Physical Rehabilitation and Recreational Health Technologies

Effect of Kinesiotape versus Myofascial Release on Postnatal Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Mahmoud AM Ahmed — 2025-12-30

Purpose. Low back pain (LBP) represents a common worldwide condition that often impacts postpartum women and leads to several adverse health consequences, such as trouble walking, working, sleeping, and regulating mood. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine the impact of kinesio tape (KT) versus myofascial release (MFR) on postnatal LBP.

Material & Methods. Sixty women suffering from postpartum LBP participated in this trial. They were aged between 20 and 35 years, had a body mass index below 30 kg/m2, and were 6-8 weeks postpartum. Participants were randomly assigned to two equal groups, each comprising 30 women. Group A received KT treatment three times a week for four weeks, while Group B underwent 25-minute MFR sessions three times a week for four weeks. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations were conducted for both groups, measuring pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and assessing lumbar flexion, extension, and lateral flexion range of motion (ROM).

Results. Both groups indicated statistically significant improvements (P<0.01) in LBP intensity and lumbar ROM in all directions post-treatment. Between-group comparisons post-intervention showed that Group A demonstrated statistically significant superiority (P<0.01) in LBP reduction and lumbar ROM improvement in all directions compared to Group B.

Conclusions. The study demonstrated that both kinesiotaping and myofascial release are effective, non-pharmacological interventions for reducing pain and improving lumbar range of motion in women suffering from postnatal low back pain. However, the significantly superior outcomes achieved with kinesiotaping across all measured variables suggest it is a more potent modality for producing immediate improvements in this specific population.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06640543

Resistance Training Significantly Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Women with a Sedentary Lifestyle: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Junian Cahyanto Wibawa — 2025-12-30

Purpose. Cognitive decline and dementia are increasing, driven by a lack of movement and physical exercise. Critical aspects of brain cognitive function are influenced by levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The development and proliferation of synapses, which support thinking skills such as memory and learning, which are vital for survival, are influenced by BDNF levels. One non-pharmacological treatment for dementia caused by a sedentary lifestyle is exercise.This study aimed to determine the effect of resistance training and aerobic exercise on BDNF levels in women with a sedentary lifestyle.

Material & Methods. Experimental and control groups before and after were used in this experimental study. People were selected through random sampling, and after they were selected, three groups were formed: the treatment group (RT) received a resistance exercise intervention, an aerobic exercise intervention was given to the treatment group (AT), while the control group (CO) did not do any activity, just sitting. This study involved thirty-nine healthy women with a sedentary lifestyle. Women aged 18 to 26 years participated as respondents in this study. Data collection took place over the course of two days, beginning with the collection of information regarding the characteristics of the subjects. Then, before the exercise, the subjects had their blood drawn as pre-test data. After then, the participants were told to warm up. Then, the subjects performed physical exercises according to their group. The exercises performed included resistance and aerobic exercises. After the exercise intervention, blood samples were taken as post-test data.

Results. BDNF levels in the resistance training group experienced a significant increase in women with a sedentary lifestyle p<0.05*.

Conclusions. Therefore, these experimental test data provide information that acute resistance training can increase BDNF levels. Resistance training can be recommended as an alternative exercise for people with a sedentary lifestyle to improve cognitive function.

Modeling the mechanisms of readaptation of functional reserves in military personnel with musculoskeletal limb injuries during long-term rehabilitation

Alina Kizilova — 2025-12-30

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of experimental training models in promoting the readaptation of functional reserves in military personnel with musculoskeletal limb injuries after completing long-term rehabilitation under standard physical therapy protocols.

Material & Methods. The study was conducted during the long-term rehabilitation of military personnel with musculoskeletal limb injuries from mine-blast trauma. A total of 64 individuals were examined. During both inpatient and outpatient 12-month rehabilitation, the study participants followed standard physical therapy protocols. Depending on their nosological profiles, study participants were divided into two groups: individuals with musculoskeletal injuries of the upper limbs (group 1) and of the lower limbs (group 2). These groups were further divided into subgroups based on the characteristics of their adaptive and compensatory responses to acute test loads. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis was used to assess the baseline functional state of the study participants and to characterize readaptation processes across all stages of the study. HRV parameters were monitored at the beginning of the study and after three months of using the experimental training models aimed at readapting functional reserves.

Results. After 12 months of long-term rehabilitation based on standard physical therapy protocols, 50% of the study participants exhibited an increase in central regulation of sinus rhythm at rest. At the same time, they showed the highest baseline tension within the cardiac rhythm regulation system. Furthermore, in response to test loads, 50% of the examined military personnel, regardless of nosology, showed an increase in the central regulatory contour of sinus rhythm accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in sympathetic and parasympathetic tone. Only 12.5% of military personnel with these nosologies, after completing long-term rehabilitation under standard protocols, demonstrated an increase in parasympathetic tone accompanied by a simultaneous reduction in VLF power in response to test load. The baseline tension of the cardiac rhythm regulation system decreased in 75% of participants after using three-month experimental training models for restoring functional reserves. In response to test loads, the autonomic balance of 50% of military personnel with musculoskeletal limb injuries shifted toward parasympathetic regulation, accompanied by a decrease in very low-frequency (VLF) power. Additionally, a weakening of vagal influence on the sinoatrial node was observed in 12.5% of the study participants, irrespective of their nosology, in response to the test load. However, this change did not enhance the central regulatory mechanisms.

Conclusions. The majority of study participants with musculoskeletal limb injuries exhibited signs of adaptation failure in their resistance levels and functional reserves after 12 months of rehabilitation under standard protocols. In developing the rehabilitation models, a novel combination of core structural components was implemented, differing by approximately 90% from traditional physical therapy approaches. The findings revealed that after three months of using the experimental training models, 50% of study participants demonstrated increased parasympathetic activity in response to test loads, accompanied by a simultaneous weakening of the central regulatory contour. Such changes in HRV indices in response to the stimulus indicate the effective activation of mechanisms of short-term adaptation. The obtained results revealed one of the key factors underlying the low effectiveness of the neuromuscular system readaptation and functional reserves during long-term rehabilitation of military personnel with such nosologies

Routine daily activities and pain intensity according to the results of the initial examination of patients with polystructural injuries of the upper extremities

Nataliya Borzykh — 2025-12-30

Purpose. This article analyzes the structure of the total sample of patients with polystructural injuries of the upper extremities depending on the severity of injuries and the type of reconstructive interventions and evaluates the results of the initial examination according to the indicators of activity of daily life and intensity of pain syndrome with the determination of the most severe clinical group.

Materials and methods. The study involved 56 patients with gunshot wounds of the upper extremities after reconstructive interventions. Patients were divided into groups according to the severity of the polystructural injury (I-IV grade). All study participants underwent an initial examination using the DASH questionnaire, the modified Frenchay scale (MFS), and the visual analogue pain scale (VAS). Mathematical statistical methods were used to analyze the structure of the total sample and identify the most severe clinical group.

Results. The initial examination of 56 patients after gunshot wounds of the upper extremities in the post-acute period revealed the prevalence of grade IV severity (55%), in terms of distribution by segments, the most common injuries were in the shoulder-elbow segment (37%). Initial condition in the group as a whole (n=56): VAS=7 points, DASH=61.5, MFS=72.5 — pronounced pain syndrome and functional deficit. The Kruskal-Wallis test did not reveal significant differences between groups I, II, combined III-IV for pain, MFS and DASH before treatment (H=1.50; 3.57; 0.80; p>0.05). However, group II (nerve plastic surgery) tends to have the worst results: the highest pain (rank 31.04), the lowest MFS function (rank 26.31), the highest DASH disability (rank 31.38). Such results may be due to neuropathic pain, paresis and sensory deficits, which limit activity more than musculoskeletal defects in grade IV in the post-acute period.

When comparing the performance of the four most difficult tasks of the modified Frenchay scale (MFS), statistically significant intergroup differences were found only in the task of “simulating cutting food” (H=6.96; p=0.031), where the worst results (the lowest mean rank 19.46) were recorded in group II (peripheral nerve plastic surgery).

Conclusions. Despite the lack of statistical significance, grade II polystructural injury was functionally the most severe according to the visual analogue scale, MFS and DASH scales, and one statistically significant task of the MFS scale. This partially contradicts the expectations that grade IV (muscle/bone defects) would have the worst prognosis, and indicates the key role of the nerve defect (grade II) as a limiting factor in functional recovery.

Comparison of dry needling, shockwave therapy and standard physiotherapy in cervical myofascial pain syndrome

Blerton Hulaj — 2025-12-30

Purpose. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of dry needling (DN), shockwave therapy (SW), and conventional physiotherapy in managing trigger points (MTrP) related cervical pain.

Material & Methods. A randomized controlled trial included 99 patients (mean age 35.6±10.2 years) allocated to three intervention groups: (1) standard physiotherapy with DN, (2) standard physiotherapy alone, and (3) standard physiotherapy with shock wave (SW). Treatments were applied over 5 weeks (10 sessions). Outcomes measured pre- and post-treatment included the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS), neck disability index (NDI), neck flexor and extensor strength, and cervical ROM (flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion). Statistical analysis was performed using ANCOVA and MANCOVA.

Results. There were clear differences between treatments (Wilks' λ=0.09, F=17.54, p<0.001, η²=0.70). Dry needling reduced NDI scores the most (p=0.023 vs standard physiotherapy; p=0.036 vs SW) and improved lateral flexion to both sides (p<0.001). Shockwave therapy (SW) gave the biggest increase in neck flexor strength (79.75; p<0.001) and improved extension and rotation ROM, while standard physiotherapy had the highest extensor strength (95.28). PCS scores improved in all groups, with no significant differences.

Conclusions. All interventions reduced pain and improved function, with DN (Dry Needling) showing greater effects on reducing neck disability index and lateral flexion, and SW (shock wave) enhancing muscle strength and extension ROM.

Effect of open kinetic and close kinetic exercise on vastus medialis oblique and gluteus medius on EMG evaluation for chondromalacia patella in young adults

Thejazenuo Sachu — 2025-12-30

Purpose. Young individuals frequently experience anterior knee pain due to chondromalacia patella (CMP), which is frequently caused by muscle imbalances and improper patellar tracking. Enhancing patellofemoral stability requires targeted strengthening of the gluteus medius (GMed) and the vastus medialis oblique (VMO). Rehabilitation programs frequently include both open kinetic chain (OKC) and closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises; however, there is limited data comparing their effectiveness in improving neuromuscular activation and functional outcomes. This study's objective was to evaluate and contrast the impacts of CKC as well as OKC exercises on the functional performance, pressure pain threshold, and EMG-based activation of VMO and GMed in young individuals with CMP.

Material & Methods. 52 participants with a clinically diagnosed case of CMP, aged 20-30, where randomization was not followed, but the participants were equally assigned to two clusters. c cluster CKC (n=26) received a six-week CKC exercise protocol, and cluster OKC (n=26) received an OKC protocol. The interventions lasted 45-50 minutes each session, five days a week, for six weeks. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention and included surface electromyography (sEMG) of the VMO and GMed, pressure pain threshold via algometry, and functional evaluation using the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale. The data's normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Within-group and between-group differences used independent samples t-tests and paired t-tests for evaluation, respectively, with p<0.05 deemed statistically.

Results. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements across all outcome measures (p<0.001). Cluster CKC outperformed cluster OKC. VMO activation rose from 49.27% to 87.85% in cluster CKC and 50.88% to 77.73% in cluster OKC. GMed activation increased from 110.62% to 144.65% in cluster CKC and 111.04% to 128.00% in cluster OKC. An increase in pressure pain threshold was noted, from 2.84 kg up to 5.84 kg, measured under CLUSTER CKC, and from 2.91 kg up to 5.76 kg in CLUSTER OKC. Kujala functional scores increased from 63.73 to 88.65 in cluster CKC, while cluster OKC recorded from 63.72 to 82.84. Between-group comparisons revealed statistically significant differences favouring CKC for VMO activation (p=0.006), GMed activation (p=0.001), and Kujala ratings (p=0.001). cluster CKC also had better clinical outcomes, according to effect size analysis, especially in terms of VMO activation (5.76 vs. 3.11) and pain threshold (6.99 vs. 5.56).

Conclusions. In young individuals with CMP, neuromuscular activation, pain tolerance, and functional capacity were all successfully enhanced by CKC and OKC exercises. But the effects of CKC exercises were considerably larger, particularly when it came to improving function and activating important stabilising muscles. These findings indicate that CKC exercises should be prioritised in conservative physiotherapy for CMP to optimise clinical outcomes.

Express assessment of the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people in the second half of middle age, as a means of pre-diagnostic evaluation and prediction of the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures

Larysa Ruban — 2025-12-30

Purpose. The study is aimed at rapid assessment of cardiovascular disease risk in middle-aged individuals and is relevant from the perspective of modern physical culture and sports rehabilitation, as it promotes early intervention, optimization of rehabilitation measures, and prevention of cardiovascular disease progression. The useful model is designed for rapid diagnosis of cardiovascular disease risk in middle-aged individuals based on an integrated assessment of physiological, hemodynamic, metabolic, and psychoemotional indicators in women aged 36–45. The model is intended for use in sports medicine, physical education and sports rehabilitation, as well as in fitness programs to determine initial conditions and predict the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures. Purpose: develop an express assessment of the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in middle-aged individuals in order to identify initial disturbances in the functional state of the cardiovascular system and predict the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures.

Material & Methods. The study was conducted at the Women's Health School, with 79 women aged 36-45 participating. The model was constructed using regression analysis based on data obtained from the study of women. It includes only those indicators that have been found to have a statistically significant impact on the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Results. To develop a model for rapid diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in middle-aged women, we used stepwise multiple linear regression. The final model included five indicators that simultaneously had a strong statistical association with CVD risk, represented different areas of functional multistate regulation, and did not show collinearity with each other. To create an interpretive scheme of CVD risk levels based on the constructed regression model, a combined approach was used, which relies on both the actual values of the CVD risk assessment scale and the logic of calculating the regression level. The study used a validated tool that provides a gradation of CVD risk on a point scale: minimal risk – up to 21 points, apparent risk - 22-28 points, detected risk - 29-35 points, maximum risk – 36 points and above. For each risk level, typical predictor values were selected that correspond to the clinically reliable profile of a woman in the second period of mature age. Confirmation of typical average values of body mass index, systolic blood pressure, cervical curvature depth, and anxiety level (SHTlich) for each category allowed us to obtain predicted risk level values that closely match the limits defined in the original scale.

Conclusions. The high prevalence of modified risk factors indicates the presence of preclinical conditions and justifies the need for early implementation of preventive and rehabilitative measures. Express assessment of cardiovascular disease risk in the second period of adulthood is an informative and practically accessible method for early detection of initial functional disorders of the cardiovascular system and stratification by cardiovascular risk level. Statistically significant correlations between rapid risk assessment indicators and functional parameters of the cardiovascular system confirm the prognostic value of this approach for assessing the initial functional status of women in the second period of middle age.

Readaptation of the functional reserves of elite mixed martial arts athletes during long-term rehabilitation after musculoskeletal injuries

Andrii Savenko — 2025-12-30

Purpose. To study the distinctive characteristics of functional reserve readaptation in elite Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes during long-term rehabilitation after musculoskeletal injuries using various physical therapy protocols.

Material & Methods. The study examined 24 elite athletes who sustained musculoskeletal injuries after competitions, predominantly involving the neuromuscular system and limb ligaments. 50 % of the athletes had previously practiced Muay Thai boxing, while the others specialized in Greco-Roman wrestling before MMA. The monitoring of the athletes’ functional reserve readaptation during rehabilitation lasted seven months. The study included four control stages (before injury, and after two, five, and seven months of rehabilitation), each accompanied by a set of test loads designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the readaptation. To assess the adaptive and compensatory responses of the body to the applied loads, a series of blood biomarkers was analyzed, including creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, cortisol, and creatinine. Changes in body composition were tracked using bioimpedance analysis.

Results. The most noticeable signs of adaptation failure in elite MMA athletes occurred during the first two months of rehabilitation. Compared to pre-injury data, both groups of athletes showed a decrease in baseline creatine phosphokinase and creatinine levels. This was accompanied by an increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity in their blood serum, marking a significant drop in the body’s functional reserves and overall resistance. During the three-month rehabilitation period, athletes exhibited only partial signs of functional readaptation, despite the implementation of protocols that significantly differed from standard physical therapy approaches. Moreover, a decrease in blood cortisol concentration in response to physical load was detected in both groups, suggesting a low level of resistance and the need for additional energy supply. During the last eight weeks of the seven-month rehabilitation program, exercises replicating 85-90% of MMA technical skills facilitated both the activation and enhancement of functional readaptation. Modifications to the protocols led to an increase in baseline creatinine and creatine phosphokinase levels, along with a decrease in lactate dehydrogenase activity in both groups. Simultaneously, the changes observed in biochemical blood markers in response to the test loads indicated activation of mechanisms supporting short-term adaptation.

Conclusions. The findings indicate the limited effectiveness of standard physical therapy protocols in supporting the readaptation of functional reserves among elite MMA athletes during long-term rehabilitation. Despite the high resistance of physiological systems to physical loads recorded before injury, the lack of sufficient muscular activity during the five-month rehabilitation period led to the manifestation of compensatory reactions. Restructuring the rehabilitation protocols with adjusted training loads and exercises simulating 75-80% of combat movements positively influenced the athletes’ recovery. The study results helped to identify and analyze the low effectiveness of functional reserve readaptation observed in many elite MMA athletes during long-term rehabilitation after musculoskeletal injuries.

Examining the Relationship Between Boxers' Sports Achievement Goals and Sports Anxiety Levels

Hayri Akyüz — 2025-12-30

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between boxers' goal of success in sports and their levels of sports anxiety and to determine whether their goal of success in sports and their levels of sports anxiety differ according to demographic variables.

The research was conducted within the framework of descriptive and relational screening model methods. The population of the research consists of boxers who participated in the Turkish Individual Boxing Championship held in Bayburt province between June 28, 2025 and July 6, 2025. The research sample consists of n: 370 people selected from this population using simple random sampling method. Data collection tools included the "Personal Information Form," the "Sports Achievement Goal Scale (SAGS)", and the "Sports Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS)." Data were analyzed using the SPSS 27.0 program. The normality of the data distribution was assessed using kurtosis and skewness tests, concluding that the data followed a normal distribution. Furthermore, reliability analysis of the scale sub-dimensions and total scores indicated that both were reliable. Descriptive statistics included frequency, mean, and standard deviation; t-tests and ANOVA were used to examine differences between variables; and Pearson Correlation Test was used to analyze relationships between variables. Tukey test was applied for multiple comparisons. Significance value (p<0.05) was considered in the data analysis.

Research findings: According to the t-test results, significant differences were found between the boxers' gender variable and the SAGS total scores and sub-dimensions in favor of male boxers (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the international degree status variable and the scale total scores and sub-dimensions (p>0.05). On the other hand, significant differences were found between the boxers' sport category variable and the SAGS total scores and sub-dimensions in the ANOVA test results (p<0.05). Furthermore, the correlation test results revealed no correlation between the participants' age and sport age variables and the scale sub-dimensions and total scores (p>0.05). In addition, a low-level, negative, and significant correlation was found between the weight class variable and the total scores and sub-dimensions of the SAGS (p<0.05). Moreover, a low-level, positive, and significant correlation was found between the participants' weekly sport activity duration variable and the "somatic" sub-dimension of the SAS (p<0.05).

Finally, low, moderate, and high-level positive correlations were found between the scale sub-dimensions and total scores. In conclusion, it can be said that as boxers' sports anxiety levels increase, their achievement goals in sports also increase. The findings indicate that boxers’ achievement goal orientations are important psychological determinants of competitive anxiety levels. These results provide important practical implications for training planning, psychological support practices, and particularly for rehabilitation-oriented interventions aimed at anxiety regulation. Taking achievement goal orientations into account may contribute to reducing injury risk, supporting recovery processes, and promoting long-term athlete health.