We investigated the effects of calcium supplementation and physical practice on the bone ultrasound properties and trabecular microarchitecture in children. 160 children aged 8−11 were randomly allocated to active or nonactive groups and to receive either a calcium-phosphate or a placebo powder for 6 months. Skeletal status was assessed using an ultrasound technique, which measures the speed of sound (Ad-SoS, m/s) at the phalanx. Bone microarchitecture was characterized by fractal analysis measured on calcaneus radiographs and the result expressed as the Hmean parameter, that has been shown to a good reliability of the bone texture quality. After 6 months, the calcium group had significantly gained Ad-SoS compared to the placebo group (P = 0.01) and Hmean increase was greater in the active than the nonactive group (P < 0.05). Exercise and calcium supplementation had a differential effect on the bone tissue, calcium being rather linked to a systemic effect whereas exercise has acted better onto the skeletal stressed site.

(1) Background: Due to its frequency and possible complications, low back pain (LBP) has a high social impact, it is a common problem of the active population and the second reason for visiting a physician. In patients with lumbar disc protrusion (LDP), one of the most common causes of LBP, the nucleus pulposus bulges against the disc and then protrudes into the spinal cord, but the annulus fibrosus remains intact; (2) Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a rehabilitation treatment (RT) comprising electrotherapy (ET), hydrotherapy (HT) and individualized physical therapy (PT) versus ET alone in patients with LDP. The second objective was to investigate whether there is a correlation between early RT and the symptomatology of patients with LDP; (3) Methods: The research was conducted between July 2021 and January 2022 at the Ceres Hotel Treatment Centre from Baile 1 Mai, Romania, and all the study subjects signed an informed consent form. For this study, the block randomization method was used to randomize subjects into groups that resulted in equal sample size, in order to maintain a reasonably good balance among groups. Therefore, the two groups had the same number of subjects (30 subjects) and the randomization was made taking into account the patient’s motivation or the subject’s willingness to receive not only electrotherapy treatment, but also the physical exercises and hydrotherapy. The eligibility criteria were: low back pain for more than three months, an MRI confirmed diagnosis of LDP (without dural compression), and ability to perform a PT program. The control group received only a classical ET program. In addition, the patients in the experimental group received a complex individualized PT program associated with HT and ET. To achieve these objectives, the study subjects were monitored for spinal mobility (lateral lumbar flexion—LLF, index fingers-ground—IFG, lumbar Schober tests for flexion—LS, Inverted Schober test for extension—ILS), trunk flexor and extensor muscle strength (LF strength, LE strength), level of pain (Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire—SF-MPQ, Visual Analogue Scale—VAS), and the degree of limitation in activities of daily living (Oswestry Disability Index—ODI); (4) Results: Comparing the evolution of the subjects, using the One-Way ANOVA between groups, we observed a significant improvement in all variables [SF-MPQ (95% CI, 7.996/11.671), VAS (95% CI, 1.965/3.169), mobility FTF (95% CI, −7.687/−3.940), LS (95% CI, 2.272/2.963), LE strength (95% CI, −5.676/−3.324), LF strength (95% CI, −5.970/−3.630), disability (95% CI, 8.026/10.441) after six months of treatment for the experimental group subjects. A clear correlation was found, using the Bravis–Pearson test, between the earliest possible initiation of RT and improvement of patients’ symptoms; (5) Conclusion: The current study proves the importance of combining ET with HT and PT. The earlier the RT is implemented, the lower the pain perception and level of disability associated with the lumbar disease.

Background: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common condition caused by degenerative lesions of the lumbar intervertebral discs, due to aging or lifting weights. For patients with LDH, a comparative study was conducted to understand the benefits of Vojta therapy and conservative physical therapy versus physical therapy only. The aim of this paperwork was to help physicians select interventions which are most appropriate for this disease. Methods: Seventy-seven patients with LDH from two cohorts were included in analysis (Group A and Group B). Group A benefited from 30 min of Vojta therapy procedures, in addition to the usual physical therapy treatment, and group B received a conservatory physical therapy program. The subjects were assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), mobility tests, muscle strength tests and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) questionnaire. Results: Pain intensity and disability decreased in both groups (p = 0.000 in experimental group and 0.047 in control group for VAS score and p = 0.000 for ODI score in both groups). Moreover, mobility, strength and health-related quality of life scores increased significantly both in groups A and B (p = 0.000 in both). Conclusions: After two weeks of interventions, we saw greater differences in pain intensity, disability level, mobility, strength, and health-related quality of life scores in both study groups, but not across the groups. This was not the case between the groups.

Background: Correct posture during preadolescence is crucial for harmonious physical development and long-term musculoskeletal health. The examination of spinal and lower limb deficiencies in this age group represents a highly relevant and underexplored topic.Objective: To determine the prevalence of postural deficiencies among Romanian preadolescents and to assess their correlations with body composition, coordination, and foot morphology.Methods: A total of 983 children aged 8–12 years (507 boys, 51.6%; 476 girls, 48.4%) were recruited from six middle schools in Oradea, Bihor County, Romania. Postural assessment followed Kendall et al.'s protocol using a plumb line and grid chart. Plantar pressure and center of gravity displacement were evaluated through baropodometry, while general coordination was assessed using the Matorin test.Results: Forward head posture was the most prevalent deficiency (641/983, 65.2%). Boys exhibited a higher prevalence of kyphosis (n = 448, 52.3%) compared with girls (n = 368,40.4%), while scoliosis occurred more frequent in girls (n = 306, 33.6%) vs. (n = 257, 26.1%). Significant correlations were observed between ankle valgus and scoliosis [x²(1) = 7.87, p = .005], flatfoot and scoliosis [x²(1) = 7.87, p = .005], and flatfoot and coordination deficits [x²(3) = 22.96, p = .005].Conclusions: Forward head posture emerged as the most common spinal deficiency. Notable associations were identified between body composition and kyphosis, hyperlordosis, and ankle valgus, as well as between flatfoot, scoliosis, and impaired coordination. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and the implementation of targeted prevention programs to address postural deficiencies during childhood.

This study aims to analyse the development of the balneological phenomenon in Bihor County generated by its administration, consequent of which, a classification of rural settlements and new tourist resorts has been made. The objective is to identify the current trend in the exploitation of the balneological potential of the localities in Bihor County. A comparative analysis has also been carried out between the influence of the political regimes on the exploitation of geothermal water sources at the level of rural settlements and new tourist resorts during the last five decades. The comparative analysis has revealed that the development of the balneological phenomenon has been carried out sequentially. This sequence has been influenced by the political environment and the administrative factor from the period before and after the Revolution. In the period before the Revolution, all balneological sources were managed by the public administrative factor; they were maintained and kept functional, until the Revolution of 1989, against the background of a stable political environment. In the post-Revolution period, when the decision and involvement was sometimes undertaken on a small scale (private administration), and where the interest in development was focused exclusively on the valorisation of the balneological resources, it can be said that capitalist policy favourably influenced the evolution of the balneological phenomenon at the level of rural settlements and new tourist resorts. We have concluded that the capitalist period has been favourable because, when the thermal baths were found to be unanimously managed by the public administration, they were functional in greater numbers at the rural level as compared to the post-revolutionary period. We have not analysed any “policy” documents in order to make this statement.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of jump rope training on cardiovascular capacity, assessed with the Ruffier test, and muscular strength, measured using isometric dynamometry (BioFET Mustec, Almere, The Netherlands), within a university physical education program. A total of 52 undergraduate students from non-specialist faculties at the University of Oradea were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). Over eight weeks, the EG performed a ten-minute jump rope training session once per week in combination with cardiovascular exercises, while the CG participated only in cardiovascular exercises. Statistical analyses revealed a significant group effect on cardiovascular response (Ruffier Index: p = 0.019; Cohen’s d = −0.271) and a substantial increase in right lower limb strength (p = 0.003; d = 1.026) in the EG compared to the CG. Furthermore, improvements were observed in upper limb strength (left arm: p = 0.010; d = 0.922) and left lower limb strength (p = 0.027; d = 0.779). These findings suggest that incorporating jump rope training into university physical education classes may represent an effective and low-cost strategy to enhance both cardiovascular efficiency and muscular strength in young adults. Given its simplicity and affordability, jump rope training appears feasible for implementation in schools and universities, even where resources are limited. Future research should investigate its long-term effects across different populations.