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Massage is anecdotally associated with many health benefits, but physiological and clinically relevant mechanisms recently have begun to be investigated in a controlled manner. Herein, we describe research supporting our hypothesis that massage can be used as a mechanotherapy imparting biologically relevant adaptations in skeletal muscle and improving muscle properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The change in field of dentistry by the percolation of the technology into the very fabric of it has drastically changed the patient’s perception and doctor’s efficiency in providing a satisfactory dental care. This inflow of technology into the orthodontics had led to the development of a new orthodontic archwire called optiflex that provides a prefect aesthetic solution for the fixed labial mechanotherapy. With collaboration from the ceramic brackets the optiflex provides a true aesthetic effect during the process of the treatment. The optiflex provides excellent aesthetic effects as they are transparent unlike the coated metal archwires and they exhibit similar mechanical properties as the metallic wire, while in exhibiting the physical properties they surpass the metallic wires and reach to new heights. The following short coomunication gives a brief idea about the advantages and journey of the optiflex wire from its invention in 1992 till now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the transfer accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) printed transfer trays and compare them with transfer trays made up of polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) for use in indirect bonding. This was a two-arm parallel prospective randomised controlled trial. The trial was undertaken at the outpatient department of a dental college. A total of 30 patients (18 men, 12 women) were randomly allocated to two groups. The inclusion criteria included patients with permanent and fully erupted dentition (age range = 17–24 years), Angles class I malocclusion with crowding <3 mm requiring non-extraction treatment, good oral hygiene and no previous history of orthodontic treatment. Blinding was applicable only for outcome assessment. Indirect bonding was performed by the primary investigator for both the groups. Digital images of the pre-transfer and post-transfer brackets were obtained by means of an intra-oral scanner and compared using software. Superimpositions of pre- and post-transfer images were done to determine the transfer error for linear and angular variables for all tooth types. A total of 600 teeth were bonded, 300 each for both groups. Statistically significant differences were observed in all dimension between the two groups, with 3D-printed trays being more accurate than PVS trays except in the vertical dimension (P < 0.05). The prevalence of clinically unacceptable transfer errors revealed that most of the transfer errors were in the vertical dimensions for 3D-printed trays. 3D-printed trays are more accurate than PVS trays except for transfers in vertical dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massage is a viable mechanotherapy to improve protein turnover during disuse atrophy and improve muscle regrowth during recovery from disuse atrophy in adult muscle. Therefore, we investigated whether massage can cause beneficial adaptations in skeletal muscle from aged rats during normal weight-bearing (WB) conditions, hindlimb suspension (HS), or reloading (RE) following HS. Aged (30 months) male Fischer 344/Brown Norway rats were divided into two experiments: (1) WB for 7 days (WB, n = 8), WB with massage (WBM, n = 8), HS for 7 days (HS7, n = 8), or HS with massage (HSM, n = 8), and (2) WB for 14 days (WB14, n = 8), HS for 14 days (HS14, n = 8), reloading (RE, n = 10), or reloading with massage (REM, n = 10) for 7 days following HS. Deuterium oxide (D2O) labeling was used to assess dynamic protein and ribosome turnover in each group and anabolic signaling pathways were assessed. Massage did have an anabolic benefit during RE or WB. In contrast, massage during HS enhanced myofibrillar protein turnover in both the massaged limb and contralateral non-massaged limb compared with HS, but this did not prevent muscle loss. Overall, the data demonstrate that massage is not an effective mechanotherapy for prevention of atrophy during muscle disuse or recovery of muscle mass during reloading in aged rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the fin de siècle the Industrial Revolution created egregious physical, emotional and spiritual conditions for American society and especially for the worker but who would come forward to alleviate those conditions? Protestants implemented their Social Gospel Movement as a proposed cure to these problems. Secular Progressives engaged in a more activist role both materially and through legislation. Both of these groups had limited successes with disappointing outcomes. America's Catholics, more accustomed to living and working in industrialized neighborhoods, eventually developed their own programs and agenda to address social and labor concerns. However some scholars believed that Catholic efforts merely replicated what others had achieved. It was the actions of America's Catholics in answer to these issues that propelled them onto the national scene with a sense of purpose, inclusion and equality. This paper examines each group to ascertain their programs, relevant accomplishments and demonstrate how resolutions to solve social and labor problems proceeded yet stagnated for some. For America's Catholics their agenda for social reconstruction empowered them to assert themselves as equals with a long lasting viable program of future corrective action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechano-rehabilitation, also known as mechanotherapy, represents the forefront of noninvasive treatment for musculoskeletal (MSK) tissue disorders, encompassing conditions affecting tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. Recent emphasis has underscored the significance of macrophage presence in the healing of MSK tissues. However, a considerable gap still exists in comprehending how mechanical strains associated with mechanotherapy impact both the naïve and pro-inflammatory macrophage phenotypes within the three-dimensional (3D) tissue matrix, as well as whether the shift in macrophage phenotype is contingent on the mechanical strains inherent to mechanotherapy. In this study, we delineated alterations in mechano-adaptation and polarization of both naive and M1 macrophages within 3D matrices, elucidating their response to varying degrees of mechanical strain exposure (3%, 6%, and 12%). To evaluate macrophage mechano-adaptation and mechano-sensitivity within 3D collagen matrices under mechanical loading, we employed structural techniques (scanning electron microscopy, histology), quantitative morphological measures for phenotypic assessment, and genotypic methods such as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our data reveal that the response of macrophages to mechanical loading is not only contingent on their specific sub-phenotype but also varies with the amplitude of mechanical strain. Notably, although supra-mechanical loading (12% strain) was requisite to induce a phenotypic shift in naive (M0) macrophages, as little as 3% mechanical strain proved sufficient to prompt phenotypic alterations in pro-inflammatory (M1) macrophages. These findings pave the way for leveraging the macrophage mechanome in customized and targeted applications of mechanical strain within the mechano-therapeutic framework. Considering the prevalence of MSK tissue injuries and their profound societal and economic implications, the development of well-informed and effective clinical mechanotherapy modalities for MSK tissue healing becomes an imperative endeavor. Impact statement Mechanotherapy is a primary noninvasive treatment for musculoskeletal (MSK) tissue injuries, but the effect of mechanical strain on macrophage phenotypes is not fully understood. A recent study found that macrophage response to mechanical loading is both sub-phenotype specific and amplitude-dependent, with even small strains enough to induce phenotypic changes in pro-inflammatory macrophages. These findings could pave the way for using macrophage mechanome in targeted mechanotherapy applications for better MSK tissue healing.

Ernst Georg Åberg (1823–1906) was a Swedish physician who, after falling ill of tuberculosis, moved to Argentina in 1855, where he obtained the revalidation of his medical degree. In subsequent years, he integrated into Buenos Aires society, and was appointed to a number of important positions before travelling back to Sweden. In 1884, Åberg founded in Buenos Aires the Therapeutic Institute of Mechanical Gymnastics or Kinesiotherapy Institute, following the principles of the mechanical gymnastics developed by the Swedish author Gustav Zander (1835–1920) and innovative by virtue of its application of gymnastics machines to therapeutic purposes. That same year he published Zander’s Mechanotherapy, which is considered the first publication on the therapeutic virtues of exercise in the Americas. His work made Argentina one of the pioneering countries in the training of physical therapists in the region. The aim of this paper is to explore the role Åberg played in the implementation of the Swedish science of movement, gymnastics, and physical treatment as an innovative therapeutic option, and also to explore a model of circulation of knowledge between two ‘de-centred countries,’ Sweden and Argentina, at the end of nineteenth century.

De Quervain syndrome involves the inflammation of the common tendon sheath of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) in the region of the radial styloid process. This condition can be caused by microtraumas that occur in the course of repetitive mechanical activities and systemic diseases of the connective tissue, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The symptom of de Quervain syndrome is pain in the forearm at the height of the radial styloid process. The pain intensifies during the extension of the thumb. Other symptoms include redness and swelling in the region. The physical examination most often involves two tests: Finkelstein's test and Eichhoff's test. Physiotherapeutic treatment is an important element of conservative treatment of de Quervain syndrome. The article aims to present functional diagnostics and physiotherapeutic methods that are used in the treatment of de Quervain syndrome based on the available literature. The review used the division of therapeutic methods into three basic sections: kinesitherapy, physical therapy and therapeutic massage, and was expanded to include physioprophylaxis and education, kinesiotaping and acupuncture. The discussed publications noted a significant improvement in terms of reducing pain and functionality in patients with de Quervain syndrome using various physiotherapeutic methods and their combinations. Unfortunately, there is a small number of randomized clinical trials. Hence, it is difficult to draw clear conclusions about the most effective forms of treatment. Further research is required in order to achieve the integration of the most effective physiotherapeutic methods in the treatment of de Quervain syndrome and the assessment of its short and long-term effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemiparesis of various severity is a common type of motor disorder resulting from an experience of a stroke. It is motor disorders that lead to the disruption of such categories of activity as the ability to move and self-care, which entails a limited patient mobility. The study has included 35 patients with motor disorders resulting from acute cerebrovascular accidents (CA), and the patients have undergone medical rehabilitation. Clinical research method (Ashworth and Rivermead scales) and mathematical statistics have helped assess the positive effects of robotic mechanotherapy, which was used in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. As a result of rehabilitation measures with the use of robotic mechanotherapy, 68.2% of the examined subjects have developed significant strength in the hand, and 45.5% - in the leg (p<0.005). In the remaining subjects, no significant improvement in the motor function has been observed, although mobility has improved in all examined patients and the average Rivermead mobility index has been 11.4±2.1 out of 15 (p <0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction or non extraction debate from the Angle era to the present day orthodontics does not define an absolute indication for a specific treatment plan One of the non-compliance therapies and fairly recent concept is the MOLAR DISTALIZATION which has been effectively used in the correction of malocclusion. Advances in mechanotherapy and changes in treatment concepts have reduced or minimized the need for extraction in severe discrepancies. Various techniques are currently employed in non-extraction therapy in the treatment of a malocclusion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is an acute disorder of cerebral circulation (Lubenova, 2011) and is one of the leading causes of permanent disability and inability of patients to self-care. Postural control includes control of body position in space, for stability and orientation (Gaebler & Girolami 2013). Balance disorders lead to lower levels of activity and reduced patient independence (Hugues, Marco, Janiaud, Hue, Pires, Khademi, Cucherat, Bonan, Gueyffier & Rode, 2017). The functional goals of postural orientation are the active alignment of the body and head with respect to gravity (Bronstein & Pavlou, 2013) and postural balance - the coordination of motor strategies (Vasileva, Lubenova & Mihova, 2014). There are various systems that include postural control training, most of which focus on individual sensory systems (somatosensory sensation; vestibular, visual and proprioceptive sensation) and musculoskeletal components (range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, tone, biomechanical). relations) (Nikovska, 2018). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect on postural control of the application of a specialized kinesitherapy technique to a routine approach to motor therapy in patients with chronic stroke. The study included 46 patients with chronic stroke, the experimental group included 34 patients - 16 men and 18 women, with a disease duration of 27.15 ± 17.61 months, and the control group, including 12 patients - 5 men and 7 women., with a disease duration of 19.5 ± 14.68 months. Evaluation of early and late effects of postural kinesitherapy was performed, respectively on the 10th day, 1st month and 3rd month from the beginning of the program. The study shows a significant improvement in the static and dynamic balance of patients in the experimental group, which helps them to perform better in daily activities. In conclusion, the application of motor therapy aimed at improvements in postural control in patients with chronic stroke shows lasting improvements in quality of life, mobility and self-care. It is recommended that the motor program be modified according to the patient's needs. The individual focus and performing kinesitherapy in outpatient settings lead to an increase in the patient's motivation and the achievement of the set goals. Additional data: Clinically, stroke recovery is mainly associated with cerebral plasticity in the adjacent cortex (Lubenova and Tityanova, 2012). The brain tends to recognize visual feedback before proprioceptive or somatic feedback. Mirror therapy is based on the neuroplasticity proposed by this theory (Lim, Lee, Yoo, Yun & Hwang, 2016). This is the reason why this type of therapy is included in the experimental group. It showed definitive motor and sensory improvements, although the degree of improvement in sensory impairment and heminelect was limited (Gandhi, Sterba, Khatter & Pandian, 2020). The data show that mirror therapy can reduce chronic pain when it is an accompanying part of the therapeutic program (Nikovska, 2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic lumbar pain, seen from a medical and psychosocial aspect is a complex issue, for which a multidisciplinary access is needed during treatment. The goal is to determine the impact of professional education to the outcome of the application of ergonomic principles and the practice of exercises for the lumbar area, in patients with lumbar syndrome. The study has covered 50 patients, who are receiving a therapy for the second time. The patients were randomly selected. They were asked to fill in a control questionnaire in order to make sure that they are following the instructions and to learn about the results from the previously prescribed ergonomic advices, and the practice of the acquired lumbar exercises. The patients were with an average age of 51.8 years, most of whom were females (62%), and average BMI of 22.8. 36(72%) of the patients were following the ergonomic advices, while 14(28%) did not. 16 patients exercised, 8 patients exercised occasionally, 18 patients exercised only in the beginning (after being advised), 3 patients did not exercise at all, while 5 patients did not exercise but engaged in physical activity. Contingents Coefficient indicates a relatively strong association between practicing the exercises and following the ergonomic advice (p<0.05). In 28 of the patients, the symptoms never reappeared, 22 felt pain, 2 had lumbar pain, and 15 had leg cramps. X²-test indicates that there is no statistical importance between the observance of ergonomic advices and reappearing of the pain (p>0.05). The application of the kinesitherapy methods, as well as the discipline while following the ergonomic advices addressed to lumbar pain provide satisfactory functional outcome and long term benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patellar tendonitis, also known as the jumper's knee is an inflammation of the tendon or cord of fibrous tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone. It has an incidence of about 20% in jumping athletes, including volleyball, basketball and handball athletics. It is often accompanied by tenosynovitis, which is an inflammation of the lining of the tendon sheath. The cause of the inflammation may result from repeated trauma or excessive straine of the tendon. Chronic overuse of tendons leads to microscopic tears within the collagen matrix, which gradually weakens the tissue. These causes can lead to "local qi and blood congestion in the channels". In most cases good results are obtained with conservative treatment that includes medication and physical therapy. According to TCM, acupuncture not only help decrease the pain, but will also enhance body‘s own healing ability. Needling the affected area bring in more blood flow and oxygen and help the tissue recover. Research shows that overall, acupuncture can be helpful to reduce tendonitis pain and increase circulation to/around a tendon. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of conservative and complementary treatment in patients with patellar tendinitis. Methods of research: The research was conducted in cooperation with the Public Institution „Center for Traditional Chinese Medicinethe"and the Recreation Center at the University "Goce Delcev" - Stip, for a period of 1 months. The study included 15 participants (4 women and 11 men) with previously diagnosed Patellar tendinopathy. Each patient was asked for consent to participate in the study. Participants are divided into two groups, Group A (7 respondents) and Group B (8 respondents). Group A participants received conservative treatment that included drug therapy, physical therapy, and kinesitherapy (eccentric exercises), while group B respondents received complementary treatment with acupuncture and electroacupuncture, moxibustion, and kinesiotaping techniques. Тreatment of Patellar tendonitis included 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment. We used the acupuncture protocol for Patellar tendonitis. The points were selected according to textbook acupuncture point prescription. Results: Before starting treatment, each patient fills out the Questionnaire Lysholm Knee Score Standard (LKSS). The same tests are done at the end of treatment. The results are shown in Tables. The present study demonstrated a statistically significant difference before treatment and after 4 weeks of acupuncture at tender points. The results demonstrated, not only a reduction in pain threshold sensitivity, but also knee motor impairment. The researchers determined that acupuncture and electroacupuncture therapy, plus moxibustion and kinesiotaping techniques is more effective than conservative treatment with drug therapy (NSAID) and physical therapy for relief of knee Patellar tendonitis . Conclusion: This is a clinically significant finding for important reasons. First, the acupuncture protocol combined with moxibustion does not cause the gastrointestinal distress common with NSAID intake. Second, this is a proven treatment option for the effective relief of disability and pain due to knee Patellar tendonitis. The NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) had a faster onset of effective action but acupuncture produced significantly greater positive patient outcomes for long-term relief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zdravotnicke listy is the property of Alexander Dubcek University in Trencin, Faculty of Nursing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Balneologica is the property of Wydawnictwo ALUNA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives. To assess the efficacy of a set of rehabilitation measures including use of mechanotherapy and cognitive stimulation using tablet PC technology in relation to emotional and behavioral impairments in patients during the acute phase of ischemic stroke. Materials and methods. The study included 100 patients with ischemic stroke admitted to hospital in the acute period. All patients were randomized to two groups: a study group and a control group. The study group (50 patients) received daily robot mechanotherapy using a MOTOmed bedside trainer and tablet PC technology for independent exercises for patients to develop memory, perception, reactions, and counting. Patients of the control group (50 patients) received standard therapy. Functional status was assessed using the modifi ed Rankin scale. Objective evaluation of emotional and behavioral impairments was obtained using psychometric scales (Beck Depression and Anxiety Scales). Results. Use of complex rehabilitation programs in the acute period of ischemic stroke promoted regression of emotional and behavioral impairments (p = 0.0001). The severity of depressive disorders was decreased in patients of the study group by the end of the in-patient period, and further regression in these patients continued throughout the observation period, to the six-month point (p = 0.001). Measures of anxiety showed statistically significant decreases during the whole of the observation period in patients of the study group (p = 0.0001), in contrast to those of the control group, where no changes were seen. Functional recovery was better in patients of the study group, as evidenced by statistically significant changes in mean measures of changes on the Rankin scale. Conclusions. The rehabilitation program presented here, including mechanotherapy and cognitive stimulation using tablet PC technology, is a simple and accessible method for correcting emotional and behavioral impairments in patients in the acute period of ischemic stroke. The results achieved not only persisted over time, but were followed by further improvements in measures at three and six months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital diseases requiring reconstruction of parts of the gastrointestinal tract, skin, or bone are a challenge to alleviate especially in rapidly growing children. Novel technologies may be the answer. This article presents the state‐of‐art in regenerative robotic technologies, which are technologies that assist tissues and organs to regenerate using sensing and mechanotherapeutical capabilities. It addresses the challenges in the development of such technologies, among which are autonomy and fault‐tolerance for long‐term therapy as well as morphological conformations and compliance of such devices to adapt to gradual changes of the tissues in vivo. The potential as medical devices for delivering therapies for tissue growth and as tools for scientific exploration of regenerative mechanisms is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the parameters for an ideal smile. Methods: Ten laypersons classified frontal photographs of 62 smiling individuals between 18 and 25 years of age into five categories: 1, poor; 2, fair; 3, good; 4, very good; and 5, excellent. The scores obtained for each smile were averaged. The five smiles with each the highest and lowest scores were analyzed for seven parameters: buccal corridor, smile index, smile symmetry, smile line ratio, upper lip line, smile arc, and upper lip curvature. Results: The five smiles with the highest scores were symmetrical with an average upper lip line and a consonant smile arc. Three of the five had an upward upper lip curvature. The smile line ratio, buccal corridor, and smile index for all five subjects ranged from 1.0 to 1.3 mm, 9.0% to 11.0%, and 4.0 to 6.0 mm, respectively. Two of the five smiles with the lowest scores were asymmetrical and three had a high upper lip line and a downward curvature, but all five had a nonconsonant smile arc. The smile line ratio, buccal corridor, and smile index for all five subjects ranged from -1.0 to 1.3 mm, 18.0% to 22.0%, and 7.0 to 10.0 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The seven investigated smile parameters can define characteristics of an ideal smile. These smile components should be included in the orthodontic problem list to help clinicians select the appropriate mechanotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse effects are results beyond the expected good outcomes of treatment. Like any other field in dentistry and medicine, orthodontics is not immune to such effects. The probability of adverse results in orthodontics increases when important rules and facts are ignored. To illustrate this, treatment and its adverse effects in 2 patients are discussed. In 1 young adult female, a palatally impacted maxillary canine was being moved into its place in the arch when it became ankylosed. Despite the cessation of movement, the orthodontist continued to apply mechanical forces to the canine for an additional 16.5 years. The effect of this extremely prolonged treatment period on the rest of the dentition was devastating. In another case, a 12-year 10-month-old boy with a mild Class II, Division 1 malocclusion, developed alopecia areata 4 months after the onset of orthodontic treatment. Four months later, he had lost all of his hair (alopecia totalis). The etiology of this condition was determined to be psychological stress and anxiety evoked by the orthodontic treatment. In both cases, the orthodontists failed to recognize existing problems or chose to ignore them. It was concluded that these adverse effects of orthodontic treatment could have been avoided if the orthodontists would have paid closer attention to the tissue response to mechanotherapy, as well as to the patient's attitude toward treatment. The latter conclusion is particularly noticeable when treating children and teenagers, who can reject being forced by their parents to undergo orthodontic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work proposes a textile-dominated wearable actuating system utilizing textile force sensor feedback. The study explores the liquid/gas phase transition behaviour of low boiling point liquids to develop a thermally driven fluidic soft actuator. The research also focuses on obtaining feedback through capacitive textile force sensors and developing a feedback control law for a single actuator as well as sequential actuation of multiple actuators. The findings demonstrate that the proposed actuators produce the desired pressure level utilized in mechanotherapy applications. Moreover, high accuracy is achieved by the capacitive textile force sensors specifically designed for detecting the applied force exerted by the textile-based actuators. The developed system constitutes a comprehensive textile-based system encompassing heating, actuation and sensing capabilities. Following the calibration of the developed system in conjunction with its sensor, a pilot-scale implementation of sequential massage application was conducted to showcase the system’s capabilities and potential. Considering its pressure and heating properties, the developed system exhibits a great potential for utilization in mechanotherapy as well as in thermotherapy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This case series delves into an intricate realm of dental crossbite corrections through the judicious application of various orthodontic methods. Spanning through diverse cases, it underscores the efficacy of removable orthodontic appliances, fixed mechanotherapy, and orthopedic interventions in resolving dental crossbites. Case Reports: The removable orthodontic appliances showcase adaptability and patient-friendly features, offering insights into their efficacy for managing dental crossbite cases with flexibility and ease of maintenance. In the domain of fixed mechanotherapy, meticulous adjustments and strategic appliance placement take center stage. Fixed appliances aided in achieving precise multiple directions of teeth movement and alignment in multiple teeth crossbite correction. Simultaneously, orthopedic appliances emerge as pivotal components, addressing not only dental misalignments but also broader skeletal considerations in select instances. This series meticulously details the integration of orthopedic interventions, shedding light on their indispensable role in comprehensive crossbite correction. Clinical Significance: Dental crossbite can lead to dental wear, speech difficulties, temporomandibular joint problems, and restricted skeletal growth of dental arches. Timely intervention during growing periods in children is crucial to prevent long-term complications and ensure optimal oral health and overall well-being of the child. Management of dental crossbite carries clinical importance due to its potential to impact on esthetics, function, and skeletal growth positively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concepts of esthetics, function, and health must be supported by sound diagnosis, treatment planning, treatment timing, and mechanotherapy for each orthodontic patient. The treatment of a patient with a Class II, Division 1-type malocclusion is shown in this case report. The treatment sequence of complete Class II mechanotherapy and a directional force system are emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four case reports demonstrate the effectiveness of indirect anchorage in orthodontics. These cases demonstrate the variety of situations in which absolute anchorage can be applied. A maxillary premolar extraction case illustrates the effectiveness of anterior retraction with this technique. A maxillary posterior protraction case shows the ease with which space closure can be achieved. Dual-arch capability is demonstrated through a four-premolar extraction case. Lastly, a case of severe dental mutilation devoid of any anchor units under conventional methods depicts how effectively distal driving can be accomplished. The technique involves the simple placement of a midpalatal endosseous implant that provides anchorage by indirect means to various teeth by virtue of a transpalatal arch soldered to its abutment. Once stabilized by such means, dramatic movements can be achieved in situations that would otherwise overtax anchor units and result in loss of anchorage. Teeth that would otherwise require stepwise and sequential movements can be mobilized en masse, greatly simplifying mechanotherapy and dramatically shortening treatment time. When no longer needed, the palatal implant is explanted and leaves no permanent deformation or defect after 2 or 3 weeks of healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As explained by Wolff’s law and the mechanostat hypothesis, mechanical stimulation can be used to promote bone formation. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a source of mechanical stimulation that can activate the integrin/phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase/Akt pathway and upregulate osteogenic proteins through the production of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This paper analyzes the results of in vitro and in vivo studies that have evaluated the effects of LIPUS on cell behavior within three-dimensional (3D) titanium, ceramic, and hydrogel scaffolds. We focus specifically on cell morphology and attachment, cell proliferation and viability, osteogenic differentiation, mineralization, bone volume, and osseointegration. As shown by upregulated levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, increased mineral deposition, improved cell ingrowth, greater scaffold pore occupancy by bone tissue, and superior vascularization, LIPUS generally has a positive effect and promotes bone formation within engineered scaffolds. Additionally, LIPUS can have synergistic effects by producing the piezoelectric effect and enhancing the benefits of 3D hydrogel encapsulation, growth factor delivery, and scaffold modification. Additional research should be conducted to optimize the ultrasound parameters and evaluate the effects of LIPUS with other types of scaffold materials and cell types.

Regenerative Rehabilitation represents a multifaceted approach that merges mechanobiology with therapeutic intervention to harness the body's intrinsic tissue repair and regeneration capacity. This review delves into the intricate interplay between mechanical loading and cellular responses in the context of musculoskeletal tissue healing. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the phases involved in translating mechanical forces into biochemical responses at the cellular level. The review paper also covers the mechanosensitivity of macrophages, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells, which play a crucial role during regenerative rehabilitation since these cells exhibit unique mechanoresponsiveness during different stages of the tissue healing process. Understanding how mechanical loading amplitude and frequency applied during regenerative rehabilitation influences macrophage polarization, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT), and mesenchymal stem cell differentiation is crucial for developing effective therapies for musculoskeletal tissues. In conclusion, this review underscores the significance of mechanome-guided strategies in regenerative rehabilitation. By exploring the mechanosensitivity of different cell types and their responses to mechanical loading, this field offers promising avenues for accelerating tissue healing and functional recovery, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries and degenerative diseases., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) presents as unintentional urine leakage associated with activities. It significantly affects quality of life (QoL) and is the most common type of incontinence in women. Current treatment options, particularly non-surgical therapies, are lacking., Objective: To assess the efficacy of mechanotherapy provided by the Flyte ® intra-vaginal device during pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT)., Design: This was a randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial., Materials and Methods: Flyte is a repeat use device for conditioning and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs). It provides two-part mechanotherapy. Part 1 is the stretching and preloading of the PFM from the internal wand. Part 2 integrates mechanical pulses which elicit muscle cellular and tissue level responses that trigger cellular regeneration, improve neuromuscular facilitation and motor learning. Subjects used the device for 5 min/day for 12 weeks. Subjects (144) were randomized and evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks. Arm A (72) received both Part 1 and Part 2 mechanotherapy for 12 weeks, whereas Arm B (72) received Part 1 therapy for 6 weeks, then crossed over to full therapy. Mean age was 50, 49, respectively, prior pelvic/abdominal surgery 26%, 46%, and previous incontinence treatments 13%, 22%. The primary endpoint was 24-h pad weight (24-HR PW) at 6 weeks. Secondary endpoints were 24-HR PW at 12 weeks and QoL [International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ), Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life (IQOL)]., Results: Part 1 therapy had a greater than anticipated therapeutic effect. Thus, the study was underpowered to identify differences between study arms. Therefore, data were pooled to assess the effects of mechanotherapy. Twenty four-HR PW was significantly reduced at 6 weeks ( p  = <0.0001), with further reduction from 6 to 12 weeks ( p  = <0.0001). Data were stratified based on 24-HR PW severity. Significant reductions were noted in all severity groups (mild p  = <0.0001, moderate p  = <0.0001, severe p  = <0.01). QoL was similarly improved at 6 weeks (ICIQ p  = <0.0001, IQOL p  = <0.0001), and 12 weeks (ICIQ p  = <0.0001, IQOL p  = <0.0001). Compliance was >80% at 6 weeks and 70% at 12 weeks., Conclusion: Two-part mechanotherapy significantly improved 24-HR PW and QoL across all severities of SUI. Improvements were noted in as little as 2 weeks and appeared to be sustained through 2-year follow up., Trial Registration: Registered on ClinTrials.gov (NCT02954042)., Competing Interests: MM is a paid consultant for Pelvital USA, Inc. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to report., (© The Author(s), 2024.)

The purpose of this study was to establish and implement a specific prevention programme adapted to individual particularities and needs, depending on the practiced sport, with a view to improving muscle strength and muscle tone, increasing joint mobility and stability, as well as preventing the occurrence of shoulder joint injury in non-injured athletes. The research included 30 male athletes aged between 18 and 30 years. The sports practiced by the subjects included in the prevention group were: handball (10), tennis (8), shot put (6), swimming (4) and volleyball (2). The research was carried out over 8 months, from April 2018 to November 2018, at the Physiotherapy Hospital, Orthopaedics Department, in Bagdad (Iraq). The obtained results demonstrate that kinesitherapy exercises are beneficial for athletes with no pathological condition of the shoulder joint and that the prevention programme applied to the subjects has reached the proposed objectives, thus confirming the research hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coxarthrosis is one of the most serious diseases of the musculoskeletal system due to the incidence, low efficacy of non-invasive treatment, and severe disability due to symptoms. Disturbance in the normal gait pattern resulting from symptoms of this disease may have an influence on its efficiency, on an increase in energy expenditure and on the occurrence of incorrect compensatory reactions. All physiotherapeutic activities that reduce these disorders are a priority. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of manual therapy and traditional kinesitherapy for gait in elderly people with degenerative changes in the hip joint. Material and methods: Three groups of 30 people each were formed based on selection and exclusion criteria. One group was subjected to manual therapy, the second one to traditional kinesitherapy, while the third, control, group consisted of patients who deliberately and voluntarily did not use physiotherapy. The tests were carried out twice before the beginning of the treatment exercise program and after completing it. The IOWA scale was used to assess gait. A walking test to cover the longest possible distance without feeling discomfort was also used. Results: The results of the analysis showed a significant increase in the variable "Walking" on the IOWA Scale after completing the therapy compared to the pre-therapy status in the group in which manual therapy was used (p = 0.0000). Significant changes were not recorded within the group in which traditional kinesitherapy (p = 0.9999) was applied nor within the control group. Conclusions: Out of both therapeutic procedures, only manual therapy had a positive effect on the quality of gait and the distance covered by patients with degenerative changes in the hip joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many authors showed that aquatic physiotherapy could improve quality of life and reduce postural instability and risk of falling in elderly subjects. The aim of this research was to explore if the thermal aquatic environment is a suitable place for rehabilitative training in person with Parkinson disease (PwP) with results comparable to the standard physiotherapy. A retrospective study was conducted on a database of 14 persons with Parkinson who were admitted to a thermal aquatic rehabilitation to undergo treatments made to improve gait and balance impairments. The rehabilitation training consisted of 45-min sessions conducted twice a week, on non-consecutive days, over 4 weeks of functional re-education and kinesitherapy in the thermal pool. Educational and prevention instructions were also given to the patients during each session. Additionally, nutrition (diet), health education, and cognitive behavioral advice were given to our patients by therapists. The clinical characteristics of the sample were age 66 ± 9, disease duration 7 ± 5, and Hoehn and Yahr 1.5 ± 0.5. The statistical analysis showed a statistically significant improvement for the UPDRS p = 0.0005, for The Berg Balance Scale p = 0.0078, for the PDQ8 p = 0.0039, Tinetti p = 0.0068, and for Mini BESTest p = 0.0002. Our data suggest that this intervention could become a useful strategy in the rehabilitation program of PwP. The simplicity of treatment and the lack of side effects endorse the use of thermal aquatic environment for the gait and balance recovery in PwP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We supose that setting a suitable kinetotherapy program, associated with the patient's cooperation, can deliver significant results in the functional recovery of static vertebral disorders caused by the Scheuermann disease. The purpose of this study is creating a kinetic program to recover the spine considering the other curves that are correctly positioned: cervical, lombar, dorsal. In the following research I used appropriate kinetotherapy recovery methods such as: electrotherapy, hydrokinetotherapy, massage, exercise, reaching notable results. As evaluation methods I used the Schober test, the Harvard test, the articular balance. The efficency of the implemented program determined a 13 cm improvement regarding the Schober test, a 14 degrees increase of the spine flexion and a 22% imporvement in the Harvard test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article describes a case report which presents the treatment of a prepubescent female who presented with a Class II Division 1 occlusion and was treated with a functional appliance and conventional fixed mechanotherapy. Information is presented on the clinical examination of the 10-year-old white female, who presented with the chief complaint of buck teeth. Treatment objectives are enumerated, including creating a normal overbite and overjet relationship with a Class I occlusion. The article also discusses the general plan of treatment.

This article discusses a study which determined changes in osseous associated with uprighting tipped molar. The study demonstrated the probing level of a mesially tipped lower molar. It analyzed the failure to examine the level of connective tissue attachment by probing. It also showed an extreme lower molar tipping through radiography. In addition, the study noted the role of the stress imparted by orthodontic mechanotherapy to the connective tissue attachments in the conversion of potentially or actually harmful bone profiles into ideal as seous form.

The use of physical exercise and computer-based stimulation programs is considered to be a promising method for rehabilitation of cognitive dysfunction after a stroke. The article presents the results of a complex rehabilitation strategy in a 58-year old patient with an acute ischemic stroke with hemiparesis and moderate cognitive dysfunction. The optimized approach consisted of cyclic mechanotherapy combined with cognitive training performed by the patient himself and including the use of computer-based stimulation programs and tablet PC technology. Changes in cognitive and motor dysfunction were assessed with quantitative scales for motor functioning and neuropsychologic status. After the treatment course, there was a substantial improvement of the patient subjective well-being, as well as cognitive and motor functions on all rating scales.

BACKGROUND. The relevance of such an issue as the treatment of patients with unstable pelvic ring fracture is caused by the high frequency of this pathology in the general structure of polytrauma — up to 34% and a high rate of poor functional treatment outcomes — up to 20%. Purpose of the study: the improvement of rehabilitation treatment in patients with polytrauma operated on for complex fractures of the pelvis, using mechanotherapy and electro stimulation in the complex of therapy of an early postoperative period.MATERIAL AND METHODS. There were 81 patients with severe pelvic ring injuries treated in N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine in 2010 – 2013. The main group consisted of 29 patients who were recommended a comprehensive methodology of rehabilitation, including therapeutic exercises (TE), mechanotherapy using the simulator “RECK MOTOmed letto2” and electro stimulation using the “Galatea” apparatus. The test group consisted of 52 patients who underwent rehabilitation treatment only by methods of therapeutic exercises. Overall effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated using the Majeed score.CONCLUSION. Early use of therapeutic exercises in combination with mechanical therapy and electrical stimulation in patients operated on for unstable pelvic ring injuries, helps reduce pain syndrome, shortens the period of bed rest from 17.5 to 7.6 days and the duration of hospital stay from 46.1 to 35.2 days. At the same time, the 14.1% increase of excellent and good functional outcomes based on Majeed score is registered.

The article offers information on how dysfunction of a mechanosensor in sensory neurons causes joint contracture. Topics include information on arthrogryposis, which is a condition that is characterized by limitation in the range of joint movement owing to shortening of connective tissue, tendon, or muscle; how perception of sensory stimulus change; and how mechanical force affects the conformation of ion channels and opens a pore that allows ions to cross the cell membranes.

The purpose of the paper is to prove the efficacy of a kinesitherapeutic program intherecovery of a patient with trimalleolar fractureofthe left lower limb.We present a 42-year-old patient with a trimalleolar fracture and paresis of n. peroneus communis. Kinesitherapy was performed after thirteen weeks of surgery for ten consecutive days. The kinesitherapeuticmeans included: cryotherapy, lymphatic drainage massage, isometric contractions for the femur muscles, active exercises with and without resistance, active exercises with and on gymnastic apparatuses, post-isometric relaxation for the sciatic musculature and m. triceps surai, training in walking.As a result of the kinesitherapeutic exercises, the ankle swelling decreased.The volume of movement increased, pain was reduced as well as the muscle spasm in the ankle joint. The gait improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is dedicated to an urgent issue of modern pediatrics and neurology — complex treatment of stroke consequences in children. The article details etiological aspects, pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical peculiarities of stroke consequences in children, the primary among which are asthenic syndrome (73–86% of the patients), movement disorders (33–58%), cognitive disorders (60%), paroxysmal conditions (30%), sensory disorders (14%), emotional-volitional and behavioral disorders (17–38%), vegetative dysfunction syndrome (60–74%), pain syndrome (53–74%) and syncopal conditions (12%). The article details the main spheres of complex rehabilitation of children with stroke consequences, including use of innovative medical rehabilitation technologies — kinesitherapy, dynamic proprioceptive correction, mechanotherapy using robotic systems, physiotherapy and drug correction. The article demonstrates that diagnosis and treatment of stroke consequences in children is a difficult problem, which requires a differential complex approach in order to improve effectiveness of both drug therapy and rehabilitation and quality of life of the patients.

Over the past 2 decades, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as the root cause of cancer occurrence, progression, chemoradioresistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Targeting CSCs is a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer management and treatment. Liver cancer (LC) is a malignant disease that can endanger human health. Studies are increasingly suggesting that changes in the liver mechanical microenvironment are a primary driver triggering the occurrence and development of liver cancer. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the roles of the liver mechano-microenvironment and liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) in liver cancer progression. We also discuss the relationship between the mechanical heterogeneity of liver cancer tissues and LCSC recruitment and metastasis. Finally, we highlight potential mechanosensitive molecules in LCSCs and mechanotherapy in liver cancer. Understanding the roles and regulatory mechanisms of the mechano-microenvironment and LCSCs may provide fundamental insights into liver cancer progression and aid in further development of novel therapeutic strategies., Competing Interests: No potential conflicts of interest are disclosed., (Copyright © 2023 Cancer Biology & Medicine.)

Brain stroke is a severely debilitating disorder leading to long-term loss of employability and self-service. Due to the social importance of the disease, the aim of the paper is to inform the readers with the applications of kinesitherapeutic and ergotherapeutic methods, making possible the reciperation and resocialization of the ill. Physicaltherapy and rehabilitation, and mostly kinesitherapy, are of the utmost importance for optimal functional recovery and the achievement of the maximum possible independence for a better quality of life for patients suffering from stroke. The goal of kinesitherapeutic treatment is to maximize recovery of affected limbs, achieve autonomy and independence in everyday life. The kinesitherapeutic means during the main recovery period include massage, passive exercises, inhibitory positions, posotonics exercises consisting of passive echoing of the patient, stimulation of the reflex posture, active analytical exercises for the unaffected limbs. The labor process for patients with hemiparesis should allow the suppression of primitive motoric circuits and facilitate and control active movements. Ergotherapeutic and art-therapeutic activities occupyan important place in the the complex rehabilitation process. The main tasks of ergotherapy in stroke patients are aimed at restoring motor functions, stimulating mental and memory abilities, developing psychic processes - perception, thinking, attention and training in everyday life activities to support the social reintegration of patients who have suffered from brain strokes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commonly used classifiers for pattern recognition of human motion, like backpropagation neural network (BPNN) and support vector machine (SVM), usually implement the classification by extracting some hand-crafted features from the human biological signals. These features generally require the domain knowledge for researchers to be designed and take a long time to be tested and selected for high classification performance. In contrast, convolutional neural network (CNN), which has been widely applied to computer vision, can learn to automatically extract features from the training data by means of convolution and subsampling, but CNN training usually requires large sample data and has the overfitting problem. On the other hand, SVM has good generalization ability and can solve the small sample problem. Therefore, we proposed a CNN-SVM combined model to make use of their advantages. In this paper, we detected 4-channel mechanomyography (MMG) signals from the thigh muscles and fed them in the form of time series signals to the CNN-SVM combined model for the pattern recognition of knee motion. Compared with the common classifier performing the classification with hand-crafted features, the CNN-SVM combined model could automatically extract features using CNN, and better improved the generalization ability of CNN and the classification accuracy by means of combining the SVM. This study would provide reference for human motion recognition using other time series signals and further expand the application fields of CNN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]