturbances and leading to unavoidable overloads, and in consequence to the damage of different segments of the locomotor system. Methods: Vicon 250, a co...
Parkinson’s disease is the one of the most common neurological disease, after stroke and Alzheime... more Parkinson’s disease is the one of the most common neurological disease, after stroke and Alzheimer disease touching people above 50 years old. Apart from varied symptoms always comes to gait disorders. All consist on one group and create parkinson’s gait. The aim of the work was biomechanical assessment of the chosen muscle changes at the persons with PD and define effects of the therapy on change of the values biomechanical parameters. Put to the rest three patients (2 women and a man) with PD in aged 72–80 years old. The investigations were made at the Biokinetics Laboratory on the Antropomotorcity Cathedral at the Academy of Physical Education in Cracow. Vicon 250 system served to gait registration. Patient had for task of passages sure section with natural speed. The registration concerned 15 full cycles of walk. The length changes of the muscles were standarizationed with consideration of somatic build. The analysis concerned: m. iliopsoas – as a representative of the hip flexo...
Symmetrical loading and asymmetrical stretching of trunk extensors are applied in scoliosis physi... more Symmetrical loading and asymmetrical stretching of trunk extensors are applied in scoliosis physiotherapy management. Conflicting evidence is available on trunk erectors' bioelectrical activity during such static exercise, especially in adult subjects. Our purpose was to identify the profile of bioelectrical activity of trunk extensors during static contractions against symmetrical loading with body mass in young adult females with single curve scoliosis, who participated in adolescence in a scoliosis-specific physiotherapy program. Thirty five females, aged 30.6±2.7 years, with body weight of 56.8±4.4 kgs and height 1.64±0.05 m with single curve thoracic scoliosis, 11-36° Cobb, who in adolescence had attended a scoliosis-specific physiotherapy program, participated. Braced and/or surgically treated subjects were excluded. Characteristics of the integrated EMG were collected and analysed. The measurements were conducted on a subject in prone position at rest, during 20 second st...
Acta of bioengineering and biomechanics / Wroclaw University of Technology
The dynamics of performance in professional sport requires a systematic improvement of the traini... more The dynamics of performance in professional sport requires a systematic improvement of the training process. Such activities should also include optimizing the children and youth training in these disciplines, where an early specialization operates. The main aim of this paper was to search for the relationship between swimmer's segmental kinematics (segmental velocities, stroke rate, stroke length, stroke index); the relationship between swimmer's technical skill level (in four competitive swimming techniques) and training overloads taking into consideration gender and age effect. The study group consisted of 121 swimmers (69 female and 52 male), of the Polish 12-15 age group swim team, volunteered to serve as subjects. Video-based methods and video equipment are being applied to assist qualitative and simple quantitative analysis for immediate feedback and research in swimming. Both technical skill level preparation and segmental kinematics of 12-15 year old swimmers proved...
The purpose of this work was to assess the differences of the values of body posture indices, mea... more 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.
Purpose: Maintaining balance in humans involves continuous changes in parameters. The aim of this... more Purpose: Maintaining balance in humans involves continuous changes in parameters. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of hippotherapeutic exercises on development of the sense of balance in boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability. Methods: The study examined 50 randomly chosen boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability from the special education centre in Leżajsk, Poland. The study participants were divided into two groups: experimental group, who participated for 3 months in hippotherapeutic classes and the control group, with boys attending outdoor or indoor physical education classes. Before and after completion of the study, both experimental and control groups were diagnosed by means of Accu Sway Plus force plate. The force plate was used to determine alterations in the position of the centre of pressure (COP) on the platform in the frontal and sagittal planes in relaxed standing position with feet spread to the shoulder width and with eye control with respect to the base of support (BOS). The description was based on mean displacement of the centre of gravity (COG), mean velocity of displacements of the COG, mean radial displacement and total length of the COP pathway. Results: In the experimental group, equestrian exercises induced a series of significant changes that pointed to the improved balance reactions. The character of these changes in the positions analysed was similar: values of body sway in the sagittal plane and their range and mean displacements decreased statistically significantly after training. The same tendency was observed for mean radial displacements in the free open position and with closed support surface. Furthermore, the velocity of displacement and the length of the COP's projection pathway on the support surface in the free open position was also reduced. All significant changes and trends found for the experimental group, which occurred after 3 month of hippotherapeutic classes, suggest improved parameters of balance. Conclusions: The lack of changes in balance parameters in the control group shows that the hippotherapeutic classes significantly develop balance abilities in boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability.
Introduction. The purpose of the work was to assess the static and dynamic postural stability and... more Introduction. The purpose of the work was to assess the static and dynamic postural stability and to identify the risk of the locomotor system injuries in 14-year-old boys and girls. Methods. The study involved a group of 40 girls and 43 boys aged 14 who regularly attended physical education classes, 4 hours per week. The examination of static balance was carried out with the modified version of the first test of the Eurofit Physical Fitness Test Battery-the Flamingo Balance Test, and dynamic balance assessments were performed with the Y-Balance Test by using a specially designed test tool, the so-called Y-Balance Test Kit. To differentiate between the higher and lower risk of a motor system injury, an index proposed by Butler was applied. Results. With respect to both static and dynamic balance, the results obtained by the studied girls did not differ statistically significantly from those of the studied boys. Conclusions. in the group of girls, the index recommended by Butler was exceeded by 78% of the subjects for the left lower limb and by 80% of the subjects for the right one, while in the group of boys, the respective values were 74% and 79%. This indicates that the risk of a motor system injury among the study subjects was low.
Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences, 2018
Aim. The aim of the study is to characterise and compare the values of angle changes within the l... more Aim. The aim of the study is to characterise and compare the values of angle changes within the lower limb joints in the sagittal plane and spatial pelvic movements while running in minimalist and neutral footwear. Materials and methods. Research was carried out among a group of 13 participants (6 men and 7 women), highly qualified male and female athletes from the AZS AWF (University of Physical Education) Kraków club. Registration of the run and analysis of the results was performed using spatial motion analysis via the Vicon system with speeds at 3.94±0.45 m/s for men and 3.97±0.32 m/s for women, and 3.91±057 m/s and 4.1±0.36 m/s for men and women, respectively, in the group of highly qualified athletes. Results. At the initial point of foot contact with the ground, the minimalist footwear run was characterised by greater plantar flexion totalling about 5º compared to the run in neutral footwear. There was also a 8º higher value of dorsiflexion during the amortisation phase and a...
Issues of Rehabilitation, Orthopaedics, Neurophysiology and Sport Promotion - IRONS, 2020
Introduction Subjects with DS show a dysfunction of gait expressed by different values of the spa... more Introduction Subjects with DS show a dysfunction of gait expressed by different values of the spatiotemporal parameters of gait compared to the physiological norm. It is known that exercises and various activities have positive effect on balance and gait, but there is only a few scientific evidences concerning above mentioned in people with DS. Aim The aim of the study was to assess the spatiotemporal parameters of adult persons with DS following regular Nordic Walking training and rehabilitation programme and in a group that did not undergo training during the intervention period. Material and methods The study involved 32 adults with DS, aged 25-40 years, in Cracow. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: NW Group, which underwent a 10-week Nordic Walking training programme; the group, which attended rehabilitation programme (RP) over 10 weeks or the C Group, the control group. Subjects were examined twice: 1 week before training and a week immediately after intervention. Gait was evaluated by the Vicon 250. Results After the training, statistically significant changes were observed in many of the spatio parameters in the NW group, i.e. step length and cycle length increased and in some kinematic parameters in both of the experimental groups. The walk ratio was statistically different between NW and RP and also between NW and C after the 10-week programme. Conclusions NW training is better method of improving spatiotemporal parameters in persons with DS than rehabilitation programme. NW training programme is effective and should be included as a part of daily training of persons with DS.
Background & Study Aim: Previous studies taking judo contestants into consideration have demonstr... more Background & Study Aim: Previous studies taking judo contestants into consideration have demonstrated that some motor abilities indices correlated with technical and tactical excellence indices and sport skill level. However, it remains unclear what is the synthetic effect of motor abilities on the fights course and contestants’ sport skill level. The aim of the study was knowledge about relationships between the motor abilities level and the fighting method and between the motor abilities level and the achievement level among judokas. Material & Methods: Twenty five judo contestants participated in the study. The evaluation of activity, effectiveness of judoists’ actions and achievement level was based on the tournament matches analysis. Other measurements included coordination motor abilities, speed, strength and endurance. The objects’ ordering, according to the individual indices level, was achieved using a synthetic index. Results: In the senior group, high coordination abiliti...
Background (1) to evaluate the level of relative strength in judoists compared to untrained peers... more Background (1) to evaluate the level of relative strength in judoists compared to untrained peers; (2) identification of dominant muscle groups in strength preparation profile of judo contestants. Material/Methods: The study was carried out in 11 judoists (J) who took at least fifth place in national judo tournaments. Average age of the subjects was 17 years, average body mass 79.8 kg. Their fight was registered during national-level championships: all successful actions in standing and on the ground were recorded. A comparative group (N) consisted of fifteen boys at similar age and body mass, recruited from randomly assigned schools. In the Department of Biomechanics, measurements of muscle torques were taken in study participants for extensor and flexor muscles in hips, knees, elbows shoulders and trunk, in both left and right body sides. The analysis concerned relative torques. Mean values for left and right sides were calculated for upper and lower extremities. Results: Statisti...
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate effectiveness of rehabilitation in patients before a... more PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate effectiveness of rehabilitation in patients before and after rACL, based on stabilographic indicators. METHODS The research group was comprised of 31 men aged 20-57 with anterior cruciate ligament injury, qualified for reconstruction surgery. A measurement of static stabilometric indicators and muscle strength was taken twice for each patient - before surgery and after 6 months. To assess stabilographic indicators the stabilographic platform was used and to asses muscle strength a dynamometer was used. In order to assess knee function the Lysholm scale and VAS scale were used. RESULTS The rehabilitation programme improved static stability of the knee in the frontal plane, which is manifested by a significant shortening of the SPML path length. Rehabilitation proceedings should focus on improving static stability of the knee joint in the sagittal plane, because the results obtained indicate only a slight shortening of the SPAP length. The ...
Results of biotolerance investigations are presented of the metallic implants from the AISI 316L ... more Results of biotolerance investigations are presented of the metallic implants from the AISI 316L steel improved with the passive and passive-diamond coatings in experiments on the animal models featured by guinea-pigs. The purpose was to demonstrate their applicability in the traumatic-orthopaedic and maxillofacial surgery. The experiments were carried out according to the ASTM 981-86 standard. The implants were inserted into the subcutaneous, muscular, and osseous tissues of the animals. Histopathological observations of tissues of the animals from the control and experimental groups were carried out after 12, 26 and 52 weeks. Apart from examination of the peri-implant tissues, the histopathological examinations were also made of the parenchymatous tissues of the detoxication organs. Basing on these experiments, one can state that the passive and passive-diamond coatings deposited according to the method developed in the Division of Biomedical Materials Engineering of the Silesian ...
PURPOSE The study of dynamic balance involves tests that assess the muscle control of spatial cha... more 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 mod...
PURPOSE The purpose of this work was to assess changes in body posture in a group of 6-year-old b... more 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 &...
Objective: A number of studies on gait disturbances have been conducted, however, no clear patter... more Objective: A number of studies on gait disturbances have been conducted, however, no clear pattern of gait disorders was described. The aim of the study was to characterize the gait pattern in HD patients by conducting analysis of mean angular movement changes the lower limb joints and trunk (kinematics parameters). Methods: The study group consisted of 30 patients with HD (17 women and 13 men). The reference data include the results of 30 healthy subjects (17 women and 13 men). Registration of gait with the Vicon 250 system was performed using passive markers attached to specific anthropometric points directly on the skin, based on the Golem biomechanical model (Oxford Metrics Ltd.). The research group and the control group were tested once. Results: Statistically significant (p < 0.05) angular changes in gait cycle for HD patients were observed in: insufficient plantar flexion during Loading Response and Pre-swing phases; insufficient flexion of the knee joint during Initial Swing and Mid Swing phases; excessive flexion of the hip in Terminal Stance and Pre-swing phases and over-normative forward inclination of the trunk in all gait phases. It should be noted that the group of patients with HD obtained, for all the mean angular movement changes higher standard deviation. Conclusion: A characteristic gait disorder common to all patients with HD occurring throughout the whole duration of the gait cycle is a pathological anterior tilt of the trunk. The results will significantly contribute to programming physiotherapy for people with HD, aimed at stabilizing the trunk in a position of extension during gait.
Objective: There is no existing standard, evidence-based, scientific model for motor ability impr... more Objective: There is no existing standard, evidence-based, scientific model for motor ability improvement in Huntington's Disease (HD) patients aimed at maintaining independent gait for as long as possible, or performing activities of daily living, the effectiveness of which would be supported by the results of studies using objective research tools. Under these circumstances, the aim of this study was to analyze the influence of motor ability rehabilitation on the spatial-temporal parameters of gait in HD patients. Design: It was an experimental trial. The studied group consisted of 30 patients (17 women and 13 men) with HD. In hospital conditions, the patients participated in the 3-week motor ability l rehabilitation programme tailored to individual needs. The study group was tested using the Vicon 250 three-dimensional gait analysis system before and after the physical exercise programme. Results: Walking speed after therapy increased for the left lower limb from 1.06 (SD 0.24) [m/ s] to 1.21 (SD 0.23) [m/s], and for the right lower limb from 1.07 (SD 0.25) [m/s] to 1.20 (SD 0.25) [m/s]. The cycle length increased after the applied therapy for the left lower limb from 1.17 (SD 0.20) [m] to 1.23 (SD 0.19) [m]. Conclusion: The three-week motor ability rehabilitation programme positively influences spatial-temporal gait parameters in HD patients.
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of physical exercise on gait pattern disorders, ba... more The aim of this study was to assess the effect of physical exercise on gait pattern disorders, based on three-dimensional gait analysis in the sagittal plane in a group of people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Thirty-two subjects with PD (14 women and 18 men; age: 50-75 years) were qualified for the study, which ran for 3 weeks and included 18 therapeutic sessions. Thirty-five control subjects were included in the research (13 women and 19 men; age: 52-77 years). Gait analysis using the Vicon 3D system took place in the Biokinetics Laboratory. The research group was tested before and after treatment, and the control group was tested once. results: Comparing the average peak angle changes and average standard time results (% gait cycle) corresponding with angles of movement in the lumbar spine, cervical spine, elbow joint, and shoulder joint, statistically significant changes were observed. The study results are indicative of differences in spatiotemporal parameters and angular changes in gait for both groups. After therapeutic treatment, we observed improvement in the angular range of changes in thorax tilting, but there were no difference between the most affected and less affected side. For the cervical spine, a significant reduction in flexion during dual support was observed. The angular range of changes in shoulder joint was significant only in less affected shoulder during the initial contact (F1), terminal stance (F4), and terminal stance (F8) phases of gait (p < 0.05). After therapeutic treatment, significant angle and setting changes in the most affected limb of the elbow joint occurred during the initial contact and terminal swing phases (F1, F8). In the terminal stance phase (F4), an increase in range of motion by about ±4° was observed (p < 0.05). Abbreviations: angle, angular movement changes (degrees) in the sagittal plane; As I, assessment before treatment; As II, assessment after treatment; Ext, extension; Flex, flexion; LA, less affected side of a body; MA, most affected side of a body; Norm, angular variation observed during physiological gait in the control group; normalized, mean normalized time values (% cycle of gait).
B Ba ac ck kg gr ro ou un nd d a an nd d p pu ur rp po os se e: : Although Parkinson disease (PD)... more B Ba ac ck kg gr ro ou un nd d a an nd d p pu ur rp po os se e: : Although Parkinson disease (PD) patients suffer falls more frequently than other old people, only a few studies have focused on identifying the specific risk factors for falls in PD patients. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and risk factors of falls in a prospective study in comparison to a control group. M Ma at te er ri ia al l a an nd d m me et th ho od ds s: : One hundred patients with PD were recruited to the study along with 55 gender-and age-matched healthy controls. Both groups were examined twice; the second examination took place one year after the first one. Examination of the PD group included: medical history including falls, neurological examination, assessment of the severity of parkinsonism [Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Schwab and England scale (S&E), Hoehn and Yahr scale (H&Y), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)], Hamilton scale and quality of life scales (SF-36, EQ-5D) and Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG-Q). In both groups falls were recorded over the 12 months. Frequent fallers are defined as having more than 3 falls a year. R Re es su ul lt ts s: : Over the year falls occurred in 54% of PD patients and 18% of controls. In a prospective study 28% of PD patients fell more frequently than in retrospective analysis.
B Ba ac ck kg gr ro ou un nd d a an nd d p pu ur rp po os se e: : Falls are common events in Park... more B Ba ac ck kg gr ro ou un nd d a an nd d p pu ur rp po os se e: : Falls are common events in Parkinson disease (PD) but only a few prospective studies have focused on causes and consequences of falls in PD patients. The aim of the study was prospective analysis of direct causes and consequences of falls in PD patients in comparison to the control group. M Ma at te er ri ia al l a an nd d m me et th ho od ds s: : One hundred PD patients and 55 age-matched controls were enrolled in the study. The diagnostic workup in all patients included neurological examination, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, ultrasonography, otolaryngological, ophthalmological and autonomic function examination. During 12 months of follow-up, falls were registered in both groups, direct causes were classified according to the St. Louis and Olanow classification, and consequences were established. R Re es su ul lt ts s: : Falls occurred in 54% of PD patients and in 18% of control subjects. Analysis of direct causes of falls revealed that sudden falls were the most common (31%), followed by episodes of freezing and festination (19.6%), neurological and sensory disturbances (mostly vertigo) (12%), environmental factors (12%), postural instability (11%), orthostatic hypotension (4%), and severe dyskinesia (3.6%); 6.19% of falls were unclassified; 22% of patients had the same etiolo
Objective: The following question was set: Do special exercises decrease disturbances of gait in ... more Objective: The following question was set: Do special exercises decrease disturbances of gait in people with Down syndrome and allow for spacio-temporal parameters closer in values to the variables achieved by healthy people? The research involved 10 persons with Down syndrome, including 9 male pupils and 1 female pupil of the Complex of Special Schools in Cracow, Poland, aged 16-22, with the average age of 17.8±2.69. All the subjects had documented moderate and considerable mental handicap, with the average IQ equalling 37.6±4.29, measured in the Terman-Merrill scale. Background: People with Down syndrome have problems with keeping their balance, both while standing and walking. The dysfunction of lower extremities, manifesting itself in a gait different from the norm of healthy people, releases compensation mechanisms levelling disturbances and leading to unavoidable overloads, and in consequence to the damage of different segments of the locomotor system. Methods: Vicon 250, a co...
Parkinson’s disease is the one of the most common neurological disease, after stroke and Alzheime... more Parkinson’s disease is the one of the most common neurological disease, after stroke and Alzheimer disease touching people above 50 years old. Apart from varied symptoms always comes to gait disorders. All consist on one group and create parkinson’s gait. The aim of the work was biomechanical assessment of the chosen muscle changes at the persons with PD and define effects of the therapy on change of the values biomechanical parameters. Put to the rest three patients (2 women and a man) with PD in aged 72–80 years old. The investigations were made at the Biokinetics Laboratory on the Antropomotorcity Cathedral at the Academy of Physical Education in Cracow. Vicon 250 system served to gait registration. Patient had for task of passages sure section with natural speed. The registration concerned 15 full cycles of walk. The length changes of the muscles were standarizationed with consideration of somatic build. The analysis concerned: m. iliopsoas – as a representative of the hip flexo...
Symmetrical loading and asymmetrical stretching of trunk extensors are applied in scoliosis physi... more Symmetrical loading and asymmetrical stretching of trunk extensors are applied in scoliosis physiotherapy management. Conflicting evidence is available on trunk erectors' bioelectrical activity during such static exercise, especially in adult subjects. Our purpose was to identify the profile of bioelectrical activity of trunk extensors during static contractions against symmetrical loading with body mass in young adult females with single curve scoliosis, who participated in adolescence in a scoliosis-specific physiotherapy program. Thirty five females, aged 30.6±2.7 years, with body weight of 56.8±4.4 kgs and height 1.64±0.05 m with single curve thoracic scoliosis, 11-36° Cobb, who in adolescence had attended a scoliosis-specific physiotherapy program, participated. Braced and/or surgically treated subjects were excluded. Characteristics of the integrated EMG were collected and analysed. The measurements were conducted on a subject in prone position at rest, during 20 second st...
Acta of bioengineering and biomechanics / Wroclaw University of Technology
The dynamics of performance in professional sport requires a systematic improvement of the traini... more The dynamics of performance in professional sport requires a systematic improvement of the training process. Such activities should also include optimizing the children and youth training in these disciplines, where an early specialization operates. The main aim of this paper was to search for the relationship between swimmer's segmental kinematics (segmental velocities, stroke rate, stroke length, stroke index); the relationship between swimmer's technical skill level (in four competitive swimming techniques) and training overloads taking into consideration gender and age effect. The study group consisted of 121 swimmers (69 female and 52 male), of the Polish 12-15 age group swim team, volunteered to serve as subjects. Video-based methods and video equipment are being applied to assist qualitative and simple quantitative analysis for immediate feedback and research in swimming. Both technical skill level preparation and segmental kinematics of 12-15 year old swimmers proved...
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Papers by Wiesław Chwała