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Aštuonių savaičių trukmės mankštos ir manualinės terapijos programos poveikis moterų po menopauzės, sergančių kelio osteoartritu, kelio skausmui ir sąnario funkcijai, palyginti su tik mankštos poveikiu
No full textBackground. The main cause of pain and functional impairment in postmenopausal women is knee osteoarthritis (KOA), which affects quality of life and reduces mobility. This research seeks to assess and contrast the impact of a combination of exercise and manual therapy against exercise on its own in relation to knee pain and functional outcomes in postmenopausal women with KOA. The objectives of this study are to assess the effect of exercise alone on knee pain and joint function, to determine the outcomes of exercise combined with manual therapy and compare the effectiveness of these two interventions in postmenopausal women with KOA. It is hypothesised that exercise combined with manual therapy would be more effective than exercise alone.
Aim. This study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of exercise and manual therapy versus exercise alone on knee
pain and functional outcomes in postmenopausal women with KOA.
Methods. This randomised controlled trial recruited 40 participants divided into two equal groups. Both groups followed an eight-week physiotherapy programme, while one group also received manual therapy techniques. Pain (Visual Analogue Scale), joint function (WOMAC), range of motion (goniometry), and physical performance (Timed Up and Go Test) were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Results. The findings indicated that both treatment methods notably alleviated pain and enhanced overall mobility. The combination of exercise and manual therapy resulted in more substantial positive changes in pain relief, range of motion, and functional mobility in comparison to exercise by itself. Nonetheless, there was no notable difference between the groups in joint function as assessed by the WOMAC.
Conclusions. Incorporating manual therapy into physiotherapy exercises can enhance the effectiveness of treatment for postmenopausal women suffering from KOA.
Keywords: knee osteoarthritis; postmenopausal women; exercise therapy; manual therapy; joint function Tyrimo pagrindimas. Kelio osteoartritas (KOA) – pagrindinė skausmo ir funkcinių sutrikimų priežastis moterims pomenopauzės, ribojanti judrumą ir mažinanti gyvenimo kokybę. Šiuo tyrimu siekta įvertinti ir palyginti kombinuotosmankštos ir manualinės terapijos programos poveikį su tik mankštos poveikiu moterų po menopauzės, sergančiųKOA, kelio skausmui ir sąnario funkcijai. Tyrimo uždaviniai: įvertinti mankštos poveikį kelio skausmui ir sąnariofunkcijai, nustatyti mankštos ir manualinės terapijos programos rezultatus ir palyginti šių dviejų intervencijų veiksmingumą moterų po menopauzės, sergančių KOA, grupėse. Hipotezė – mankštos ir manualinės terapijos derinimasbus veiksmingesnis nei tik mankšta.Tikslas. Įvertinti ir palyginti aštuonių savaičių trukmės mankštos ir manualinės terapijos programos poveikį su tikmankštos poveikiu moterų po menopauzės, sergančių KOA, kelio skausmui ir sąnario funkcijai.Metodai. Šiame atsitiktinių imčių kontroliuojamame tyrime dalyvavo 40 dalyvių, padalintų į dvi lygias grupes. Abigrupės turėjo aštuonių savaičių trukmės fzioterapijos mankštinimosi pratybas, bet vienai grupei papildomai taikytamanualinė terapija. Prieš ir po intervencijos buvo vertinami skausmas (vizualinė analoginė skalė), sąnario funkcija(WOMAC indeksas), judesių amplitudė (goniometrija) ir fzinis pajėgumas („Stotis ir eiti“ testas).Rezultatai. Rezultatai parodė, kad abi intervencijos reikšmingai sumažino skausmą ir pagerino judrumą. Mankštakartu su manualine terapija lėmė didesnį skausmo sumažėjimą, judesių amplitudės ir sąnario funkcijos pagerėjimą,palyginti su tik mankšta. Tačiau reikšmingų skirtumų tarp grupių vertinant sąnario funkciją (pagal WOMAC indeksą)nenustatyta.Išvados. Manualinės terapijos derinimas su fzioterapijos mankštinimosi pratybomis gali padidinti gydymo veiksmingumą moterims po menopauzės, sergančioms KOA.Reikšminiai žodžiai: kelio osteoartritas; po menopauzės esančios moterys; mankštos terapija; manualinė terapija;sąnario funkcija 
Clinical Evaluation of Kinesio Taping Outcomes in Stage II Cellulite: A Pilot Study
No full textBackground. Cellulite is a common aesthetic condition linked to alterations in subcutaneous fat and dermal connective tissue, with possible impairment of microcirculation and lymphatic drainage. Kinesio taping (KT) is used in physiotherapy, but evidence for cellulite management is limited.
Aim. To evaluate the effect of KT on stage II cellulite using objective ultrasound measure and clinical parameters.
Methods. Thirty-four women with stage II cellulite were randomised to an experimental KT group (n = 17; 39.5 ± 13.3 years) and a control group (n = 17; 45.3 ± 9.3 years). Fan-shaped KT was applied once weekly for four weeks to the thighs and buttocks. Primary outcomes were subepidermal low-echogenic band (LEB) and dermis density assessed by high-frequency ultrasound (DermaLab Combo 4). Secondary outcomes included skin moisture and body composition (BC-418MA). Pre–post changes and between-group differences were analysed; effect sizes were expressed as Cohen’s d.
Results. In the KT group, LEB increased from 0.78 ± 0.06 to 0.85 ± 0.05 (p = 0.012, d = 0.62) and dermis density from 0.68 ± 0.07 to 0.75 ± 0.06 (p = 0.008, d = 0.71). Changes in controls were minimal and not significant. Skin moisture showed no meaningful change in the KT group, whereas the control group decreased (15.13 ± 9.38 to 9.83 ± 5.58; p = 0.006). BMI remained stable; a modest reduction in body fat percentage was observed in the KT group.
Conclusions. Over four weeks, KT produced moderate improvements in dermal echostructure in women with stage II cellulite, with no systemic effects on body mass. As a pilot study, findings should be confirmed in larger, blinded trials of longer duration.
Keywords: cellulite; kinesio taping; skin structure; dermis densit
Investigating Recovery Strategies to Optimize Performance and Well-being in Basketball
Get PDFBackground and objectives: The intense nature of basketball has been shown to generate substantial fatigue, leading to significant impairment in measures of performance, physiological status, and perceived well-being, which may persist in the days following exercise (Chatzinikolaou et al., 2014; Doma et al., 2018; Moreira et al., 2018; Pliauga et al., 2015). Therefore, the use of recovery strategies aimed at minimizing these negative effects is essential (Davis et al., 2022), especially considering the increasing occurrence of congested match schedules in basketball (Pernigoni et al., 2024). Specifically, the aim of this dissertation was to investigate the effectiveness of recovery strategies which have received limited attention across basketball-specific research.
Methods: Using randomized crossover designs, three studies were conducted. In Study 1, the fatiguing protocol consisted of a basketball training session, while simulated basketball matches were employed in Studies 2 and 3. In all three studies, measures of performance [Study 1 and 2: countermovement jump height (CMJ); Study 3: CMJ, change-of-direction and 10/20 m sprint performance), physiological [Study 1: heart rate variability (HRV), salivary testosterone, cortisol and their ratio; Studies 2 and 3: HRV] and perceptual fatigue (muscle soreness and perceived fatigue/recovery) were mainly collected at pre-exercise, post-exercise, post-recovery, and 24 hours post-exercise. Each study analyzed separate recovery interventions, as follows:
Study 1: active recovery versus static stretching (high-level Lithuanian youth male players)
Study 2: foam rolling versus placebo (Lithuanian Division II female players)
Study 3: whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) versus placebo (high-level Italian youth male players)
Results: No significant between-intervention differences were observed at corresponding time points in Study 1 (p > 0.05). However, within-intervention analyses revealed that CMJ height was lower at post-recovery compared to all other time points, only after static stretching (p < 0.05), while HRV and perceived recovery were impaired at post-recovery, only after active recovery (p < 0.05). In Study 2, no significant intervention effects were found (p > 0.05), with the only exception being a faster return to baseline for perceived recovery in foam rolling (i.e., at post-recovery) compared to placebo (after 24 hours). In Study 3, WBC resulted in higher perceived recovery scores at pre-match and post-recovery compared to placebo (p ≤ 0.026), with no other significant between-intervention differences observed for any other variable (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: The present findings indicate that the recovery strategies investigated here may not consistently improve performance, in addition to physiological and perceptual measures of fatigue in basketball players. Specifically, the few transitory differences between active recovery and static stretching in Study 1 were likely due to short-lived physiological mechanisms, while Study 2 indicates that foam rolling had no substantial effect on recovery compared to placebo. Finally, although a potential short-term benefit for perceived recovery was observed for WBC – compared to placebo – in Study 3, baseline differences between interventions may have affected these finding
The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Self-Compassion Among Medical Students
Get PDFIntroduction: In the scientific literature, medical students’ emotional intelligence is associated with better professional achievements, higher quality of patient care, and lower levels of burnout. Self-compassion may help reduce experienced stress and enhance psychological well-being. Although emotional intelligence and self-compassion are important competencies for future physicians, research examining the interplay between these constructs is still lacking. Therefore, this study aims to fill this research gap.
Methods: The study involved 234 medical students (years I–VI) from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. The participants’ mean age was 22.14 ± 3.51 years. The questionnaire consisted of the Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale, and sociodemographic questions.
Results: The findings revealed that medical students demonstrated a relatively high level of emotional intelligence. No statistically significant differences in emotional intelligence were found based on sociodemographic variables. Medical students showed a moderate level of self-compassion. They were significantly more likely (p < 0.001) to apply positive self-compassion strategies than negative ones. A statistically significant association was found between self-compassion and age (p < 0.001). A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was identified between emotional intelligence and self-compassion (rho = 0.41, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Emotional intelligence among medical students was not associated with sex, age, or study year. Self-compassion was related to some sociodemographic characteristics, excluding sex. A statistically significant association between emotional intelligence and self-compassion was observed in the sample of medical students.
Keywords: emotional intelligence, self-compassion, medical student
Vaikų medicininė reabilitacija esant idiopatinei skoliozei: monoterapija ar kombinuotas gydymas. Sisteminė literatūros apžvalga
No full textBackground. Idiopathic scoliosis is among the most common spinal disorders diagnosed in 1–3% of children and adolescents. Treatment choice is related to disease severity, with a Cobb angle of 20–40°, a corrective brace or physiotherapy can stop its progression. However, insufficient research has shown whether combined treatment is better than monotherapy.
Aim. To evaluate the effect of combining bracing and physiotherapy to reduce spinal deformity, improve quality of life and lung function, and compare the results with those of monotherapy. Determine the optimal duration of combined rehabilitation to reduce the angle of deformity.
Methods. Relevant articles published from 2014 to 2024 in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane (CENTRAL), Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were selected based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Paediatric patients (up to 19 years, before skeletal maturity) diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (Cobb angle > 10°), undergoing combined bracing and physiotherapy, were studied.
Results. Of 2 729 articles, nine were included. The analysis showed a statistically significant change in the combined therapy group: mean difference –2.93 [–4.77; –1.09], p = 0.04, I2 = 57.33%. Long-term treatment effect size was –6.71 [–10.89; –2.53], p < 0.82, I2 = 0%, while short-term treatment showed no statistically significant result. Quality of life improved in the research group, with no significant change in most control group areas. Due to the high risk of bias, lung function changes were not assessed.
Conclusions. Combined therapy appears to reduce spinal deformity in children with idiopathic scoliosis and improve health-related quality of life, with better results than monotherapy. Longer treatment may improve Cobb angle correction but evidence is limited.
Keywords: scoliosis; adolescent; physical therapy; bracing; systematic literature review Tyrimo pagrindimas. Idiopatinė skoliozė yra vienas iš dažniausių stuburo pažeidimų, nustatomas 1–3 proc. vaikų.Gydymo pasirinkimas susijęs su ligos sunkumu. Cobb’o kampui esant 20–40°, deformaciją galima stabdyti korekciniuįtvaru arba kineziterapija. Tačiau dar trūksta tyrimų, įrodančių, kad kombinuotas gydymas pranašesnis nei monoterapija.Tikslas. Nustatyti gydymo įtvaru kartu su kineziterapija poveikį, siekiant sumažinti stuburo deformacijos kampą,pagerinti gyvenimo kokybę, plaučių funkciją bei palyginti gautus rezultatus su monoterapijos rezultatais. Išsiaiškintioptimalų kombinuotos reabilitacijos laikotarpį, siekiant sumažinti deformacijos kampą.Metodai. Atsižvelgiant į 2020 m. PRISMA rengimo gaires, atrinktos mokslinės publikacijos, atitinkančios nagrinėjamą temą. Analizuoti ,,PubMed“, ,,Scopus“, ,,Cochrane (CENTRAL)“, ,,Web of Science“ bei ,,ScienceDirect“ duomenų bazėse 2014–2024 metais publikuoti straipsniai. Tiriamieji – vaikai ir paaugliai (iki 19 metų, nepasiekę kaulinėsbrandos), kuriems diagnozuota idiopatinė skoliozė (Cobb’o kampas daugiau nei 10°), reabilitacijai naudotas įtvaraskartu su kineziterapija.Rezultatai. Iš rastų 2 729-ių straipsnių, į apžvalgą įtraukti devyni. Atlikus analizę gautas statistiškai reikšmingaspokytis kombinuotos terapijos grupėje: vidutinis skirtumas –2,93 [–4,77; –1,09], p = 0,04, I2 = 57,33 proc. Ilgalaikiogydymo kategorijoje poveikio dydis –6,71 [–10,89; –2,53], p < 0,82, I2 = 0 proc., o trumpalaikis gydymas nedavė statistiškai reikšmingo rezultato. Vertinant gyvenimo kokybę, būklė pagerėjo tiriamojoje grupėje, o kontrolinėje grupėjedaugumoje sričių nenustatyta statistiškai reikšmingo pokyčio. Dėl didelės šališkumo rizikos, nebuvo įvertintas plaučiųfunkcijos pokytis.Išvados. Kombinuota terapija gali padėti sumažinti vaikų su idiopatine skolioze stuburo deformaciją bei daryti teigiamą poveikį su liga susijusiai gyvenimo kokybei. Gauti rezultatai buvo statistiškai reikšmingai geresni nei monoterapijos. Ilgalaikis gydymas gali pagerinti Cobb’o kampo korekciją, tačiau įrodymų nepakanka.Reikšminiai žodžiai: skoliozė; vaikai; kineziterapija; įtvaras; sisteminė literatūros apžvalga 
Emotional Eating Behaviour With Physical Activity, Stress, and Depression in Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textBackground. Emotional eating, defined as consuming food in response to negative emotions such as sadness, stress, or depression, affects over half of the population and is more prevalent among women, posing risks to both physical and mental health.
Aim. This study aimed to characterise emotional eating behaviour in women and examine its associations with sadness, stress, depression, and physical activity across different age groups.
Methods. Cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with 250 women ranging from adolescence to older adulthood. Emotional eating was assessed using the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, perceived stress was evaluated with the Perceived Stress Scale, and depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory.
Results. The majority of participants were aged 17–25 years (83.2%), students (75.6%), and had a normal body mass index (41.6%). Overall, 66% of participants exhibited moderate emotional eating, 42.4% reported moderate physical activity, 74.4% experienced moderate stress, and 38.8% were classified as non-depressed. Significant differences across age groups were observed for stress and depression (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were found for emotional eating and physical activity (p > 0.05). Correlation analyses indicated that emotional eating was not significantly associated with physical activity, but it was significantly associated with stress and depression (p < 0.05).
Conclusions. Emotional eating and physical activity do not vary significantly across female age groups, whereas stress and depression do. Emotional eating behaviour is significantly related to stress and depression but not to physical activity. These findings highlight the importance of addressing emotional and psychological factors when considering eating behaviours in women.
Keywords: emotional eating; physical activity; stress; depression; wome
Effects of Therapeutic Exercise on Pain, Range of Motion, and Patellar Tendon in Volleyball Players With Jumper’s Knee
No full textBackground. Jumper’s knee is a common overuse injury in athletes, characterised by activity-related pain and impaired patellar tendon function due to microtears. Therapeutic eccentric and isometric exercises have been shown to alleviate symptoms and improve lower-limb function.
Aim. To evaluate the effects of an 8-week targeted exercise programme on pain, range of motion, and patellar tendon biomechanical properties in volleyball athletes with patellar tendinopathy.
Methods. Twenty-one male volleyball players with patellar pain were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 11). The intervention group completed a structured physiotherapy programme twice weekly for eight weeks, consisting of bodyweight-based isometric and eccentric exercises, including wall sits, tibialis raises, calf raises, split squats, Patrick step exercises, etc. Outcome measures were symptom severity and functional status assessed via the VISA-P questionnaire, lower-limb range of motion (knee flexion and hip flexion/extension) measured with a goniometer, and patellar tendon biomechanical properties (tone, stiffness, elasticity) measured with the Myoton PRO myotonometer. Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention. Data were analysed using nonparametric tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results. After eight weeks, the intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in VISA-P scores (55 vs 89; p < 0.01), whereas the control group showed no change (61 vs 62; p > 0.05). Between-group differences were significant (89 vs 62; p < 0.001). Minimal changes in range of motion were observed, except for greater right hip flexion gains in the control group (p < 0.05). In the intervention group, patellar tendon tone and stiffness decreased significantly in the relaxed left leg (p < 0.05), indicating improved tendon mechanical properties.
Conclusions. An 8-week structured exercise programme effectively reduces pain, enhances functional status, and improves patellar tendon biomechanics in volleyball players with jumper’s knee, supporting its use as a non-invasive management strategy.
Keywords: jumper’s knee; physiotherapy; exercise programme; biomechanic
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Wrist Pain and Quality of Life Among Auto-Rickshaw Drivers – A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textBackground. Wrist pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal complaint among occupational drivers, particularly auto-rickshaw drivers who endure prolonged repetitive wrist movements and extended driving hours. Despite its impact on function and quality of life, specific data on this underserved workforce is limited.
Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, functional disability, pain severity, and quality of life associated with chronic wrist pain among auto-rickshaw drivers in Greater Noida, India.
Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 384 male auto-rickshaw drivers. Data collected included demographic and occupational variables, pain severity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), functional disability (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire), and quality of life (Short Form-36). Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and age group comparisons were performed.
Results. The mean age was 40.31 ± 11.83 years with a driving experience of 15.47 ± 8.62 years and daily driving hours of 10.57 ± 1.75. The prevalence of chronic wrist pain was notable, with a mean DASH score of 39.14 ± 15.90 indicating moderate disability, and a pain severity mean of 5.05 ± 2.54. Quality of life scores averaged 54.90 ± 14.44. Strong positive correlations were observed between years of driving and both pain intensity (r = 0.546, p < 0.001) and functional disability (r = 0.828, p < 0.001). No significant differences in outcomes were noted across age groups.
Conclusion. Chronic wrist pain among auto-rickshaw drivers substantially impairs functional ability and quality of life, with severity correlated to occupational exposure duration. These findings underscore the need for ergonomic interventions and health policies targeting musculoskeletal health in this vulnerable occupational group.
Keywords: wrist pain; occupational disease; quality of life; functional statu
Dinaminės neuroraumeninės stabilizacijos veiksmingumas 7–10 metų mergaičių laikysenos rodiklių kaitai
No full textBackground. Postural disorders are becoming an increasingly common issue among school-aged children and adolescents, with a prevalence of 34–50% in Europe. Although the effects of physiotherapy methods on postural correction are widely researched, there is a lack of studies analysing the impact of dynamic neuromuscular stabilisation (DNS) exercises on children’s posture.
Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of a six-week DNS programme on trunk functional stability, spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt angle, static trunk muscle endurance, scapular positioning, and static and dynamic balance in girls aged 7–10 years.
Methods. The study included 16 female participants with a mean age of 8 ± 1.61 years. Assessments were conducted twice: before and after the DNS intervention. Trunk functional stability was evaluated using the Matthiass Test; spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt were assessed using the DIERS Formetric 4D posture analysis system. Static trunk muscle endurance was measured with the McGill Test, scapular positioning was evaluated using the Lennie Test, and static balance was assessed using the Flamingo Balance Test. Dynamic balance was evaluated with the Y Balance Test.
Results. Following the DNS intervention, the Matthiass Test showed a trend toward improved trunk functional stability, although the differences were not statistically significant. No significant changes in spinal curvatures or pelvic alignment were observed using the DIERS system. Static endurance of all trunk muscle groups significantly increased after the intervention (p < 0.05), with some inter-muscular endurance ratios also showing significant improvements. No significant changes were found in scapular positioning. Static balance significantly improved when standing on the right leg (p < 0.05). In the dynamic balance assessment, significant improvement was observed only in the backward-medial and backward-lateral reach directions (p < 0.05), regardless of limb dominance.
Conclusions. The DNS programme improved static trunk muscle endurance and both static and dynamic balance in girls aged 7–10 years but had no significant effect on trunk functional stability, spinal curvature angles, or pelvic tilt positioning.
Keywords: posture; spinal curves; dynamic neuromuscular stabilisation Tyrimo pagrindimas. Laikysenos sutrikimai tampa vis dažnesne problema tarp mokyklinio amžiaus vaikų ir paauglių – Europoje šių sutrikimų paplitimas siekia 34–50 proc. Nors kineziterapijos metodų įtaka laikysenos korekcijaiplačiai nagrinėjama, trūksta tyrimų, analizuojančių dinaminės neuroraumeninės stabilizacijos (DNS) pratimų poveikįvaikų laikysenai.Tikslas. Įvertinti šešių savaičių trukmės DNS veiksmingumą 7–10 metų amžiaus mergaičių liemens funkciniam stabilumui, stuburo linkiams ir dubens kampo pakilimui, statinei liemens raumenų ištvermei, menčių padėčiai, statineiir dinaminei pusiausvyrai.Metodai. Tyrime dalyvavo 16 mergaičių, kurių amžiaus vidurkis buvo 8 ± 1,61 metai. Tiriamosios buvo testuojamosdu kartus: prieš ir po DNS taikymo. Matthiass testas naudotas įvertinti tiriamųjų liemens funkciniam stabilumui,stuburo linkių ir dubens kampo pakilimas vertintas „DIERS Formetric 4D“ laikysenos diagnostine sistema, statineiliemens raumenų ištvermei įvertinti naudotas McGill testas, o menčių padėčiai ištirti – Lennie testas. Statinė tiriamųjųpusiausvyra vertinta „Flamingo“ pusiausvyros testu. Dinaminė pusiausvyra vertinta Y pusiausvyros testu.Rezultatai. Po DNS taikymo, Matthiass testo rezultatai parodė funkcinio liemens stabilumo gerėjimo tendenciją, ta-čiau reikšmingų skirtumų nenustatyta. Taip pat, naudojantis DIERS sistema, nenustatyta reikšmingų stuburo linkiųir dubens padėties pokyčių. Visų liemens raumenų grupių statinė ištvermė po intervencijos reikšmingai padidėjo(p < 0,05), kai kurių raumenų grupių tarpusavio santykiai taip pat reikšmingai pasikeitė. Nenustatyta reikšmingųmenčių padėties pokyčių. Statinė pusiausvyra reikšmingai pagerėjo stovint ant dešinės kojos (p < 0,05), o vertinantdinaminius gebėjimus reikšmingas pagerėjimas nustatytas tik siekiant atgal į vidų ir į šoną (p < 0,05), nepriklausomainuo dominuojančios pusės.Išvados. DNS treniruočių programa padėjo pagerinti 7–10 metų mergaičių statinės liemens raumenų ištvermės, statinės ir dinaminės pusiausvyros rodiklius, tačiau neturėjo reikšmingo poveikio liemens funkciniam stabilumui, stuburolinkių dydžiui ir dubens kampo padėčiai.Reikšminiai žodžiai: laikysena; stuburo linkiai; dinaminė neuroraumeninė stabilizacija 
A Randomised Study of Vocal and Breathing Exercises on Pulmonary Function and Trunk Stability in Female Adults
No full textBackground. The effects of breathing exercises and vocal exercises on respiratory function and trunk stability in women remain unclear.
Aim. To compare the effects of vocal exercises and breathing exercises on respiratory function and core stability in women.
Methods. Fifty women participated in this randomised study. Respiratory function was assessed using thoracic excursion (Th3–4, Th7–8, Th11–12), breath-holding tests, and spirometry (PEF, FVC, FEV1). Trunk stability was evaluated using dynamic neuromuscular stabilisation (DNS) tests and trunk stability assessments with the Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback device. Participants were randomly assigned to a breathing exercise group or a vocal exercise group.
Results. In the breathing exercise group, statistically significant improvements were observed in breath-hold duration, thoracic excursion at Th3–4, Th7–8, and Th11–12, PEF, DNS head, neck, and trunk flexion tests, and trunk stability with right-leg flexion using the Stabilizer device. In the vocal exercise group, significant improvements were observed in thoracic excursion, spirometry parameters (PEF, FVC, FEV1), breath-holding tests, DNS assessments, and trunk stability with left-leg flexion using the Stabilizer device. Between-group comparisons indicated that the vocal exercise group achieved significantly greater improvements in FVC, FEV1, and trunk stability with left-leg flexion.
Conclusions. Vocal exercises improved respiratory function, enhanced respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and supported trunk stability in women. Breathing exercises also improved respiratory function, muscle strength, and endurance. While vocal exercises demonstrated a superior effect on lung function (FVC and FEV1) compared to breathing exercises, both interventions had comparable effects on respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and trunk stability.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07175844
Keywords: breathing exercises; vocal exercises; respiratory system; core stabilit