Juozas Žumbakys

Mr. Juozas Žumbakys


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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17 March 2026 in BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MMMatas Meskauskas
Matas Meskauskas
SRSaulius Rutkauskas
Saulius Rutkauskas
MMMiglė Misiūnienė
Miglė Misiūnienė
JŽJuozas Žumbakys
Juozas Žumbakys
JTJūratė Tomkevičiūtė
Jūratė Tomkevičiūtė
EČEmilis Čekanauskas
Emilis Čekanauskas
Background/Objectives: LAS is common in adolescents, yet early management strategies differ. The traditional PRICE + NSAIDs protocol focuses on short-term symptom relief, whereas the PEACE and LOVE framework emphasizes education, early optimal loading, and progressive exercise. This study compared functional recovery between these two approaches. Methods: A prospective randomized study enrolled 76 adolescents (12–17 years) with first-time LAS, allocated to PRICE + NSAIDs or PEACE and LOVE using a computer-generated randomization sequence with concealed envelope allocation; 65 completed follow-up (PRICE n = 32; PEACE and LOVE n = 33). Functional performance was assessed at 1–2, 5–7, and 12–15 weeks using Biodex isokinetic dynamometry and the Y-Balance Test composite score (YBT-CS). Outcomes were expressed as side-to-side deficits (uninjured − injured limb) and analyzed using two-way mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance, with Group (PRICE + NSAIDs vs. PEACE and LOVE) as the between-subject factor and Time (1–2, 5–7, and 12–15 weeks) as the within-subject factor. Results: Significant main effects of time were observed for IN strength at 60°/s (F = 5.73, p = 0.006) and 120°/s (F = 10.15, p < 0.001), EV strength at 120°/s (F = 6.82, p = 0.003), ankle ROM at 60°/s (F = 12.79, p < 0.001) and 120°/s (F = 13.09, p < 0.001), and YBT CS (F = 6.91, p = 0.002), indicating progressive recovery across follow-up. No significant group effects or time × group interactions were detected for any outcome (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both rehabilitation protocols were associated with progressive functional recovery following adolescent LAS. No statistically significant between-group differences or differential recovery trajectories were detected over 12–15 weeks. These findings suggest that an active, education-focused rehabilitation approach yields functional outcomes comparable to traditional PRICE + NSAIDs management in the short term. Larger studies with longer follow-up are required to determine whether clinically meaningful differences exist between protocols. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT07287020; registered 3 December 2025 (retrospectively registered).