Paulina Anna Handzlik-Waszkiewicz

Dr. Paulina Anna Handzlik-Waszkiewicz


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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12 November 2024 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ISIwona Sulowska-Daszyk
Iwona Sulowska-Daszyk
PHPaulina Anna Handzlik-Waszkiewicz
Paulina Anna Handzlik-Waszkiewicz
SGSara Gamrot
Sara Gamrot
In contemporary times, a significant portion of the population experiences symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single-session TMJ soft tissue therapy on the TMJ and cervical spine mobility as well as on body balance and the foot load distribution. This study was a parallel-group, randomized, controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Fifty women aged 20–30 years diagnosed with myofascial pain in the TMJ area were included in the study and divided into two groups. The experimental group received TMJ soft tissue therapy. The following research tools were used: a Hogetex electronic caliper, a CROM Deluxe, and a FreeMed Base pedobarographic platform. In the experimental group, an increase in mobility within all assessed jaw and cervical spine movements was observed. This change was statistically significant (p < 0.05) for lateral movement to the left, abduction, and protrusion of the jaw (an increase of 10.32%, 7.07%, and 20.92%, respectively) and for extension, lateral bending to the right and left, and rotation to the right and left, of the cervical spine (an increase of 7.05%, 7.89%, 10.44%, 4.65%, and 6.55%, respectively). In the control group, no significant differences were observed. No significant changes were observed in the load distribution and body balance assessment. A single session of TMJ soft tissue therapy increases jaw and cervical spine mobility but does not impact body balance or foot load distribution in static conditions in women diagnosed with myofascial pain in the TMJ area.

21 November 2024 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ISIwona Sulowska-Daszyk
Iwona Sulowska-Daszyk
SGSara Gamrot
Sara Gamrot
PHPaulina Anna Handzlik-Waszkiewicz
Paulina Anna Handzlik-Waszkiewicz
Background/Objectives: Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) play a vital role in the proper functioning of the pelvic and abdominal organs. The PFM are structurally connected to other areas of the body, forming part of the deep front line. Due to its course, this line connects the PFM with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a single 15-minute soft tissue therapy session in the TMJ on the activity of the PFM. Methods: A total of 47 nulliparous women aged 20–29 years old diagnosed with myofascial pain in the TMJ area were included in the study. PFM were assessed using the Noraxon Ultium device and a vaginal probe, utilizing the surface electromyography (sEMG) method. The sEMG signal was processed with MyoResearch XP software version 1.0. Additionally, bladder floor displacement during PFM contractions was evaluated using an ultrasound imaging device set in B-mode (LOGIQ P7/P9). Results: In the experimental group, following the applied soft tissue therapy, a significant decrease in resting PFM activity between maximal contractions was observed (p < 0.05). The resting PFM activity assessed in the final phase of the measurement protocol was also significantly lower (p < 0.05). During endurance contractions in the experimental group, after the therapy, an 18.05% increase in PFM tension amplitude was noted, although this change was not statistically significant. In the control group, a decrease in amplitude was observed during the second assessment in this phase of the test. Conclusions: A single session of soft tissue therapy in the TMJ area may enhance the ability of the pelvic floor muscles to relax and contribute to improved muscle function by increasing their activation levels during submaximal contractions

8 October 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PHPaulina Anna Handzlik-Waszkiewicz
Paulina Anna Handzlik-Waszkiewicz
ISIwona Sulowska-Daszyk
Iwona Sulowska-Daszyk
ASAgnieszka Suder
Agnieszka Suder
Background/Objectives: Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training is widely recommended during pregnancy and postpartum as both a preventive and therapeutic intervention. The addition of electromyography (EMG) biofeedback may further enhance training effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week BeBo® PFM training program (BeBo®, derived from the German Beckenboden, “pelvic floor”) and to compare it with BeBo® training combined with EMG biofeedback in women after vaginal delivery (VD) and cesarean section (CS), relative to control groups. Methods: A total of 120 primiparous women (mean age 29.0 ± 1.9 years), 6–8 weeks postpartum after VD (n = 60) or CS (n = 60), were randomly assigned to BeBo® training, BeBo®+EMG-biofeedback, or control group. Neuromuscular PFM activity was assessed before and after intervention using surface electromyography (sEMG; Noraxon G2 TeleMyo 2400) with a vaginal probe. Results: Women performing BeBo® training with EMG-biofeedback demonstrated significantly greater improvements in PFM endurance (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.423) in both VD and CS groups compared with controls and BeBo® training alone. Regarding maximal fast contraction, significant improvements (p = 0.042, η2 = 0.097) were observed in both delivery groups within the EMG-biofeedback group, whereas BeBo® training alone was effective only in the VD group. Conclusions: PFM training based on the BeBo® concept, particularly when supported by EMG-biofeedback, effectively enhances neuromuscular function, with the greatest benefits observed in women after VD. EMG-biofeedback should be considered as an adjunct in standard postpartum preventive care, with training protocols tailored to delivery mode: relaxation-focused for CS and strengthening-focused for VD.

12 October 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PHPaulina Anna Handzlik-Waszkiewicz
Paulina Anna Handzlik-Waszkiewicz
ISIwona Sulowska-Daszyk
Iwona Sulowska-Daszyk
ASAgnieszka Suder
Agnieszka Suder
Background/Objectives: Pelvic floor dysfunctions, including urinary incontinence (UI) and impaired sexual quality of life, are common postpartum complications. Although pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is recommended as first-line treatment, evidence regarding the additional benefits of electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback, particularly after different modes of delivery, remains limited. The objective was compare the effectiveness of BeBo®-based PFMT performed with and without EMG biofeedback on pelvic floor muscle function, urinary continence, health-related quality of life, and sexual quality of life in women following vaginal delivery (VD) and cesarean section delivery (CD). Methods: This randomized assessor-blinded controlled trial was conducted at the University of Physical Culture in Cracow, Poland. A total of 120 primiparous women (29.0 ± 1.9 years), assessed 6–8 weeks postpartum after VD (n = 60) or CD (n = 60), were randomly allocated to BeBo® training, BeBo® training combined with EMG biofeedback, or a control group. Intervention groups completed a supervised 6-week BeBo®-based PFMT program with or without EMG biofeedback, whereas controls received standardized postpartum pelvic floor health education only. Primary outcomes were pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance assessed using perineometry and the PERFECT scheme. Secondary outcomes included urinary incontinence (UDI-6), health-related quality of life (KHQ), and sexual quality of life (SQoL-F). Results: Both intervention protocols significantly improved pelvic floor muscle function compared with controls, with the greatest improvements observed following BeBo® training combined with EMG biofeedback. Significant effects of time and intervention were demonstrated for muscle strength and endurance (p < 0.001). Both interventions reduced UI symptoms, particularly after VD, and improved health-related and sexual quality of life. Women receiving EMG biofeedback achieved superior muscle endurance and functional performance compared with controls and, for several outcomes, compared with BeBo® training alone. Greater UI severity was associated with poorer sexual quality of life. Conclusions: BeBo®-based PFMT effectively improves postpartum pelvic floor function and urinary continence. The addition of EMG biofeedback provides further benefits, particularly in muscle endurance and functional control, supporting its integration into postpartum urogynecological rehabilitation after both VD and CD. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12622000563763.