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BACKGROUND: Not much is known about developmental motor disorders in the first year of life of children diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the occurrence of asymmetry or muscle tone disorders in the first year of life in adolescents with IS and their healthy counterparts. METHODS: The parents of adolescents with IS and without scoliosis completed a survey on the occurrence of asymmetry, abnormal muscle tone, and physiotherapy in their children in the first year of life. Pearson's chi square test and Cramer's coefficient were used. RESULTS: The final analysis included 527 surveys completed by parents of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (150) and without scoliosis (377). A significantly higher frequency of asymmetry (p = 0.001) and muscle tone disorders (p = 0.001) was noted in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The results also revealed a significant association between scoliosis and asymmetry (p = 0.001), as well as muscle tone (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Developmental asymmetry or improper muscle tone in the first year of life could be considered a potential factor in the development of scoliosis; however, this hypothesis should be confirmed in future studies. Infants diagnosed with developmental disorders require systematic observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: Restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic can negatively affect patients who require physiotherapy. This study aimed to analyze the consequences of limited physiotherapy on the functional state of children with neuromuscular diseases (NMD). In addition, the caregivers' well-being and caregiver opinions on physiotherapy were analyzed. METHODS: A questionnaire was shared with parents of children with NMD immediately after the COVID-19 lockdown. The survey included questions regarding the physical and mental condition of children and parents before the pandemic and during lockdown as well as their views on physiotherapy and telephysiotherapy. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Ranks test, Spearman's Rank Correlation test, McNemar test, and Chi-square test. RESULTS: Parents of 235 children participated in the study. Results indicated that children devoted more time to physiotherapy before the pandemic than during the lockdown period, which was true for those living in cities and the countryside. The functional state of 50.2% of the children deteriorated during the lockdown, in the opinion of their parents. Significant correlations were found between limited physiotherapy time and the deterioration of children's functional condition, ability to maintain a standing position, and increased anxiety. The majority of parents reported increased levels of fear and anxiety (72.8%), fatigue (67.7%), and pain (53.2%). In-person physiotherapy was rated significantly higher than telephysiotherapy by parents. CONCLUSIONS: Limited access to physiotherapy and shorter therapy times may lead to functional deterioration in children with NMD, but this assumption needs to be objectively confirmed. According to the parents' opinions, telephysiotherapy is less beneficial than direct physiotherapy but may support therapy conducted directly by a physiotherapist. Results based on subjective parental opinions may be helpful in planning future projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are often observed in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The aim of the study was to assess passive ranges of rotation in the cervical spine, chest deformity and pelvic obliquity in SMA patients, and to compare these results to the norms obtained in the group of healthy individuals. The second aim was to review these measurements and Cobb angle values for correlations in SMA patients.Methods: The study included 74 patients with SMA and 89 healthy individuals aged 2 to 18 years. Cervical Rotation (CR), Supine Angle of Trunk Rotation (SATR) and Pelvic Obliquity (PO) tests were carried out.Results: Cervical rotation ranges were significantly higher in the control group than in SMA patients (p < 0.05). Differences between cervical rotation ranges to the left and to the right were significantly larger in SMA I and SMA II groups than in healthy individuals (p = 0.000). Chest asymmetry and pelvic obliquity were bigger in SMA groups than in the control (p < 0.05). Significant correlations between cervical rotation measurements, chest deformity, pelvic obliquity and Cobb angle were found in SMA individuals, depending on the type.Conclusions: The results of the study suggest that CR, SATR and PO tests may assist in the assessment of SMA patients in addition to the radiographic evaluation of the spine. Biomechanical relationships between disorders located in various skeletal structures should be taken into account in the treatment of SMA patients. Special attention should be given to assessing postural parameters in non- sitters and sitters. Treatment of patients with SMA and associated musculoskeletal disorders requires a multi-specialist approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity is a common health issue among children and adolescents leading to serious consequences later in life. There are reports on postural stability in children in relation to their nutritional status, but there are few studies involving a stabilometric platform. Aim: A comparison of postural stability in children with normal body mass and obese children. Material and methods: The stabilometric study involved 166 subjects. The postural stability evaluation was performed with the use of the Biodex Balance System platform. The following four postural stability tests were carried out: (1) eyes open, stable platform (SI0); (2) eyes open, level 4 unstable platform (SI4); (3) eyes open, level 4 unstable platform with the screen covered (SI4SC); (4) eyes closed, level 4 unstable platform (SI4EC), and the fall risk test (FRT). Results and Discussion: There were statistically significant differences found in the SI4, SI4SC, SI4EC, and FRT tests in all the inspected parameters. Only in the postural stability test on a stable platform (SI0) no differences were noted. The most marked differences between arithmetic means obtained for both groups were observed in the postural stability test on an unstable platform with closed eyes. Conclusions: Children with obesity are characterised by increased instability on a moving surface compared to children of normal body mass. Obese children experience the biggest problem when regaining balance with their eyes closed. It is advisable to include training on an unstable surface in physiotherapy programmes for obese children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The majority of individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) experience progressive skeletal deformities which may affect the quality of life and mobility. To date, no studies have evaluated the reliability of tests assessing body posture and joint mobility in SMA patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of Cervical Rotation test (CR), Supine Angle of Trunk Rotation test (SATR), Hip Extension test (HE) and Pelvic Obliquity test (PO) developed to evaluate the musculoskeletal system in SMA individuals.Methods: Thirty individuals (12 girls and 18 boys) aged 4-15 with SMA type II (n = 24) and III (n = 6) confirmed by genetic examinations were qualified for the study. The participants were examined twice by three physiotherapists on the same day. The examination included four tests, i.e. CR, SATR, HE and PO tests aimed at assessing ranges of rotation in the cervical spine, chest deformities, ranges of hip extension and pelvis position while sitting. Statistical calculations were made with the use of statistical software IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Reliability was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).Results: Intraobserver reliability was excellent for CR (ICC range 0.839-0.911), SATR (ICC range 0.918-0.939 - the upper part of the sternum; ICC range 0.951-0.975 - the lower part of the sternum), HE (ICC range 0.988-0,991) and PO (ICC range 0.896-0.935) tests. The interobserver ICC reached the excellent values in CR (ICC range 0.912-0.920), SATR (ICC = 0.888 - the upper part of the sternum, ICC = 0.951 - the lower part of the sternum), HE (ICC range 0.922-0.923) and PO (ICC = 0.928) tests.Conclusions: CR, SATR, HE and PO tests are reliable and may be used for examining individuals with SMA. The application of these tests provides a possibility to detect early changes in the musculoskeletal system in children and adolescents and to assess the effectiveness of the implemented pharmacotherapy and rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the classification system in sitting volleyball (SV) based on athletes' opinions on different competitive level. During World Sitting Volleyball Championships in 2014, 187 participants and 35 players in Polish and Lithuanian SV leagues participated in this study. They completed the survey regarding the current classification system in SV. The classification procedure was assessed as positive by 74% of elite athletes and 94.1% league athletes. Elite athletes see a need to include functional procedures, and in contrast to league athletes, they assessed the current classification system positively. Many of the players see a need to change the current classification system from medical to functional or mixed procedures. League athletes in contrast to elite athletes agree to include able-bodied people to compete on the court with people with physical impairments [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate opinions of elite athletes, coaches and classifiers regarding the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation's (1WBF) functional classification system. We were also interested in the athletes' perspective regarding potential changes to the classification system. In addition, we compared the generalized opinions reported by the athletes to those of coaches and classification officers. This survey was administered during the Wheelchair Basketball Gold Cup (Amsterdam, 2006). Seventy-nine athletes, 50 men and 29 women, as well as 12 coaches and 14 classifiers completed the survey. The first part of the survey addressed demographic characteristics of the participants. The second part focused on their opinions regarding the current classification system. Based on the survey responses, athletes reported that the IWBF classification system is generally satisfactory. However, athletes as well as coaches and classification officers did report some specific concerns about this classification system. These concerns included changes in an athlete classification, athlete cheating and communication between classifiers and athletes. Athletes, coaches and classifiers, as the wheelchair basketball's primary constituent groups, have a vested interest in the evolution of the game and should be included in the evaluation and modifications to the functional classification system. This study has demonstrated that a classification specific survey could provide useful information and insight into the perspectives of these constituent groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate opinions of elite athletes, coaches and classifiers regarding the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation's (IWBF) functional classification system. We were also interested in the athletes' perspective regarding potential changes to the classification system. In addition, we compared the generalized opinions reported by the athletes to those of coaches and classification officers. This survey was administered during the Wheelchair Basketball Gold Cup (Amsterdam, 2006). Seventy-nine athletes, 50 men and 29 women, as well as 12 coaches and 14 classifiers completed the survey. The first part of the survey addressed demographic characteristics of the participants. The second part focused on their opinions regarding the current classification system. Based on the survey responses, athletes reported that the IWBF classification system is generally satisfactory. However, athletes as well as coaches and classification officers did report some specific concerns about this classification system. These concerns included changes in an athlete classification, athlete cheating and communication between classifiers and athletes. Athletes, coaches and classifiers, as the wheelchair basketball's primary constituent groups, have a vested interest in the evolution of the game and should be included in the evaluation and modifications to the functional classification system. This study has demonstrated that a classification specific survey could provide useful information and insight into the perspectives of these constituent groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]