Effect of Laser Irradiation at Different Wavelengths (940, 808, and 658 nm) on Pressure Ulcer Healing: Results from a Clinical Study

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of laser therapy (at different wavelengths: 940, 808, and 658 nm) for treating pressure ulcers. The primary endpoint in this trial included both the percentage reduction of the ulcer surface area and the percentage of completely healed wounds after one month of therapy (ulcer healing rate). The secondary endpoint was the ulcer healing rate at the follow-up evaluation (3 months after the end of the study). In total, 72 patients with stage II and III pressure ulcers received laser therapy once daily, 5 times per week for 1 month using a (GaAlAs) diode laser with a maximum output power of 50 mW and continuous radiation emission. Three separate wavelengths were used for the laser treatment: 940 nm (group I), 808 nm (group II), and 658 nm (group III). An average dose of 4 J/cm2 was applied. In group IV, a placebo was applied (laser device was turned off). The laser therapy at a wavelength of 658 nm appeared to be effective at healing pressure ulcers. The wavelengths of 808 and 940 nm did not have any effect in our study

The attempt of objective evaluation of the lower leg classical massage effects - three cases report

Masaż klasyczny należy do często stosowanych zabiegów fizjoterapeutycznych. W literaturze można znaleźć wiele doniesień na temat terapeutycznych efektów masażu, zarówno na poziomie miejscowym (lokalnym), jak i ogólnoustrojowym (globalnym). Korzystne oddziaływanie wykazano również w sferze psychiki pacjenta. Jednak wiele efektów ma charakter subiektywny, co znacznie utrudnia wiarygodną ocenę kliniczną w procesie leczenia. W pracy dokonano analizy efektów masażu na podstawie pomiarów fizjologicznych wybranych parametrów, badań elektromiograficznych i termograficznych.The classical massage is an important method of physiotherapy. Therapeutic effects are observed locally, as well as on systemic level (globally). The massage has beneficial influence on the psychical sphere, too. However, there not many reports on objective evaluation of massage effects. In this paper, the massage effects were examined by analysis of chosen physiological, electromyographic and termoghraphic measurements

Dry Needling with the Use of FRSc Technique in Addition to Standard Rehabilitation Program for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Both PROMs and Measurement Tools

Joanna Rajfur,1 Katarzyna Rajfur,1 Tomasz Matusz,1 Maria Malarska,2 Karolina Walewicz,3 Kuba Ptaszkowski,4 Robert Dymarek,4 Jakub Taradaj5 1Institute of Health Sciences, University of Opole, Opole, 45-040, Poland; 2Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, 90-419, Poland; 3Department of Physiotherapy, Jan Grodek State University, Sanok, 38-500, Poland; 4Department of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, 50-368, Poland; 5Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, 40-065, PolandCorrespondence: Joanna Rajfur, Institute of Health Sciences, University of Opole, Katowicka 68, Opole, 46-020, Poland, Tel +48 506 202 372, Email [email protected]: Dry needling (DN) has gained popularity for musculoskeletal conditions, but its commercial use often surpasses scientific evidence. The novel Five Regulatory Systems Concept (FRSc) of DN shows potential therapeutic mechanisms, including chronic low back pain (LBP). However, rigorous clinical assessment with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and objective measures are necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of DN according to pain levels, postural control and selected gait parameters in patients with chronic LBP.Patients and Methods: This prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled study involved 30 patients with LBP allocated in the experimental (n=15, rehabilitation+ FRSc DN) or control group (n=15, rehabilitation + sham DN). The Roland-Morris questionnaire (RMQ) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used as PROMs. Moreover, the posturography method for posture and balance control and the treadmill for gait analysis were used as objective tools. Measurements were taken before and immediately after the intervention and during 1- and 3-month follow up.Results: There was a statistically significantly greater improvement in the RMQ in the experimental group compared to the controls (p=0.923 before and p< 0.001 after treatment, as well as p< 0.001 after 1 and 3 months). Despite the favorable analgesic effect, a significant advantage of the experimental group over the controls in this respect is worth noting (p=0.001 in favor of DN in all intergroup comparisons concerning results from the subjective assessment of pain (VAS). A statistically insignificant post-treatment improvement in balance and postural stability was noted in both groups, although the effects appeared to be short-term. Surprisingly, again, DN had no advantage over sham interventions. In both groups, all changes in the swing phase were statistically insignificant (p=0.201 for the dominant and p=0.283 for the non-dominant side) for the initial swing phase. In both groups, all changes in the stance phase were statistically insignificant (p=0.480 for the dominant and p=0.410 for the non-dominant side of the body).Conclusion: DN based on the FRSc appears promising as an effective adjunct to standard rehabilitation for LBP, showing improvements in functional performance and pain reduction.Keywords: low back pain, dry needling, rehabilitation, postural control, gait analysi

Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Pilot Study

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of Kinesiology Taping (KT) for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema. Sixty-five women with unilateral stage II and III lymphedema were randomly grouped into the KT group (K-tapes, n=20), the Quasi KT group (quasi K-tapes, n=22), or the MCT group (multilayered compression therapy group, n=23). Skin care, 45 min pneumatic compression therapy, 1 h manual lymphatic drainage, and application of K-tape/Quasi K-tapes/multilayered short-stretch bandages were given every treatment session, 3 times per week for 1 month. Patient evaluation items included limb size and percentage edema. Comparing the changes in K-tapes with quasi K-tapes changes, there were no significant differences (P>0.05). The edema reduction of multilayered bandages was much better than in results observed in taping groups. The KT appeared to be ineffective at secondary lymphedema after breast cancer treatment. The single-blind, controlled pilot study results suggest that K-tape could not replace the bandage, and at this moment it must not be an alternative choice for the breast cancer-related lymphedema patient. The trial is registered with ACTRN12613001173785

Research from Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries will Benefit Global Health and the Physiotherapy Profession, but it Requires Support

Disparities in research publications are common in the physiotherapy and rehabilitation fields.^1^ A small proportion of published research arises from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs),^1,2^ home to 85% of the world’s population. Systems-level, institutional-level, and individual-level factors contribute to these disparities. With urgent and unified actions, global health and the standard of physiotherapy research in LMICs can be improved and strengthened. In this editorial, we will discuss the challenges encountered by researchers from LMICs in conducting and publishing high-quality research and propose potential strategies to address these challenges