The purpose of the paper is a functional assessment of post-mastectomy patients who underwent latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction (LDBR), and of healthy women, through an analysis of selected muscle function parameters, including motor control assessment. Twenty participants were included in the study (ten LDBR-procedure individuals and ten healthy controls). The research consisted of a DASH (The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire assessment, shoulder area static assessment, shoulder mobility assessment, latissimus dorsi flexibility assessment and shoulder motor control assessment. LDBR-procedure individuals—when compared to healthy controls—exhibited a decrease in physical aspects of quality of life, shoulder area postural alterations, limitations in shoulder mobility and decrease in shoulder motor control. LDBR procedure may have an influence on limiting shoulder active mobility, as well as on decrease of shoulder motor and postural control. Standard functional assessment diversified on motor control assessment of post-mastectomy patients qualified for the LDBR procedure seems to be necessary.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with chronic microvascular complications such as neuropathy. The most frequent is diabetic pe-ripheral neuropathy (DPN) which is related to chronic disability and decrease in quality of life. Alterations in postural control, gait per-formance, and muscle...

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.