The present study aimed to quantify changes in spinal kinematics during Nordic walking compared to regular walking for 60 seconds on a training path among physically fit young males (n = 20, aged 19–22 years). Two walking speeds were analyzed: 3 km/h and 5 km/h. The experimental setup was designed to assess spinal angular rotations using five kinematic parameters: upper spine, lower spine, thoracic region, lumbar region, and pelvis. The data is acquired from 9 compact inertial sensors and the following motion analysis is carried out using 3D MioMotion IMU sensor’s analysis system. The differences in the obtained cyclic biomechanical parameters are detetcted using functional ANOVA (fANOVA) statistical tests. The key finding of the study is that Nordic walking significantly alters the angular kinematic pattern of spinal movement by revealed significant differences in all five measured parameters when compared to normal walking. Notably, the most pronounced changes were observed in the upper spine and pelvis motion. Additionally, the influence of Nordic walking on the two phases of the gait cycle, the stance and swing phases, was evaluated: i) significantly increased the duration of the stance phase in all three planes of motion; ii) significantly increased the velocity during the stance phase across all three planes. These reported findings highlight the biomechanical, preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative potential of Nordic walking.

Objectives. The present study aimed to quantify changes in spinal kinematics during Nordic walking compared to regular walking (RW) for 60 s on a training path among physically fit young males (n = 20, aged 19–22 years). Methods. Two walking speeds were analyzed: 3 km/h and 5 km/h. The experimental setup was designed to assess spinal angular rotations using five kinematic parameters: upper spine, lower spine, thoracic region, lumbar region, and pelvis. Results. The data were acquired from 9 compact inertial sensors and the following motion analysis is carried out using 3D MioMotion IMU sensor’s analysis system. The differences in the obtained cyclic biomechanical parameters were detected using functional data analysis (FDA) statistical tests. Conclusions. The key finding of the study is that Nordic walking significantly alters the angular kinematic pattern of spinal movement as it revealed significant differences in all five measured parameters when compared to normal walking. Notably, the most pronounced changes were observed in the upper spine and pelvis motion. Additionally, Nordic walking increased stance phase duration and velocity: (i) significantly increased the duration of the stance phase in all three planes of motion; (ii) significantly increased the velocity during the stance phase across all three planes. These reported findings highlight the biomechanical, preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative potential of Nordic walking.

Introduction: Muscle imbalance within the cervical region represents a significant risk factor for the development of postural disorders and other somatic dysfunctions, with far-reaching consequences that can affect the position and function of interconnected segments throughout the postural chain. Even subtle discrepancies in the strength and endurance of postural muscles can have a profound impact over time. On the other hand, many body somatic dysfunctions and organ disorders can contribute to muscle imbalances in the cervical region through segmental reflex pathways, further complicating the interplay between musculoskeletal health and systemic conditions. The aim of the present study was to develop an experimental model and to create a prototype for the quantitative estimation of isometric strength, endurance, and fatigue of head and neck muscles. Methodology: The experimental process consisted of three phases: designing a prototype dynamometric device using biomechanical principles and sensor technology, developing a standardized measurement methodology, and conducting preliminary measurements with a group of students. Results: A specialized setup and procedure were developed to measure the isometric strength, endurance, and fatigue of the head and neck muscles. A pilot study with 12 students measured maximal isometric muscle strength (Fmax [N]) and found that the extension-to-flexion ratio was 1.6 for men (75.68 N flexion, 124.36 N extension) and 1.65 for women (33.17 N flexion, 54.76 N extension). The results showed that male participants had roughly twice the muscle strength of female participants in both movements. Measurements also indicated that, for the variables assessed, endurance and fatigue were higher in women compared to men. Conclusions: A novel experimental approach for assessing isometric neck muscle strength, endurance, and fatigue has been developed, accompanied by the construction of a specialized experimental bench for quantifying cervical muscle functionality. The device was successfully validated, and its potential applications include longitudinal monitoring of rehabilitation outcomes and the enhancement of athletic training programs. Nevertheless, further large-scale validation and methodological refinements are required to establish its reliability and clinical translation.

Introduction: Pathological changes in the subcutaneous connective tissue can be detected through inspection and palpation. The mobility of the superficial and deep skin layers can be assessed by attempting to displace the skin or by forming a skin fold. The present study aimed to develop an experimental model and create a prototype for measuring skin displacement (SKD) with the application of kinesitherapy. Methodology: The experimental procedure included three stages. As a result, a device for measuring SKD was created, allowing for separate measurements of both hands. The accuracy of the measured skin displacement is 0.5 mm, determined by the use of the Chronojump displacement sensor. Results and Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, several key conclusions were drawn. An experimental approach for assessing SKD in the context of kinesitherapy was developed, and a dedicated experimental bench for measuring SKD was constructed. Calibration and verification of the device were completed through testing with twenty-two real patients, focusing on the L5 spinal zone. All participants exhibited a statistically significant increase in SKD on the right side of the spine. The quantitative data related to SKD have strong kinesitherapeutic and clinical applications and may contribute to the development of a mathematical model describing the mechanical behavior of the skin.