The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the therapeutic efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for athletes with patellar tendinopathy. We searched PubMed, EBSCOHost and Ovid for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of ESWT in athletes with jumper’s knee. The methodological quality of RCTs was rated with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Data in the meta-analysis were expressed as standardized mean difference (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. Of 192 records identified, a total of seven articles met the inclusion criteria. The ESWT and control groups with any other conservative treatment did not differ significantly with respect to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) long-term scores obtained at ≥ 6 months of therapy completion (SMD: -0.33; 95% CI: -4.64 to 3.98; p = 0.87; I2= 98%). Furthermore, no significant differences were found between the ESWT and control groups regarding the pooled Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment for Patella (VISA-P) scores for long-term outcomes (SMD: 8.21; 95% CI: -39.3 to 55.73; p = 0.73; I2= 99%). The ESWT and control groups did not differ significantly on the VAS and VISA-P scores for long-term outcomes. In both cases, heterogeneity was considered to be high. Hence, no clear and generalized conclusions can be drawn regarding ESWT effectiveness in athletes with patellar tendinopathy.

Myofascial therapy has already become one of the basic forms of treatment of the locomotor system. One form of the therapy is Self-Myofascial Release, in which external force is applied to the body with the help of special rollers (foam rolling, FR). The aim of the study was to investigate the direct effect of Self-Myofascial Release of hamstring muscles using a foam roller on the bioelectric activity of selected muscles (biceps femoris and gluteus maximus) during squats. The study involved 40 male soccer players, who were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control. The tests used did not show significant differences in the analyzed variables before the experiment (baseline measurement p > 0.05), while significant intergroup differences appeared for subsequent measurements, both for reference MVC values (p < 0.01 - for % gluteus maximus MVC, p < 0.001 - for % biceps femoris MVC) and for raw EMG values (p < 0.01 gluteus maximus and p < 0.001 - for % 0.0001 for biceps femoris). The use of self-myofascial release within the hamstring muscles leads to changes in the electrical potential of the muscles of the lower limb.

Eating disorders are characterized by abnormal, unhealthy eating habits, and disordered body image. In severe cases, it can cause serious health consequences, including cardiac problems, osteoporosis, infertility, or missing menstrual periods. In women competitively training sports, the main cause for disordered eating behaviours are factors associated with dissatisfaction with their appearance and body image and a need to reduce body weight. Factors related to dissatisfaction with one’s own appearance and body image, a need to reduce body weight, a negative perception of themselves and their bodies, the pressure in sports circles, and stress are predictors for eating disorders. The aim of the study was to compare eating behaviours, body satisfaction, and taking various actions related to body mass reduction among women training competitively in volleyball, athletics, gymnastics, and young women not participating in sports. Material and methods: The study covered a group of girls and young women from the Silesian, Poland, who represented three sports disciplines (volleyball, athletics, and gymnastics), of which 30 girls were used as a control group (B). The study was conducted using a study questionnaire. Results: The study participants ate regularly and consumed all food groups during a week. The majority of girls from A1 (83.33%), A3 (53.33%), and B (80%) groups expressed their dissatisfaction with their body weight. In the group of gymnasts, a positive correlation was noted between the need to reduce body weight and regular eating (r = 0.449; p = 0.013). In the group of volleyball players, it was demonstrated that the higher the competitive experience and the greater the training load, the more regular their eating was (r = 0.475; p = 0.009). Conclusions: The importance of a diagnosis of early signs of eating disorders in girls and women as a basic component contributing to FAT development implies that further studies in this area, as well as education of the entire sports circle are necessary.

Diathermy is a method used in physiotherapy based on obtaining an increase in temperature by supplying energy from the electromagnetic field to the tissues. The aim of this retrospective work, based on the data included in a medical documentation, was to assess the dynamics of temperature changes on the body surface after the application of a high-frequency electromagnetic field depending on the type of electrode used. In order to generate a radio frequency electromagnetic field, an INDIBA ACTIV^® CT9 was used. In order to measure the temperature, an HT-17 thermovision camera was used, enabling measurements within the range of −20 to 300 °C, with an accuracy of ±2% or 2 °C. The participants consisted of 30 healthy subjects (15 women and 15 men) who were physiotherapy students in the Faculty of Public Health in the Silesian Medical University in Katowice, Poland; they were divided into two comparative groups (A and B). It was found that the differences between the groups were not significant in the measurements carried out before using the electrode (p = 0.84; Mann–Whitney U test). On the other hand, at 0, 5 and 15 min, statistically significant differences were noted in the tissue temperature between the groups, depending on the electrode used (p = 0.00; Mann–Whitney U test). Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that with the extension of the observation time, the tissue temperature increased (for Group A, Me 30.40 °C vs. 34.90 °C; for Group B, Me 30.70 °C vs. 35.20 °C). Our study confirmed that the use of both a capacitive and resistive electrode during treatment with the use of a high-frequency electromagnetic field statistically significantly increased the surface temperature of the area to which the therapy was applied. The results of the study can be used in clinical practice by physiotherapists to optimize the conditions of therapy.

Background: Rehabilitation after COVID-19 plays a vital role in the lengthy treatment process, contributing to the acceleration of recovery and minimizing the effects of the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation in patients after COVID-19. An attempt was made to assess whether the rehabilitation changed spirometric indices, cardiopulmonary effi-ciency and the subjective quantification of dyspnea. Material and methods: The study, conducted from March to May 2022, involved 52 individuals aged 25 to 71 years (50.48 ± 11.6) divided into the study group, undergoing three weeks of outpatient rehabilitation, and the control group. Both groups underwent the same assessments, i.e., oxygen saturation, heart rate, cardiopulmonary ef-ficiency (exercise test), and subjective quantification of dyspnea. Results: Improvements in res-piratory parameters (p < 0.0000), cardiopulmonary efficiency (p < 0.000), and dyspnea severity (p < 0.00) were observed. Respiratory parameters, i.e., peak expiratory flow, relative maximum oxygen consumption and oxygen pulse were stabilized. A lack of satisfactory results was only observed for forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second and minute ventilation. Conclusions: The study showed that the adopted rehabilitation program proved effective, providing an example solution for patients after COVID-19, including long COVID.

Introduction: The purpose of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) in the context of treating LBP (low back pain)-related symptoms over a period of four weeks following a surgery of laparoscopic removal of an ovarian cyst in a female patient. Methods: The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was chosen to assess the patient’s pain level, and functional status was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). An inclinometer was applied to measure the ranges of motion in the lumbar spine in the sagittal and frontal planes, and functional capacity was evaluated using the Y-Balance test. Soft tissue properties in the area of the lumbar spine were checked for mobility in the sagittal plane using myotonometry. The muscles punctured as part of therapy included the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and piriformis. Results: The patient’s reported pain level decreased. Her functional status, assessed according to the ODI questionnaire, improved. Inclinometric examination did not reveal obvious changes for most of the ranges of motion tested. Assessment of the right lower limb functional capacity with regard to the frontal, posteromedial, and posterolateral planes using the Y-Balance test also showed no significant changes. As for the myotonometric test, the greatest differences were noted in the dynamic stiffness parameter (S), present over almost the entire targeted area. A similar correlation was found in the parameters of relaxation (R) and creep (C). Conclusions: The use of a dry needling procedure promotes tone symmetrisation in soft tissues and reduces the level of pain experienced.