Pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) in women play a key role, and their proper functioning depends on the coordinated interaction with other anatomical structures, particularly the diaphragm and deep abdominal muscles, which together constitute the so-called core stabilizing unit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diaphragmatic breathing therapy on pelvic floor muscle function and stress levels in healthy women. The randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial (allocation 1:1) included 42 women aged 21–30 years who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The experimental group received diaphragmatic breathing therapy. The following assessment tools were used: Surface Electromyography (sEMG), the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire in Close Relationships (KSS) by M. Plopa, and the Perception of Stress Questionnaire (KPS) by M. Plopa and R. Makarowski. In the experimental group, a significant reduction in resting PFM activity was observed in the final stage of the measurement protocol, along with a tendency toward decreased activity during relaxation phases. A trend toward increased amplitude during phasic and tonic contractions was also noted, more pronounced after therapy than in the control group, although not statistically significant. No significant associations between stress dimensions and sexual satisfaction were found in the control group, whereas in the experimental group, higher worry, reduced sense of meaning, low agency and pessimism correlated with lower sexual satisfaction and difficulties achieving orgasm. These findings suggest that diaphragmatic breathing therapy may reduce resting pelvic floor muscle activity and perceived emotional stress.

Background: The relationship between sagittal malocclusion, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and musculoskeletal pain remains uncertain. Methods: Cross-sectional study (April 2020–August 2021) in Małopolska, Poland. Ninety participants (ages 19–35) were classified into Angle Classes I–III (n = 30 each) and examined using RDC/TMD (Axis I/II). A proprietary, nonvalidated, piloted whole-body pain-map questionnaire, presented in anterior and posterior views and subdividing the body into predefined craniofacial, spinal, and limb regions, was used to capture pain presence, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS, 0–10) scores by region, and the total number of painful sites. Group differences were analyzed using χ² and Kruskal–Wallis tests with corresponding effect sizes (measures of association strength). For NRS outcomes, a minimal clinically important difference (MCID)—defined as the smallest difference in NRS considered clinically relevant—was prespecified as approximately 1 point. Results: Occlusal class was not associated with TMD Axis I prevalence. However, sagittal malocclusion—particularly Class III—was linked to a less favorable pain profile. Left temporal pain was more frequent in Class III than in Classes I–II (p = 0.024, Cramér’s V = 0.31, medium effect), and cervical spine pain occurred more often in malocclusion groups than in Class I (p = 0.043, Cramér’s V = 0.26, small effect), indicating statistically significant associations. Cervical pain intensity was higher in Classes II–III than in Class I, with a pooled mean difference—defined as the difference in mean NRS between the combined Classes II–III and Class I—of 1.23 NRS points (95% CI 0.38–2.08), exceeding the ≈1-point MCID and suggesting a clinically important burden. The total number of painful sites was also greater in Class III than in Class I (p = 0.023, η² = 0.09; Δ = 1.40 sites, 95% CI 0.39–2.41), which indicates a statistically significant association with a medium effect size and a higher overall pain burden. Conclusions: Sagittal occlusal class was not associated with TMD diagnosis, but malocclusion—especially Class III—was associated with a more unfavorable craniofacial pain pattern and higher cervical pain burden (p ≤ 0.05), with effects of potential clinical relevance.

Background/Objectives: Although considerable progress has been made in understanding lateral ankle sprains (LAS) and chronic ankle instability (CAI), recurrent injury rates remain high. This highlights the need to explore additional contributors such as comprehensive lower-limb gait analysis, including multisegmented foot models and proximal joint kinematics and strength. This study aimed to assess multisegmented foot and lower-limb kinematics throughout the gait cycle in individuals with CAI compared to healthy controls. Additionally, associations between hip abductor strength and frontal plane ankle kinematics were examined. Methods: Fifty males (25 with CAI and 25 healthy controls) participated in this cross-sectional study. Gait analysis was conducted using a BTS SMART 3D motion capture system to assess multisegmented foot and proximal joint kinematics. Isometric hip strength was measured using a Biodex dynamometer. Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) was used to assess group differences, and correlations were calculated between hip abductor strength and ankle kinematics. Results: The CAI group demonstrated significantly greater calcaneus abduction relative to the shank in the transverse plane between 88% and 93% of the gait cycle (MD = −3.50°, 95% CI [−5.60, −1.40], d = −0.95, p = 0.037). No other statistically significant between-group differences in hip, knee, or foot segment kinematics were detected. Furthermore, correlations between hip abductor strength and ankle frontal plane kinematics were not significant. Conclusions: Males with CAI demonstrated altered rearfoot kinematics in the transverse plane during the terminal swing phase. The multisegmented foot model was valuable in detecting subtle deviations and emphasized the importance of including the swing phase. Hip abductor strength was not associated with ankle kinematics, suggesting that its potential role in CAI may involve other mechanisms. These findings may support clinical gait assessment and rehabilitation planning by highlighting the importance of evaluating all foot segments and the entire lower limb, rather than focusing solely on the ankle joint. Segment-specific deviations, particularly those emerging during the swing phase, may help guide targeted interventions aimed at improving foot positioning in males with CAI.

This exploratory randomized study examined whether manual diaphragm therapy is associated with masseter muscle activity, mandibular motor function, and perceived stress in healthy women. Forty-two asymptomatic women aged 20–30 years were randomized to an intervention group (n = 20), receiving six sessions over two weeks, or a no-intervention control group (n = 22). Before and after the intervention period, bilateral masseter surface electromyography (sEMG) was recorded at rest and during standardized mandibular motor tasks; mandibular range of motion was measured with an electronic caliper, and perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Questionnaire. Non-parametric tests with Bonferroni correction were applied. No significant within-group changes were observed in resting masseter sEMG. The only task-related within-group result that remained significant after correction was a reduction in normalized right masseter mean RMS amplitude during protrusion in the intervention group (p = 0.001; adjusted p = 0.032; r = 0.685). Mandibular range of motion increased in both groups, but change scores did not differ between groups. Stress-related outcomes and correlations with sEMG or mandibular motion were not significant after adjustment. These findings do not demonstrate consistent group-specific effects. The isolated within-group finding should be regarded as preliminary and hypothesis-generating and cannot be attributed specifically to manual diaphragm therapy.