Diagnostic investigation can be carried out using non-radiological and non-contact methods. Moiré topography (MT) seems to be a viable alternative to radiographic research in evaluating the spine and/or trunk deviations. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the current knowledge regarding the reliability and validity of Moiré topography as a screening and diagnostic tool. The systematic review was performed from 2010 until March 2021 in the PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, according to the eligibility criteria. This review fulfilled the following criteria according to the PICO system: population (children and adolescents), intervention (MT measurement), comparison (repeated MT measurements, MT compared to Cobb angle or scoliometer), outcome (reliability and validity of MT). Eight studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria for further analysis. All the studies were assessed to be of high quality. Included studies found that MT had high repeatability and high intraobserver and interobserver correlation, and correlation between MT parameters and radiographic Cobb angle ranged from moderate to high. The authors reported difficulty in defining the cut-off values for MT parameter (Surface Trunk Rotation—STR), and unsatisfactory sensitivity and specificity of MT examination. The studies did not reveal the advantage of MT as a screening method in the detection of idiopathic scoliosis in comparison to radiograph. Based on the evidence from eight studies, the results indicated moderate evidence for reliability and validity of Moiré topography as a screening and diagnostic tool. There is still no strong evidence for the accuracy of MT.

The most common symptoms of post-COVID-19 condition in children are fatigue, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, and weakness. The post-COVID-19 condition in children can be very debilitating and lead to prolonged school absences, high morbidity, and limitations in daily functioning. The aim of this research project is to determine the effectiveness of land-based and water-based exercise interventions on exercise capacity, fatigue, health-related quality of life, and pulmonary function in children with post-COVID-19 condition. This study is a prospective randomized controlled study with pre- and post-intervention assessment. Participants will be recruited from Warsaw’s primary schools and primary healthcare units according to the inclusion criteria: (i) symptoms of post-COVID-19 condition lasting more than one month following initial COVID-19 infection confirmed by the diagnosis by general practitioner (including obligatory fatigue and shortness of breath/respiratory problems); (ii) age 10–12 years old. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomized to one of three groups: water-based exercise, land-based exercise, or control (no exercise). We hope this study will provide guidance for long-COVID-19 rehabilitation in children.

Introduction: Stretching exercises are important in both the prevention and treatment of nonspecific low back pain (NLBP). The aim of this trial was to determine whether an 8-week active hamstring stretching protocol combined with core stabilization and education regarding the maintenance of a neutral lumbar spine during activities could reduce NLBP and low back discomfort during prolonged sitting among young people. Methods: Participants (52 students aged 18–25) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the Experimental group (the hamstring stretching group) and the Control group (only education). The intervention was conducted for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measures were pain intensity (VAS), low back discomfort (LBD), and functional disability (ODI). The secondary outcome measures were satisfaction with the intervention (GPE) and flexibility of the hamstring (SLR). Results: After the 8-week intervention in the E-group, results of VAS, ODI, and LBD were significantly lower comparing to baseline. In the C-group, no significant differences were observed. After the exercises program, there were differences between the E-group and C-group in VAS, LBD, GPE, and SLR tests (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: In conclusion, our study provides compelling evidence that an eight-week program of active hamstring stretching and core stabilization exercises can significantly reduce NLBP and musculoskeletal discomfort during prolonged sitting in young adults. These findings highlight the importance of targeted exercise interventions in managing and preventing NLBP, particularly among sedentary populations. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore their applicability to broader populations and over extended periods.

Introduction: Physical activity is defined as every movement performed by skeletal muscles above resting metabolic rate. It is important for children and youth as it contributes to appropriate emotional, social and somatic development. It may be limited by developmental disorders, diseases and disabilities. The aim of the work was to review the literature regarding physical activity of children and youth with motor disabilities. Material and methods: The literature review was performed with the use of EBSCO and PubMed databases. The study inclusion criteria were as follows: publication in the English, Spanish or Polish language (1), abstract and/or title of the work included phrases “physical activity“ and “children” and “disability” or “children with disabilities” and “fitness” and “activity” or “performance” and “children with disabilities” and “physical activity” (2), the work was published in the years 2011-2018 (3), it is available as a full-text article (4) and it comes from a scientific journal (5). Results: As a result of the literature review, 516 articles were found, out of which 66 were found in EBSCO and 450 in PubMed. Ultimately, 35 papers which fulfilled the inclusion criteria (27 original articles and 8 reviews) were qualified for the study. Conclusions: Persons with disabilities take up any forms of physical activity considerably less frequently than functionally fit individuals. Barriers which hinder taking up physical activity by children with disabilities are constituted mainly by environmental, psychological and physical factors. In order to assess physical activity of children and youth with disabilities, accelerometers, endurance tests, participation and quality of life questionnaires and interviews are applied most frequently.

Background: The aim of this study was to describe changes in selected parameters of body posture in children between 5 and 9 years old with diversified somatic structures. Methods: The study was carried out in 2015 and then repeated in 2018 among 67 participants who had previously been observed to have scoliotic posture. Basic body weight and height measurements were taken, which were then used to calculate the body mass index. Posture tests were conducted using the photogrammetric method. Results: Girls and boys were not significantly different in body dimensions. With age, the number of overweight boys and children with normal growth-weight proportions increased. Temporary differences in posture variables indicating abnormalities were small. Conclusions: There were no significant differences in somatic parameters between the girls and the boys. Those children with a slender body structure had the most abnormalities in the coronal plane. On the other hand, changes in spinal position in the sagittal plane were more frequent in overweight children. Relations were noted between the compensation index in the sagittal plane and deviation of the trunk inclination, the maximum deviation of the line of the spinous processes, and the angle of the shoulder line in the coronal plane and body mass index values were noted.

IntroductionEvery end-range position maintained for a prolonged time causes a static load on the spine and may lead to musculoskeletal discomfort. Prolonged flexed sitting is a strong predictor of low back pain (LBP). The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Active Break program, implemented among young people, in reducing perceived low back pain and discomfort, as well as associated disability level resulting from prolonged sitting.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted among young people with non-specific LBP. Participants were randomized into groups: an experimental group participating in the tested Active Break intervention (AB-group, n = 25), and a control group (C-group, n = 25) with self-administered care recommendations. The program took 12 weeks. The outcomes were average pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), disability (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI), perceived low back discomfort (LBD) during prolonged sitting (Borg scale), and global perceived improvement (Global Perceived Effect, GPE).ResultsVAS, ODI, and LBD scores after the 12-week intervention were significantly lower than those at baseline in the AB-group. In the C-group, differences were not statistically significant. Post-intervention inter-group VAS, LBD, and GPE differences were significant.ConclusionsThe 12-week study of the Active Break intervention for young people with non-specific low back pain demonstrated significant improvement. Our research offers valuable evidence-based practices for managing and preventing low back pain, benefiting individuals, educators, healthcare professionals, personal trainers, and family physicians.Trial registrationThe study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT05810519], registration date: 31/03/2023.