George Sebastian Iacob

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSKUS) is increasingly used to assess masticatory-muscle morphology and mechanical properties, but its clinical interpretability in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and bruxism remains uncertain. We systematically reviewed quantitative B-mode, elastographic, functional, diagnostic, and measurement-property evidence. The final pre-submission search combined PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection, with supplementary discovery in Europe PMC and Lens, through 20 August 2026 (PROSPERO CRD420261481058). Random-effects meta-analyses used restricted maximum likelihood (REML) with Hartung-Knapp inference. Resting masseter thickness showed no consistent case-control difference (k=14; MD -0.19 mm, 95% CI -0.78 to 0.40; I²=88.9%), nor did contracted masseter thickness (k=11; MD -0.06 mm, 95% CI -1.16 to 1.03; I²=95.9%). Anterior temporalis thickness remained inconclusive at rest (k=5; MD 0.33 mm, 95% CI -0.59 to 1.25; I²=83.4%) and during contraction (k=5; MD -0.05 mm, 95% CI -1.59 to 1.49; I²=94.5%). Resting masseter stiffness measured by shear-wave elastography remained higher in clinical/bruxism groups (k=4; Hedges' g 1.80, 95% CI 0.15 to 3.44; I²=83.5%). Certainty was very low for all pooled outcomes. MSKUS is currently better supported for adjunctive phenotyping and longitudinal monitoring than as a stand-alone diagnostic test.

Purpose. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of dry needling (DN), shockwave therapy (SW), and conventional physiotherapy in managing trigger points (MTrP) related cervical pain. Material & Methods. A randomized controlled trial included 99 patients (mean age 35.6±10.2 years) allocated to three intervention groups: (1) standard physiotherapy with DN, (2) standard physiotherapy alone, and (3) standard physiotherapy with shock wave (SW). Treatments were applied over 5 weeks (10 sessions). Outcomes measured pre- and post-treatment included the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS), neck disability index (NDI), neck flexor and extensor strength, and cervical ROM (flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion). Statistical analysis was performed using ANCOVA and MANCOVA. Results. There were clear differences between treatments (Wilks' λ=0.09, F=17.54, p<0.001, η²=0.70). Dry needling reduced NDI scores the most (p=0.023 vs standard physiotherapy; p=0.036 vs SW) and improved lateral flexion to both sides (p<0.001). Shockwave therapy (SW) gave the biggest increase in neck flexor strength (79.75; p<0.001) and improved extension and rotation ROM, while standard physiotherapy had the highest extensor strength (95.28). PCS scores improved in all groups, with no significant differences. Conclusions. All interventions reduced pain and improved function, with DN (Dry Needling) showing greater effects on reducing neck disability index and lateral flexion, and SW (shock wave) enhancing muscle strength and extension ROM.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), significantly impairs postural control and increases fall risk due to sensory and motor nerve dysfunction. While conventional rehabilitation is widely used, the effectiveness of technology-assisted balance training remains underexplored. This quasi-experimental study aimed to compare the impact of Biodex Balance System (BBS)-based training versus traditional exercises on balance and coordination in patients with DPN. Thirty patients with T2DM and clinically confirmed DPN were allocated into two groups (n = 15 per group): the intervention group (BBS training) and the control group (traditional exercises). Both groups trained for 8 weeks. Static balance was assessed using stability indices and clinical balance tests. Statistical analysis included paired and independent t-tests, Shapiro–Wilk tests for normality, and Cohen’s d for effect size. The BBS group demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all balance measures compared to the control group. For the most challenging condition (unstable surface, eyes closed), the mean balance index improved by 0.66° (p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 14.25). Substantial improvements were also observed for the stable surface (eyes open: Δ = 0.34°, p < 0.001, d = 4.01) and unstable surface (eyes open: Δ = 0.23°, p < 0.001, d = 7.46). Control group gains were modest and less consistent. Balance training using the Biodex Balance System significantly enhances static balance and postural control in patients with diabetic neuropathy, outperforming traditional rehabilitation methods. These findings support integrating the BBS into structured diabetic care programs to reduce fall risk and improve functional stability.

Although myofascial release techniques (MRTs) are commonly used to improve athletes’ range of motion (ROM), the effectiveness of MRTs may vary depending on the specific method performed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of MRTs on the ROM performance of athletes. (2) Methods: The electronic databases of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant articles published up to June 2023. This study utilized the PRISMA guidelines, and four databases were searched. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the certainty of evidence was reported using the GRADE scale. The overall effect size was calculated using the robust variance estimator, and subgroup analyses were conducted using the Hotelling Zhang test. (3) Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall effect size results indicated that the myofascial release intervention had a moderate effect on ROM performance in athletes when compared to the active or passive control groups. (4) Conclusions: Alternative MRTs, such as myofascial trigger point therapy, can further improve the ROM performance of athletes. Gender, duration of intervention, and joint type may have a moderating effect on the effectiveness of MRTs.

Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are the gold standard for diagnosing herniated discs, there are many limitations to accessing MRI scanning devices in practice. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between functional tests (the visual analog scale (VAS), the SLUMP test, the Sciatica Bothersomeness Index (SBI), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the LASEGUE test and MRI findings (LSA, IVDH L4-L5, IVDH L5-S1, DHS L4-L5, and DHS L5-S1) in patients diagnosed with disc herniation. Seventy-eight patients who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Radiologists and neurologists evaluated patients with disc herniation. After the disc hernia diagnosis, the patients were referred to a physical therapist for conservative management of the disk hernia. The physical therapists assessed the pain level and performed functional tests on patients. All statistical analyses were performed using R (Core Team) software. The correlation between the measured variables was conducted using the Pearson and Spearman tests. The study results indicated statistically significant correlations between DHS L4-L5 vertebral level and functional tests (VAS: r = 0.49, p = 0.00; SBI: r = 0.44, p = 0.00; ODI: r = 0.49, p = 0.00; LASEGUE: r = −0.48, p = 0.00; SLUMP: r = 0.50, p = 0.00). In conclusion, physiotherapists may prefer functional tests to diagnose the herniated disc, and these functional tests may contribute to performing evidence-based assessments.

Introduction: A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that help hold your ankle bones together. The incidence of training injuries is almost constant for players between the ages of 13 and 19, with the majority of injuries ranging from 1 to 5 injuries per 1,000 hours of training, while younger players have lower incidences. The incidence of injuries during the match tends to increase with age, in all age groups, with an average incidence of about 15 to 20 injuries per 1,000 hours of play in players over 15 years of age. Objective: The aim of this study is to verify the efectiveness of an individualized kinetic program in association with myofascial techniques. Methods: The myofascial techniques used are IASTM (Ergon therapy), dry needling, cupping and kinesiotaping. In this study a 18 years old football player was included. The evaluation was performed by the Biodex (for the muscle strength) and lunge test (for the range of motion). Results: After a month o treatment, our patient improved his strength and range of motion. Conclusion: Studies have shown that these techniques of myofascial release provide a huge effectiveness on the flexibility of the muscles, having even much more efficacy than stretching. Using myofascial techniques, has a much quicker result on the recuperation of the ankle sprain offering a great efficacy on the total recuperation of the pacient. Article history: Received 2022 October 09; Revised 2022 October 20; Accepted 2022 October 21; Available online 2022 November 20; Available print 2022 December 20. REZUMAT. Aspecte privind recuperarea entorsei de gleznă prin tehnici miofasciale. Introducere: O entorsă a gleznei este o leziune care apare atunci când vă rostogoliți, răsuciți sau întoarceți glezna într-un mod neobișnuit. Acest lucru poate întinde sau rupe benzile dure de țesut (ligamente) care ajută la menținerea oaselor gleznei împreună. Incidența accidentărilor la antrenament este aproape constantă pentru jucătorii cu vârste cuprinse între 13 și 19 ani, majoritatea accidentărilor variind de la 1 la 5 accidentări la 1.000 de ore de antrenament, în timp ce la jucătorii mai tineri incidența este mai scăzută. Incidența accidentărilor în timpul meciului tinde să crească odată cu vârsta, la toate grupele de vârstă, cu o incidență medie de aproximativ 15 până la 20 de accidentări la 1.000 de ore de joc la jucătorii de peste 15 ani. Obiective: Scopul acestui studiu este de a verifica eficacitatea unui program kinetic individualizat în asociere cu tehnici miofasciale. Metode: Tehnicile miofasciale utilizate sunt IASTM (Ergon therapy), dry needling, cupping și kinesiotaping. În acest studiu a fost inclus un jucător de fotbal în vârstă de 18 ani. Evaluarea a fost efectuată cu Biodex (pentru forța musculară) și testul fandare (pentru amplitudinea de mișcare). Rezultate: După o lună de tratament, pacientul și-a îmbunătățit forța și amplitudine de mișcare. Concluzii: Studiile au arătat că aceste tehnici de eliberare miofascială oferă o eficiență uriașă asupra flexibilității mușchilor, având chiar mai multă eficacitate decât stretching-ul. Utilizarea tehnicilor miofasciale are un rezultat mult mai rapid la recuperarea entorsei gleznei oferind o mare eficacitate asupra recuperării totale a pacientului. Cuvinte cheie: terapie manuală, recuperare, entorsă de gleznă.