Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly being integrated into health professions education, but evidence regarding their application in physiotherapy remains limited. This study aims to investigate the impact of AI-assisted problem-based learning (AI-PBL) on theoretical knowledge, clinical competence, AI self-efficacy, internet addiction, and reading motivation compared with traditional PBL. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with undergraduate physiotherapy students assigned to AI-PBL or PBL groups. Participants completed assessments before, immediately after, and two weeks after the group intervention. Outcome measures included a theoretical knowledge test, the Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX), the AI ​​Self-Efficacy Scale (AI-SES), the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Adult Reading Motivation Scale (ARMS). Results: Forty students were randomized equally into two groups: AI-PBL (n = 20) and traditional PBL (n = 20). Both groups showed significant improvements in knowledge and reading motivation. The AI-PBL group showed significantly greater improvement in knowledge retention at 2 weeks (Cohen’s d = 3.14) and greater gains in AI self-efficacy. Although Mini-CEX scores were higher in the AI-PBL group, the differences between groups were not statistically significant. No significant increase in internet addiction was observed in the AI-PBL group. Conclusion: These findings emphasize that supervised, structured use of generative AI in education can enhance sustained learning and digital self-efficacy without posing behavioral risks. The AI-PBL approach appears to foster active reflection, self-directed learning, and deeper academic engagement offering a promising direction for digital innovation in physiotherapy education. Future studies should explore long-term outcomes, track behavioral engagement, and further validate the benefits of AI-enhanced instructional strategies. Trial registration: Prior to the initiation of the study, the protocol was registered on https//www.clinicaltrials.gov/, and registration status was made publicly available (Identifier NCT07010991 Date 08.06.2025). (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07010991?term=NCT07010991&rank=1).

The aim of this study was to compare the pressure pain threshold and the thickness of the cervical muscles in patients with tension-type headache versus healthy participants.

Inspiratory muscle fatigue has been shown to impair physical performance. This study investigated the impact of a specific inspiratory muscle fatigue protocol on lower limb muscle strength and cardiorespiratory outcomes in a cohort of physically active individuals. A randomized controlled trial, adhering to CONSORT guidelines to ensure methodological rigor. Healthy male participants were randomly assigned to an inspiratory muscle fatigue group (EG) or control load group (CG). The EG performed a diaphragmatic fatigue protocol involving inspiratory exercises at 60 % of their maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), while the CG performed two sets of 30 repetitions at 15 % of MIP. Measurements, including countermovement jump (CMJ), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, half squat (HS), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and MIP, were collected before and immediately after the intervention. Forty participants completed the study. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for CMJ (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.405), FEV1 (p = 0.030; η2p = 0.118), FEV1/FVC (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.279) and HS (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.332), all with moderate to large effect sizes. Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant decrease in CMJ in the EG (p < 0.001, −8.4 %), while the CG showed no significant change (p = 0.092). FEV₁/FVC decreased significantly in the EG (p = 0.007, −5.3 %), while the CG showed a significant increase (p = 0.015, +4.7 %). Similarly, HS decreased significantly in the EG (p = 0.002, −6.3 %), while the CG showed a significant increase (p = 0.007, +5.4 %). No significant interactions were observed for SpO₂, heart rate, MIP or FVC. Diaphragmatic fatigue significantly impairs lower limb strength in physically active individuals, potentially compromising athletic performance and increasing injury risk. These findings enhance understanding of the interplay between respiratory and muscular strength in athletes.

Chronic primary pelvic pain syndrome (CPPPS) in women is common and often highly disabling. It is associated with ongoing pelvic pain and a marked impact on physical, psychological, sexual, and social wellbeing. In many women, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) overactivity goes unrecognized and may contribute to symptom persistence. Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer (CRet) diathermy is used in musculoskeletal care, but its usefulness in CPPPS is still unclear. To compare CRet diathermy with placebo in women with CPPPS and pelvic floor hypertonia, focusing on pain, quality of life, and resting pelvic floor electromyographic (EMG) activity. We conducted a multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in women aged 18 years or older with CPPPS, diagnosed according to European Association of Urology criteria and with resting surface EMG >5 μV. Participants were randomly assigned to active CRet or sham treatment, both added to usual care. A standardized intravaginal protocol was delivered over several weeks. Pain was assessed with a 100‑mm visual analogue scale and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Quality of life was measured with WHOQOL-BREF, and resting PFM activity with surface EMG. Assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at 6‑week follow‑up. Data were analysed using parametric or non‑parametric tests as appropriate, and effect sizes were calculated. Forty-four women completed the study. Groups were similar at baseline. The CRet group showed a larger reduction in pain than the placebo group after treatment (median visual analogue scale reduction around 40-50 mm, p < 0.001), and this improvement was maintained at follow‑up. McGill scores also fell clearly in the active group and stayed low over time. WHOQOL-BREF scores improved in all domains, with the greatest changes in physical and psychological health. Resting PFM EMG activity decreased more in the CRet group at both post-treatment and follow‑up. No adverse events were reported. CRet diathermy appears to be a safe and useful adjunct in women with CPPPS and pelvic floor hypertonia, improving pain, quality of life, and pelvic floor muscle activity when added to usual care.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to objectively evaluate the effects of a six-week intermittent hypoxic–hyperoxic exposure program on blood pressure, respiratory function, cardiac autonomic nervous activity and C Reactive Protein levels in older adults. Materials and Methods: A double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on twenty-two older adults. Heart rate variability, respiratory function, blood pressure, C Reactive Protein levels and oxygen saturation were measured at two time points: baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. Results: The maximal inspiratory pressure variable increased significantly in the EG (+7.50 ± 1.72 cmH2O, p < 0.01, ES = 1.17), while no changes were observed in the CG. The LF/HF variable decreased significantly in the EG (−1.23 ± 0.34 n.u, p < 0.01, ES = 1.11), with no significant changes in the CG. The C Reactive Protein variable decreased significantly in the EG (−7.00 ± 3.07 mg/L, p < 0.01, ES = 1.4), with no significant changes in the CG. Conclusions: Six weeks of intermittent hypoxic–hyperoxic exposure was associated with trends toward improvements in blood pressure, respiratory function, cardiac autonomic nervous activity, and C Reactive Protein levels, compared with a placebo application of the same therapy.