Ana-Maria Vutan

(1) Background: Scoliosis affects about 3% of the population and the number of children diagnosed with this condition is increasing. Numerous studies have been conducted in recent years to observe the effectiveness of rehabilitation specific exercises for this condition. In the present study we aim to observe if symmetrical exercises activate the back muscles in the same way in the case of children with mild scoliosis and those without postural deviations; (2) Methods: We used the thermal imaging camera, which allows a non-invasive, painless investigation that provides real-time information about muscle activity. The study qualitatively assessed muscle activation during exercises. In this study, 30 children were divided into two groups: 15 children diagnosed with mild scoliosis and 15 children without postural deviations; (3) Results: Acquisition of images after each exercise revealed an imbalance in the functioning of the back muscles in children with scoliosis, with areas of higher temperature after exercise on the convexity side of the scoliotic curve. In the second experiment in which children with scoliosis performed the required exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist, they showed a symmetrical activation of the back muscles on the right and left side of the back; (4) Conclusions: In children without postural deviations, symmetrical exercises activate the muscles equally on the right and left sides of the back. In the case of children with scoliosis, the symmetrical exercises indicated in the rehabilitation programs should be performed only under the supervision of a physiotherapist to properly activate the back muscles.

Introduction: More and more young people with low back pain address family doctors or orthopaedists, being subsequently directed to the medical rehabilitation centres. Recent studies have shown that the medication only, prescribed in these cases, is not sufficient for the complete reintegration of these people into the workplace and into society. Physical exercises play an important role in the rehabilitation of these subjects. Aim: We conducted this study starting from the hypothesis that regular exercise can reduce pain and improve the well-being of patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation. Methods: The study was conducted at the “Politehnica” University of Timisoara within the Department of Physical Education and Sports, between September and November 2019. Ten subjects diagnosed (both clinically and by imaging) with lumbar disc herniation were included in the study. All patients followed an exercise program 3 times a week, for 90 days. As evaluation methods we used: the subjective pain evaluation scale (VAS scale) and the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ). Results: All the parameters followed in this study were improved following the application of the physical exercise program (muscle stretching, toning of the back and abdomen muscles, and as a result of the correct implementation of the notions of ergonomics at work and at home). In conclusion, we consider it is necessary to implement a protocol of exercises performed regularly for a long period in the case of patients with lumbar pain secondary to disc herniation.

Fractures of the proximal humerus account for 4% to 5% cases out of all fractures, and about 85% of them are minimally displaced. The purpose of the study was to observe the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic methods used in the proximal fractures of the humerus. Material and method: the research was performed on a group of 13 patients who have been orthopedically treated for fractures at the proximal end of the humerus. Five subjects followed the TECAR therapy and physical exercise, and eight subjects followed classical physiotherapy and physical exercise. The evaluations have been performed at the beginning of the recovery, after 14 days, after 28 days and after 42 days of treatment. Pain intensity (VAS score), joint amplitude (goniometry), muscle strength and functionality (the PENN questionnaire) were assessed in all patients. The results of the evaluations showed a decrease in pain, after the first 14 days, especially for the patients who underwent the Tecar therapy. Also, the results showed that the patients with surgical neck fractures had the best evolution in cases of goniometry evaluation, compared to the rest of the patients. In conclusion, physical therapies for proximal humerus fractures play an important role in the recovery and reintegration of the patients into family and at work.