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8 pages, 961 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Excessive Facial Wrinkling Is Associated with COPD Occurrence—Does COPD Damage Skin Beauty and Quality?

by Jan Szczegielniak, Katarzyna Bogacz, Jacek Łuniewski, Marcin Krajczy, Wiesław Pilis and Edyta Majorczyk

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 1991; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031991 - 21 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1227

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate facial wrinkling in COPD patients, its relationship with lung function parameters, and the differences in wrinkling between COPD patients and smokers without COPD. The study included 56 patients with COPD with smoking history and 84 [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate facial wrinkling in COPD patients, its relationship with lung function parameters, and the differences in wrinkling between COPD patients and smokers without COPD. The study included 56 patients with COPD with smoking history and 84 controls. Wrinkle intensity was measured and classified using Daniell’s grading system, and the total length of wrinkles was also estimated. The predominant grades of Daniell’s scale were IV–V for COPD patients (89.3% of current and 75.0% of former smokers), III–V for controls who currently smoke (89.2%), and II–III for former (92.9%) and never smokers (100%) controls. These distributions were statistically significantly different, but current and former smokers with COPD and COPD former smokers and control current smokers did not differ. In terms of the total length of wrinkles, the COPD patients possessed significantly longer wrinkles than the control subgroups (all p-values were <0.004). Negative correlations between wrinkle length and lung parameters were found. This phenomenon seems to be independent of smoking, but the length of wrinkles is related to lung function parameters. It seems that not only smoking but also COPD damages skin beauty and quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Diagnosis, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Medicine and Dentistry)

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9 pages, 360 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Can Assessment of Rheological Properties of Whole Blood and Plasma Be Useful in the Diagnosis of Tinnitus? A Pilot Study

by Anna Marcinkowska-Gapińska, Barbara Maciejewska, Anna Majewska, Weronika Kawałkiewicz, Marta Urbaniak-Olejnik, Wawrzyniec Loba, Olgierd Stieler, Dariusz Komar, Leszek Kubisz, Michał Karlik and Dorota Hojan-Jezierska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 1977; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031977 - 20 Jan 2023

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Abstract

Tinnitus is a sensation of ringing in the ears in the absence of any physical source in the environment. Between 9–35% of adults experience some form of tinnitus. Common causes of tinnitus include noise, head injury, ototoxic substances, as well as disorders of [...] Read more.

Tinnitus is a sensation of ringing in the ears in the absence of any physical source in the environment. Between 9–35% of adults experience some form of tinnitus. Common causes of tinnitus include noise, head injury, ototoxic substances, as well as disorders of blood and blood vessels. Vascular causes include: head—neck tumours, turbulent blood flow, problems with blood supply and inner ear cell damage. The aspect of rheology in terms of tinnitus has not been described yet. In the present study, which comprised 12 patients aged 30 to 74 years presenting with tinnitus, rheological properties of whole blood and plasma were assessed. All the subjects underwent audiological and neurological evaluation. The Quemada model was used to describe the variability of red blood cell shape, as well as their tendency to form aggregates. On the basis of the experimental study, statistically different results of haemorheological measurements were observed in the evaluated group in comparison to a reference group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Diagnosis, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Medicine and Dentistry)

17 pages, 1285 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Is There a Correlation between Dental Occlusion, Postural Stability and Selected Gait Parameters in Adults?

by Monika Nowak, Joanna Golec, Aneta Wieczorek and Piotr Golec

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1652; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021652 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2687

Abstract

Background: There is still an ongoing debate about the role of the craniomandibular system, including occlusal conditions, on postural stability. This study aims to assess the role of antero-posterior malocclusion on postural control and plantar pressure distribution during standing and walking. Methods: 90 [...] Read more.

Background: There is still an ongoing debate about the role of the craniomandibular system, including occlusal conditions, on postural stability. This study aims to assess the role of antero-posterior malocclusion on postural control and plantar pressure distribution during standing and walking. Methods: 90 healthy volunteers (aged 19 to 35) were qualified for the study. The subjects were assigned to three groups, depending on the occlusion type. Each group (Angle Class I, II and III) consisted of 30 people. The research procedure included a clinical occlusal assessment performed by a dentist. Postural control measurements were carried out using a force platform by measuring plantar pressure distribution during standing (six trials with and without visual control) and walking test conditions. Results: The tendency to shift the CoP forward is demonstrated by Angle Class II subjects and backwards by Class I and III subjects (p < 0.001). Individuals with a malocclusion demonstrated significantly higher selected stabilographic parameters while standing on both feet (with eyes open and closed) and during the single-leg test with eyes open (p < 0.05). The analysis of the dynamic test results showed no significant correlations between Angle Classes and the selected gait parameters. Conclusions: Analyses conducted among individuals with malocclusions showed the impact of occlusion on static postural stability. In order to diagnose and effectively treat malocclusion, a multidisciplinary approach with the participation of dentists and physiotherapy specialists is necessary, with the use of stabilometric and kinematic posture assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Diagnosis, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Medicine and Dentistry)

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8 pages, 994 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Body Balance Analysis in the Visually Impaired Individuals Aged 18–24 Years

by Marta Urbaniak-Olejnik, Wawrzyniec Loba, Olgierd Stieler, Dariusz Komar, Anna Majewska, Anna Marcinkowska-Gapińska and Dorota Hojan-Jezierska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14383; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114383 - 03 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1739

Abstract

Background: Proper body balance is maintained by both sensory, i.e., vision, hearing, vestibular, and proprioception, and motor nervous systems. Visual control facilitates balance both in a static position, as well as during movement. Visual dysfunctions can adversely affect balance and stability control. Methods: [...] Read more.

Background: Proper body balance is maintained by both sensory, i.e., vision, hearing, vestibular, and proprioception, and motor nervous systems. Visual control facilitates balance both in a static position, as well as during movement. Visual dysfunctions can adversely affect balance and stability control. Methods: The study comprised a group of 30 individuals visually impaired from birth aged 18–24 years. The control group consisted of 50 persons in the same age range as the study group. The trial was performed as four separate tests: two on a stable surface platform, and two on an unstable surface platform. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in the posturography test on the stable platform between the study groups. When tested on an unstable ground surface, the visually impaired subjects obtained showed worse performance than the sighted persons. Statistically significant differences were observed in the majority of the analyzed results. Conclusions: Visually impaired individuals present a poorer ability to maintain balance under dynamic conditions. Tests conducted on the unstable surface platform seem to be more relevant and applicable in the diagnosis of the subjects with visual impairment, as they differentiate the subjects to a greater extent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Diagnosis, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Medicine and Dentistry)

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9 pages, 325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Local Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

by Jarosław Pasek, Sebastian Szajkowski, Piotr Oleś and Grzegorz Cieślar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710548 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2845

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic diseases. The most serious complication of diabetes is diabetic foot ulcer, which affects several million people around the world each year. In recent years, increasingly modern methods of physical medicine including hyperbaric oxygen [...] Read more.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic diseases. The most serious complication of diabetes is diabetic foot ulcer, which affects several million people around the world each year. In recent years, increasingly modern methods of physical medicine including hyperbaric oxygen therapy have been used often in the complex therapy of this complication. Methods: This study included 45 patients, 24 male (53.3%) and 21 female (46.6%), whose age was between 49 and 83 years (mean age: 66.7 ± 8.8 years) with diabetes lasting for 1.5–18 years, who underwent local hyperbaric oxygen therapy at the pressure of 2.5 ATA (30 exposures for 30 min each) due to diabetic foot ulcers. The progress in wound healing before and after the end of therapy was evaluated by computerized planimetry, and the pain intensity was assessed with the use of a VAS. Results: The analysis of results showed a statistically significant reduction in the wound surface area after the treatment, from 8.54 ± 3.34 cm to 4.23 ± 3.23 cm² (p = 0.000001). In 5 patients (11.1%), the wounds were healed completely. In 25 patients (55.5%), the topical state of the wound surface was significantly decreased by 50% on average. There was also a significant reduction in the perceived pain on the VAS in all examined patients from 4.64 ± 1.68 points before treatment to 1.51 ± 0.92 points after treatment (p = 0.000001). Conclusions: The application of local HBO therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers accelerates the ulcer healing process, as judged in objective planimetric assessment, and reduces the intensity of perceived pain ailments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Diagnosis, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Medicine and Dentistry)

10 pages, 10602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Physiotherapy Impact on Neuromuscular Tension in Analog Astronauts at the LunAres Habitat

by Barbara Gronwald, Karina Kijak, Piotr Baszuk, Danuta Lietz-Kijak, Kamil Kosko, Mikołaj Matuszczak, Piotr Skomro, Hanna Bielawska-Victorini, Leszek Orzechowski, Agata Mintus and Helena Gronwald

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6888; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116888 - 04 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1330

Abstract

The evaluation of manual Trigger Point Therapy (TrPt) on mandible abduction range of Analog Astronauts (AA) surviving isolation conditions during consecutive missions at the LunAres Habitat was performed. This physiotherapy method was applied to decrease stress-related neuromuscular tension. Abduction measurements were conducted on [...] Read more.

The evaluation of manual Trigger Point Therapy (TrPt) on mandible abduction range of Analog Astronauts (AA) surviving isolation conditions during consecutive missions at the LunAres Habitat was performed. This physiotherapy method was applied to decrease stress-related neuromuscular tension. Abduction measurements were conducted on the two groups of five AA, who endured severe isolation conditions for 14 days in the limited space of the LunAres Research Station Habitat (Piła, Poland) during missions. The test group consisted of abduction measurements of AA who received TrPt and control group of abduction measurements of AA who did not receive TrPt. All measurements were noted in the TemporoMandibular Joint (TMJ) diagnosis aspect of the integrated dental examination card SZOPPDP©. The ischemic compression was performed on an active localized trigger point—resulting in cessation of pain. Maximum abduction measurements were made with an electronic caliper, and the abduction range was compared. The change of abduction range in AA with TrPt was bigger than in AA without TrPt. A larger increase in abduction range was observed in every case in the group receiving TrPt compared to the control group. TrPt effectively decreases the neuromuscular tension, which results in an increased mandibular abduction range of AA. Observations conducted in LunAres Research Station regarding stress-related neuromuscular tension can help identify effective therapeutic methods for circumstances of social isolation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Diagnosis, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Medicine and Dentistry)

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9 pages, 5769 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Searching for the Mechanism of Action of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field—The Pilot fNIRS Research

by Karolina Jezierska, Anna Sękowska-Namiotko, Bartłomiej Pala, Danuta Lietz-Kijak, Helena Gronwald and Wojciech Podraza

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4012; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074012 - 28 Mar 2022

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Abstract

There is an ongoing debate on the benefits of magnetic stimulation in neurological disorders. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the influence of magnetic stimulation on blood oxygenation of the motor cortex using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Methods: A total of 16 healthy volunteer [...] Read more.

There is an ongoing debate on the benefits of magnetic stimulation in neurological disorders. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the influence of magnetic stimulation on blood oxygenation of the motor cortex using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Methods: A total of 16 healthy volunteer participants were subjected to four protocols. In the first two protocols, the participants remained at rest without (and then with) magnetic stimulation. In the next two protocols, motor cortex stimulation was achieved using a finger-tapping task, with and without magnetic stimulation. Changes in blood oxygenation levels within the motor cortex were recorded and analysed. Results: No characteristic changes in the blood oxygenation level-dependent responses were observed in resting participants after magnetic stimulation. No statistically significant difference was observed in the amplitude of the fNIRS signal before and after magnetic stimulation. We observed characteristic blood oxygenation level-dependent responses after the finger-tapping task in the second protocol, but not after magnetic stimulation. Conclusions: Although we did not observe any measurable effect of the magnetic field on the haemodynamic response of the motor cortex, understanding the mechanism(s) of magnetic stimulation may be important. Additional, detailed studies are needed to prove or negate the potential of this medical procedure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Diagnosis, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Medicine and Dentistry)

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1 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessComment

Comment on Barczyk et al. Potential Clinical Applications of Ozone Therapy in Dental Specialties—A Literature Review, Supported by Own Observations. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 2048

by Gerardo Tricarico and Valter Travagli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(24), 7154; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20247154 - 08 Dec 2023

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Abstract

A review from Barczyk et al. has just appeared online [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Diagnosis, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Medicine and Dentistry)

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