Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to expose the ability of neurophysiotherapeutic management to reduce spasticity through a modified Ashworth Scale. Methods: The sample, consisting of 102 subjects divided into control and study groups, was selected from an initial pool of N = 1007 patients diagnosed with stroke by a neurosurgeon that was later confirmed with imaging (MRI, CT). The study scheme included statistical differentiation between the study and control groups before and after applying specific rehabilitation programs and statistical differentiation within these groups before and after their rehabilitation procedures. Results: The results of this study revealed statistically significant improvements in reducing spasticity, as assessed by the Ashworth scale, within the group that participated in the neurorehabilitation program. It also confirmed that using neurophysiological methods is a highly effective approach to managing spasticity in post-stroke patients. Conclusions: Using neurophysiological methods in the standard physiotherapy treatment of spasticity is very effective for managing post-stroke spasticity.
Background and Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which gait and balance disturbances substantially increase the risk of falls and loss of independence. Pharmacological treatment alleviates several motor symptoms but has limited effects on postural instability. Backward walking (BW), a demanding locomotor task, has recently been investigated as both an assessment tool and a rehabilitation strategy in PD. The purpose of this focused systematic review is to analyse the benefits and limitations of retro walking in relation to the gait parameters and balance control of PD patients. Materials and Methods: A structured literature search (2015–2025) was conducted across multiple databases in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Eligibility criteria, screening procedures, and qualitative synthesis methods were predefined. Nine studies (including two randomized controlled trials) met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using PEDro and ROBINS-I tools, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Results: The research results indicate within-group improvements in balance and gait parameters following BW training. Some of the included studies also suggest that BW may be a sensitive marker of balance deficits and fall risk. However, the evidence is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity of interventions, and a predominance of non-randomized designs. Conclusions: Current evidence regarding BW in PD remains preliminary. While BW may be considered as a supplementary component of rehabilitation, its specific efficacy cannot be clearly distinguished from general exercise effects. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up are required.
Background: Statistics show that the number of patients suffering from stroke and living with disability as a result has increased significantly worldwide between 1990 and 2021. This implies the necessity of continuous improvement of both treatment methods and rehabilitation, which is essential in the treatment process. According to the International Classification of Functioning (ICF), as many as 88% of patients do not regain functionality in their affected upper limbs six months after a vascular incident, which negatively affects their quality of life. Upper limb rehabilitation using robots is a progressive approach to restoring not only lost limb function, but above all, independence in activities of daily living. Aim of the study: The aim of this review is to determine the actual effects of rehabilitation using various robots in patients after cerebrovascular accidents and to compare these effects with those achieved by patients who participated in a non-robotic rehabilitation program. Methods: Studies published between 2019 and 2025 were included in the analysis. The analysis was written according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Results: Studies have shown improvement in upper limb function in patients exercising both with and without the use of a robot, but statistical data clearly show better results in patients undergoing therapy with robots. Conclusions: Studies have shown that the use of a rehabilitation program involving robots brings measurable improvements in many different aspects of upper limb function, and evidence confirming the effectiveness of this therapy encourages further research, refinement, and dissemination of this method and technology.
Background: A comprehensive physical therapy process includes prevention against musculoskeletal overload syndromes. Monitoring the occurrence of motor control disorders is one of the tools for preventing overload syndromes of the musculoskeletal system and consequent injuries. Assessing motor control and preventive actions can contribute to minimizing the risk of a soldier being removed from duty, reducing the likelihood of injury and thus preventing job loss. The aim of the study was to evaluate directional control of the lumbar spine using the dissociation tests included in the Kinetic Control physiotherapy method. This physiotherapeutic method is used to identify and assess the occurrence and therapy of motor control disorders, including uncontrolled movement in the locomotor system. Methods: Twenty-three soldiers (40.26 ± 4.5 age) from special units of the Polish Armed Forces were qualified for a one-time assessment. The research methods included the evaluation of motor control using dissociation tests based on the physiological method of kinetic control. The control of the lumbar spine in the directions of flexion, extension, and rotation during hip joint movements was evaluated. Uncontrolled movement was understood as the inability to maintain a stationary lumbar spine in a neutral position during specific directions of hip joint movement included in the tests. Results: The survey showed that the area of pain reported by the operators was the lumbar spine in the last three months. 69.57% of the respondents indicated that this area was the site of their complaints. The results of the motor examination showed statistically significant test results (p-value < 0.0001) indicating the presence of motor control disorders in the form of uncontrolled movement of the lumbar spine in control tests for flexion, rotation, and extension. Conclusions: The main results of the present study showed the appearance of interference with the functional movement patterns of the lumbar spine in a group of special unit operators. Impaired control of movement was observed in the direction of flexion, rotation, and lumbar extension, which may be potentially associated with the generation of lumbar spine pain syndromes.