Rafal Studnicki

Dr. Rafal Studnicki

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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31 May 2021 in Healthcare
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POPaulina Ostrowska
Paulina Ostrowska
MŚMaciej Śliwiński
Maciej Śliwiński
RSRafal Studnicki
Rafal Studnicki
RHRITA HANSDORFER-KORZON
RITA HANSDORFER-KORZON
(1) Background: Due to the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, rehabilitation centres have become less available for neurological patients. This is the result of efforts to physically distance society, to try to slow the spread of the pathogen. Health care facilities were mainly restricted to urgent cases, while most physiotherapy treatments, mainly for patients with chronic conditions, were suspended. Some countries have seen a reduction in acute stroke hospital admissions of from 50% to 80%. One solution to the above problem is the use of telerehabilitation in the home environment as an alternative to inpatient rehabilitation. (2) Aim of the study: The purpose of this review is to analyse the benefits and limitations of teletherapy in relation to the functional condition of post-stroke patients. (3) Methods: Selected publications from 2019 to 2021 on the telerehabilitation of stroke patients were reviewed. The review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist. (4) Results: Studies have proven that teletherapy significantly improves the functional condition of post-stroke patients, resulting in improved quality of life and faster return to independence (while maintaining maximum possible precautions related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic). (5) Conclusions: Analysis of the study results showed comparable effectiveness of rehabilitation in the tele system to inpatient therapy. However, it should be emphasised that patients undergoing telerehabilitation must meet strict conditions to be eligible for this type of treatment program. However, the strength of the evidence itself supporting the effectiveness of this method ranks low due to the limited number of randomised control trials (RCT), small number of participants, and heterogeneous trials.

13 July 2024 in Applied Sciences
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WNWeronika Naderza
Weronika Naderza
Bartłomiej NiespodzińskiBartłomiej Niespodziński
Bartłomiej Niespodziński
RSRafal Studnicki
Rafal Studnicki
Background: Accumulated training shots throughout a session may induce changes in electromyography (EMG) parameters of the primary muscles involved in movement in archery athletes. Thus, the aim of this study was two-fold: (i) analyze the impact of 50 and 100 archery shots on a single session on the EMG parameters of trained archery athletes; and (ii) explore the effects of training routines of the athletes to cope with fatigue induced by the accumulated shots on the EMG parameters. Methods: They were divided into two groups: those who regularly performed ≤100 shots per training session (n = 13) and those who performed >100 shots per session (n = 7). The participants were exposed to a condition involving 100 archery shots, with measurements taken at baseline, after 50, and after 100 shots. EMG was used to measure the electric potential of the deltoid (middle and posterior), trapezius (upper, middle, and lower), and infraspinatus during isometric contraction. The collected outcomes included the mean and maximal amplitude of EMG root mean square (EMGRMS, µV) and the median frequency of the raw surface EMG signal power spectrum (EMGMED, Hz). Results: The results showed significant differences for most of the analyzed muscles analyzed, specifically in the deltoid, infraspinatus, and trapezius (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study suggests that in most of the muscles analyzed, EMG parameters—particularly mean and maximal EMGRMS—tend to increase from baseline to 50 shots, with significant declines observed after 100 shots, indicating muscle fatigue. The training routines of the athletes do not appear to significantly influence their response to fatigue conditions.

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KSKarolina Studzińska
Karolina Studzińska
Piotr WazPiotr Waz
Piotr Waz
AFAnna Frankiewicz
Anna Frankiewicz
ISIwona Stopczyńska
Iwona Stopczyńska
RSRafal Studnicki
Rafal Studnicki
RHRITA HANSDORFER-KORZON
RITA HANSDORFER-KORZON
Background: Frailty syndrome (FS) is a syndrome characterized by a reduction in the body’s physiological reserves as a result of the accumulation of reduced efficiency of many organs and systems. Experts of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology (ECS) emphasize the need to assess frailty in all patients with heart failure (HF). There is no specific scale dedicated to this group of patients. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of the frailty syndrome in heart failure using the multidimensional Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS). Methods: The study included 106 patients diagnosed with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF < 40%). The average age was 62.6 ± 9.7 years. Most of the patients (84%) studied were men. In 70 people (66%), the cause of heart failure was coronary artery disease. The study group included patients admitted to hospital on a scheduled basis and with exacerbation of heart failure. Frailty was measured using the EFS before discharge from the hospital. Demographic, sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained. A 12-month follow-up period was included in the project. The number of readmissions after 6 and 12 months was assessed. Results: A correlation was observed between the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and the occurrence of frailty—this applies to the assessment at the beginning and at the end of hospitalization. When analyzing the age of the patients in relation to frailty, a statistically significant difference was obtained. The youngest group in terms of age were non-frail patients. Hospitalization of people prone to development of the frailty syndrome and diagnosed with the FS was significantly more often associated with the occurrence of complications during hospital stays. Rehospitalizations for exacerbation of heart failure were much more frequent in patients with frailty. Conclusions: Assessment and monitoring of the state of increased sensitivity to the development of frailty or FS in patients with heart failure should influence the differentiation of clinical management. The Edmonton Questionnaire may be a helpful tool for the assessment of frailty in hospitalized patients with HF.

21 October 2024 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
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RSRafal Studnicki
Rafal Studnicki
KSKarolina Studzińska
Karolina Studzińska
TATomasz Adamczewski
Tomasz Adamczewski
RHRITA HANSDORFER-KORZON
RITA HANSDORFER-KORZON
MKMaciek Krawczyk
Maciek Krawczyk
Background/Objectives: Physical rehabilitation based on neurofunctional exercises can have a positive impact on restoring functionality and enhancing the quality of life of these individuals. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of rehabilitation, including neurofunctional exercises, on the functional status of stroke patients. Methods: The cohort study design included 102 male and female participants: 51 patients underwent physiotherapy rehabilitation including neurofunctional exercises (SG), while the other 51 did not follow a rehabilitation program based on neurofunctional exercises (CG). The participants were assessed twice: once during their stay in the early neurology department after the first stroke, and again six months later. The assessments were conducted using the Barthel Scale (BS), the Rankin Scale (RS), and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Results: Baseline comparisons revealed significantly greater BS (p = 0.001) in the CG compared to the SG. Conversely, the SG had a significantly higher NIHSS than the CG at baseline (p = 0.001), as well as higher RS (p < 0.001). Within the SG, there were significant increases in BS (p < 0.001), while no significant differences were found between baseline and post 6 months in RS (p = 0.537) and NIHSS (p = 0.475). Regarding the CG, significant increases were observed in BS (p = 0.005) and NIHSS (p < 0.001), while no significant differences were found in RS (p = 0.335). Conclusions: In conclusion, this study reveals that incorporating neurofunctional exercises does not appear to play a significant role in the patients’ progress. The controlled group, engaged in home-based activities, showed greater improvements in their condition.

18 November 2024 in Scientific Reports
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PMPiotr Makar
Piotr Makar
RMRabiu Muazu Musa
Rabiu Muazu Musa
Rui SilvaRui Silva
Rui Silva
JMJarosław Muracki
Jarosław Muracki
RTRobert Trybulski
Robert Trybulski
Zeki AkyıldızZeki Akyıldız
Zeki Akyıldız
This study aims to explore the interplay between locomotor demands and goal differentials to better understand their combined influence on overall success. Spanning three competitive seasons within the male Turkish Super League, this study analyzed all participating teams across 124 matches. Locomotor demands, including total distance (m) covered (TD), distances covered (m) at different speed thresholds (0.21–2.0 m/s; 2.01–4.0 m/s; 4.01–5.5 m/s; and 5.5–7.7 m/s), and the number of accelerations in range of 5.5–7.0 m/s (n), were quantified using an optical tracking system. Subsequently, regression models were employed to predict the total points earned by all teams over the three seasons. The logistic regression model, tailored to predict team categorization as high-points earners (HPE) or low-points earners (LPE) based on locomotor variables, exhibited a mean accuracy of 74%. Notably, total distance covered, running speed intervals between 4.4 and 5.5 m/s, and the number of accelerations in range of 5.5–7.0 m/s emerged as significant predictors of team success. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of running speed (4.01–5.5 m/s), number of accelerations, and total distance in predicting success for high-performing teams. Coaches can leverage these insights to refine training programs, thereby optimizing team performance, and fostering success in competitive environments.

8 April 2025 in Biomedicines
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RSRafal Studnicki
Rafal Studnicki
MSMonika Sochaj
Monika Sochaj
KSKarol Skup
Karol Skup
Bartłomiej NiespodzińskiBartłomiej Niespodziński
Bartłomiej Niespodziński
PAPiotr Aschenbrenner
Piotr Aschenbrenner
PŁPiotr Łuczkiewicz
Piotr Łuczkiewicz
Background/Objectives: Optimal activation of the quadriceps femoris, particularly the vastus medialis, while minimizing excessive activation of the vastus lateralis, is crucial for treating knee injuries like ACL ruptures and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Restoring proper muscle balance may enhance rehabilitation outcomes, but effective strategies for modulating muscle activity remain unclear. High-velocity low-amplitude hip manipulation has shown potential to influence neuromuscular function, yet its impact on quadriceps activation during knee extension has not been well studied. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to examine the effects of a single session of high-velocity low-amplitude hip manipulation on quadriceps femoris muscle activation and maximum voluntary contraction during knee extension. Methods: This study utilizes a randomized controlled design. Thirty physically active men and women (mean age: 21.9 ± 1.7 years) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15; receiving hip joint manipulation) or a control group (n = 15; undergoing a sham intervention). Participants in the intervention group received a treatment involving hip manipulation and short-duration traction. Muscle activity of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis was assessed using surface electromyography before and after the intervention, while muscle performance was measured by evaluating isometric knee extension strength in the lower limb. The isometric strength test was conducted in a seated position with the knee flexed at 60 degrees in Biodex System 4. Results: This study finds that the experimental group had significantly higher vastus lateralis mean amplitude (p = 0.020; effect size = 0.186) and vastus medialis mean amplitude (p < 0.001; effect size = 0.577) of electromyography root mean square electromyography compared to the control group. The experimental group also showed greater vastus medialis max amplitude (p < 0.001; effect size = 0.435). No significant differences were noted for rectus femoris mean amplitude (p = 0.078; effect size = 0.110), vastus lateralis max amplitude (p = 0.363; effect size = 0.031), rectus femoris max amplitude (p = 0.069; effect size = 0.117), or median frequency of the raw electromyography signal across muscle groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, high-velocity low-amplitude hip manipulation significantly enhances vastus medialis activation, highlighting its potential to improve quadriceps balance. These findings support the incorporation of hip manipulation into rehabilitation protocols.