Physical Rehabilitation and Recreational Health Technologies

Prediction of quality of life parameters among university students for the optimization of health-enhancing recreational programs

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose. The present study sought to construct and empirically test predictive models of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a cohort of Ukrainian university students. The models incorporated behavioural patterns, psychosocial factors, and safety-related perceptions as key determinants. By doing so, the research aimed to generate evidence-based insights that could inform the development of more effective, context-sensitive recreational and health-promotion programs tailored to the challenges of studying and living under wartime conditions.

Material & Methods. The study involved 172 students (48.8% male, 51.2% female; aged 18–25 years) enrolled in Ukrainian higher education institutions. Data collection included standardized questionnaires: the SF-36 Health Survey (Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS)), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and the Service Quality Assessment Scale (SQAS) adapted to wartime conditions. Factor analysis identified two main domains («Motivation» and «Constraints»), and additional variables such as time and financial limitations were analysed separately. Predictive modelling was conducted using Gradient Boosting Trees (GBT) and Random Forest (RF) methods. Model performance was evaluated with MAE, RMSE, and MAPE metrics.

Results. The models demonstrated distinct predictive capacities for physical and mental components of HRQoL. PCS was effectively predicted using a simple GBT structure with high accuracy (MAE=5.53, RMSE=45.70, MAPE=0.102), while MCS required more complex modelling (130 trees). RF outperformed GBT for MCS prediction (RMSE=83.96 vs. 98.02; MAPE=0.180 vs. 0.198). Variable importance analysis revealed that safety was the strongest predictor of PCS, while life satisfaction (SWLS) and physical activity (IPAQ) were the most influential for MCS. In both models, sex and training frequency were the least significant predictors.

Conclusions. Machine learning approaches provide valuable tools for predicting HRQoL among students in challenging contexts. The findings confirm that physical well-being is strongly influenced by environmental safety, whereas mental well-being depends more on subjective life satisfaction and physical activity. These results highlight the need for integrated health-enhancing recreational programs combining physical activity with psychosocial support and safety measures in Ukrainian universities during wartime.

Efficacy of Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) in Alleviating Chronic Wrist Pain and Enhancing Forearm Function among Badminton Players: A Pilot Study

Taruna Verma, Sajjad Alam, Shagun Agarwal — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose. Wrist pain is a prevalent concern among badminton players often resulting from monotonous physical stress and overuse, which can lead to functional limitations and compromised performance. Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has emerged as promising intervention in musculoskeletal rehabilitation therapy, offering muscular benefits at low intensities. However, its efficacy in upper limb conditions, particularly chronic wrist pain in athletes, remains underexplored. To assess the success of BFRT in dropping wrist pain, enhancing range of motion (ROM), and promoting muscle hypertrophy among badminton players with chronic wrist discomfort

Material & Methods. A descriptive and quantitative case series was conducted with 10 badminton players (6 males, 4 females; mean age: 27.2 ± 1.81 years) experiencing chronic wrist pain for over three months. Participants underwent a four-week BFRT intervention involving low-intensity biceps and wrist curls, performed three times a week. Cuff pressure was standardised at 50% of limb occlusion pressure (LOP), and the exercises were conducted at 20% of one repetition (max). Pain (VAS), ROM, and forearm girth were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Results. The mean VAS score reduced from 6.9 ± 1.10 at baseline to 0 post-intervention, indicating a 100% reduction in perceived pain. Forearm girth increased from a mean of 6.68 ± 1.2 inches to 6.88 ± 1.3 inches, reflecting hypertrophy. Participants reported an improvement in their ability to use their hands functionally and a reduction in pain during daily activities. Statistically significant pain reduction was observed earlier in female participants compared to males.

Conclusions. BFRT significantly alleviated wrist pain, improved muscular adaptations, and enhanced functionality in badminton players, demonstrating its potential as a low-risk and cost-effective alternative technique as compared to traditional high-load resistance training. These preliminary findings suggest that it could be used for upper limb rehabilitation, but further large-scale controlled trials are needed to establish its general applicability.

Effectiveness of individualized occupational therapy interventions without the use of prosthetics for military servicemen with unilateral upper extremity amputations

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose. This paper presents the results of an experimental study investigating the effectiveness of individualized occupational therapy interventions for people with upper limb amputations without the use of prosthetic devices. This study is relevant because the number of people in Ukraine who have had a limb amputated as a result of the ongoing war is increasing, as is the need for effective rehabilitation methods to improve quality of life.

Material & Methods. The study employed a pre-test–post-test experimental design, allowing for the evaluation of changes in participants’ functional status and occupational performance following a structured occupational therapy intervention without prosthetic devices. Occupational therapy sessions were aimed at client education and teaching the clients new skills to use modified and compensatory strategies for task performance, adaptive equipment, as well as making adaptation of the environment for increased functional independence. Participants included 10 male military servicemen between the ages of 20 and 45 years old with upper extremity amputations who participated in occupational therapy interventions for two months. The assessment was carried out using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Statistical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired samples t-test.

Results. As a result of the occupational therapy interventions, the study participants demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in disability levels according to the DASH, as evidenced by an average score decrease from 80.5 prior to intervention to 44.2 post-intervention (p<.001). Similarly, the COPM assessment revealed clinically significant improvements (≥2-point change) in the performance of personal hygiene tasks, dressing, and cooking, as well as in satisfaction with performing personal hygiene, cooking, and driving tasks. The decrease in pain levels reported by the participants was also statistically significant with an average of 5,5 pre-test and 3,4 post-test on VAS (p<.001).

Conclusions. The comparative analysis of disability levels, pain levels, as well as performance of meaningful occupations before and after interventions indicates a significant improvement in functional independence and life satisfaction of military servicemen with amputations following an individualized occupational therapy program. Results presented in the paper demonstrate a positive correlation between COPM and DASH. The study indicates that occupational therapy services aimed at teaching compensatory strategies of task performance, environmental education and patient education are beneficial for clients with upper extremity amputations even without the use of prosthetic devices. Additionally, the results of the study support the effectiveness of occupational therapy for military servicemen.

Functional overstrain during long-term rehabilitation of military personnel with musculoskeletal Injuries of the limbs

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose. To study the main causes of functional overstrain in military personnel with musculoskeletal injuries of the limbs during long-term rehabilitation while applying standard physical therapy protocols.

Material & Methods. 56 military personnel who had sustained musculoskeletal injuries of the limbs 16 months earlier as a result of mine-explosive and gunshot wounds were examined. During the previous 10 months of long-term rehabilitation, standard physical therapy protocols were used according to the specific nosology. The participants were divided into groups and subgroups according to their nosology and type of heart rhythm regulation. Test load 1 was developed for servicemen with upper limb injuries, and test load 2 – for military personnel with lower limb injuries. To assess the adaptive and compensatory responses of the participants to the test loads, indicators of heart rate spectral analysis and blood biomarkers (creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, testosterone, and cortisol) were used. Monitoring of possible adaptive changes was carried out before and after 15 days of using physical therapy protocols under the supervision of rehabilitation specialists.

Results. At the beginning of the study, regardless of the nosology, a shift in autonomic balance was simultaneously observed toward both sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. In 50% of the examined participants, an enhancement of the central contour of sinus rhythm regulation was observed along with decreased cortisol concentration and increased LDH activity in the blood. Such adaptive-compensatory responses to a stress stimulus indicate low muscle glycogen reserves and an insufficient level of resistance, reflecting a state of non-functional overstrain and a risk of adaptive failure. Other study participants had a decrease in the influence of the central contour, accompanied by opposite changes in the LF/HF ratio. CPK levels increased significantly, and blood cortisol concentration almost reached the upper limit of normal, indicating a state of functional overstrain. The results obtained after 15 days of using the prescribed physical therapy protocols under the supervision of rehabilitation specialists showed almost identical changes in HRV indicators and blood biomarkers as those observed at the beginning of the study. Such prolonged changes in biomarkers indicate a continuously progressing depletion of adaptive reserves due to compensatory reactions triggered by excessive stress stimuli.

Conclusions. Using inpatient rehabilitation services by military personnel over the previous 10 months led to the development of a state of non-functional overstrain in 50% of the examined individuals. A re-examination conducted over 15 days in inpatient conditions, concerning the influence of physical therapy protocols recommended by physical rehabilitation specialists on the neuromuscular system readaptation, confirmed the previous results.

The study results allowed for a clear identification of the main problems causing the FOR and NFOR state development in military personnel with these nosologies, and the necessity of using a wide range of biomarkers to assess their adaptive and compensatory responses to physical load.

Effect of Swiss Ball Versus Floor Exercises in Patients with Mechanical Low Back Pain: A Comparative Study

Sakshi Parmar, Sachin Gupta, Ambreen Fatima, Nidhi Singh, Sonika Girsa — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose. Mechanical low back pain is a prevalent health issue that necessitates effective non-surgical treatment options. While exercise therapy is a fundamental component of conservative care, further research is needed to compare the efficacy of various exercise approaches. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Swiss ball exercises and floor-based exercises in individuals with mechanical low back pain.

Material & Methods. A comparative study was conducted with participants divided into two intervention groups. Group A received a moist heat pack application for 15 minutes, followed by Swiss ball exercises, while Group B received a moist heat pack application for 15 minutes, followed by floor exercises. Outcome measures included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability, and the Dynamic Abdominal Endurance Test (DAET), the Dynamic Extensor Endurance Test (DEET), and the Manual Testing (MT) for muscle endurance and strength evaluation. Assessments were performed at baseline and after the intervention period.

Results. Both intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements across all outcome measures. Analysis of pre- and post-intervention data revealed that both Swiss ball exercises and floor exercises effectively reduced pain intensity scores on VAS, decreased functional disability ratings on ODI, and improved muscle endurance and strength as measured by DAET DEET and MT.

Conclusions. Both Swiss ball exercises and floor exercises, when combined with moist heat application, provide effective therapeutic benefits for patients with mechanical low back pain, including pain reduction, decreased functional disability, and enhanced muscle endurance and strength.

Comprehensive assessment of heart rate variability, blood pressure, sleep quality, and anxiety in athletes with persistent fatigue

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose. To provide a comprehensive assessment of heart rate variability, arterial blood pressure, sleep disorders, and anxiety in athletes with persistent fatigue.

Material & Methods. In total, 52 track and field athletes participated in the study. We divided them into groups according to their scores on the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS): the main group consisted of 11 athletes with scores of 22 points or higher, while the control group comprised the participants with scores below this threshold. There were no significant differences between groups in age, sex, training intensity, or representation in athletics disciplines. All study participants underwent assessment with the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). We measured heart rate variability using the Cardio+ monitor during a 4-6 minute recording period.

Results. The findings showed that athletes with fatigue lasting more than two weeks demonstrated lower well-being, sleep disturbances, and higher levels of anxiety (p<0.001). The strongest correlation was observed between FAS scores and WHO-5 well-being (r=–0.902, p<0.001). Weaker correlations were observed between FAS scores and insomnia (AIS, r=0.691, p<0.001) and daytime sleepiness (ESS, r=0.684, p<0.001). No correlation between fatigue and anxiety was detected in the main group (r=0.340, p=0.306), and the overall correlation across all participants was weak (r=0.431, p<0.001). This indicates that anxiety is a distinct symptom, which, although more common in persistent fatigue, may have an independent significance, thus requiring a comprehensive approach that considers the psychosomatic status of the athletes. Our analyses confirmed reductions in both time- and frequency parameters of heart rate variability (p<0.05), indicating deterioration of autonomic regulation in athletes with persistent fatigue. The fact that this was mostly true for the parasympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system (HF, LF/HF, p<0.001) may indicate that the main mechanism of fatigue is insufficient post-load recovery. Although indirectly, this also evidenced resting hemodynamic parameters, in particular, a higher heart rate and arterial blood pressure level in the main group.

Conclusions. Athletes with clinically significant persistent fatigue demonstrated poorer indices reflecting subjective well-being (sense of well-being, anxiety, and sleep quality) and autonomic regulation of cardiac function (arterial blood pressure and heart rate variability parameters). The strongest correlations of fatigue levels were recorded with the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (r=–0.902), insomnia severity (r=0.691), and daytime sleepiness (r=0.684), indicating the systemic nature of these changes. The findings suggest that the disturbances in functional indicators may result from insufficient post-load recovery, which underscores the need for further research on the effectiveness of various recovery interventions aimed at optimizing the physiological state of athletes.

Biomechanical aspects of measurement in musculoskeletal physical therapy

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose. The purpose of the study: to investigate the effectiveness of comprehensive treatment for patients with stage 2-3 coxarthrosis, utilizing a combination of therapeutic exercises, Neurac methodology on the Redcord system, and biomechanical methods with a personalized approach, and to theoretically and practically justify the rationale for this approach. This study involved 26 patients aged 45 to 65 with stage 2-3 coxarthrosis and functional deficiency grade 2. The main group received a program including Redcord/Neurac and Mulligan techniques, while the control group received standard therapy. Over eight weeks, patients were evaluated using VAS for pain, the Lequesne Index, Harris Hip Score, and goniometric joint mobility tests. Results showed a 35-40% pain reduction and significant improvements in joint function and range of motion in the experimental group. Statistical analysis confirmed the greater effectiveness of the combined physical therapy program compared to conventional treatment alone.

Material & Methods. An analysis of applying biomechanical methods during physical therapy over 2 months in 30 patients (experimental and control groups) with stage 2-3 coxarthrosis and functional deficiency (FD) of grade 2 using goniometry, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and Leiken index. The mentioned methods, such as goniometry, VAS, and Leiken index, allow for an objective assessment of the range of motion in the hip joint, determining the level of pain and functional deficiency in patients with coxarthrosis. These methods enable a quantitative evaluation of patients' condition before and after the application of therapeutic exercises, Neurac methodology on the Redcord system, and other treatment complexes, facilitating an objective conclusion regarding the effectiveness of these methods in the comprehensive treatment of coxarthrosis.

Results. The results of the analysis of goniometric indices, VAS, and Leiken indices with statistical significance demonstrated the advantage of using physical therapy with the Redcord system (Neurac methodology) and Mulligan in the comprehensive rehabilitation treatment of patients with stage 2-3 coxarthrosis, manifested in the improvement of dynamic hip joint function.

Conclusions. A physical therapy program utilizing the Redcord system (Neurac methodology) and Mulligan has been developed and implemented in the comprehensive rehabilitation treatment of patients with stage 2-3 coxarthrosis.

A Randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of ultrasound therapy with muscle relaxant gel versus aquasonic transmission gel combined with strengthening exercises protocol in treating text neck syndrome

Boopathy D., Sathya Siva, Logeshwari V., Dilip G., Madhubala V. — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose. The term "text neck" refers to an overuse or repetitive stress injury condition where a person is stooped down for extended periods of time at their phone or other electronic devices with their head drooping or flexed forward. The study aimed to find out the effectiveness of ultrasound therapy along with muscle relaxant gel and Aquasonic transmission gel combined strengthening exercise on text neck syndrome.

Material & Methods. A total of 52 subjects with text neck syndrome were randomly divided into 2 groups of 26 subjects in each group using a lottery method. The intervention group received ultrasound therapy along with a muscle relaxant gel and strengthening exercises, while the conventional group received ultrasound therapy with Aquasonic transmission gel combined with strengthening exercises. The NDI and NPRS were used to assess the results both before and after the intervention. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to assess the significance of changes observed before and after the intervention.

Results. The study indicates that both groups exhibited significant improvements following treatment. Moreover, ultrasound therapy along with a muscle relaxant gel demonstrated greater significance (p<0.001).

Conclusions. The study found that combining ultrasound therapy with muscle relaxant gel and strengthening exercises effectively reduces pain and improves function in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome, with no adverse effects observed. This approach offers a more efficient treatment and faster recovery compared to conventional therapy, making it a recommended addition to future physical therapy protocols.

Characteristics of the level of the biogeometric profile of posture in women aged 41-45 with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose. To assess the impact of the corrective and preventive program on the biogeometric profile of women aged 41-45 for the further development of the concept of physical culture and sports rehabilitation for women in the second period of mature age at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Material & Methods. The study was conducted at the Profizio Medical Center in Kharkiv, which organizes a “Women's Health School.”Women aged 41-45 were divided into groups at their own request: OG (n=15) and CG (n=16). The programs differed in their psychocorrection methods, and the women in the CG did not perform myofascial release using a massage roller.

Results. Before the experiment, the stoop index values in the main group ranged from 65% to 80%, meaning that none of the participants had a normal posture. The dynamics of changes showed an increase in the stoop index in almost all participants, indicating an improvement in the position of the shoulder girdle and a decrease in the severity of deformation. In women in the control group before the experiment, the stoop index ranged from 72% to 86%. After completing the program, these ranges remained unchanged; none of the participants achieved improvement or transition to another category. The dynamics of the cervical spine curvature depth index in groups of women aged 41-45 before and after the experiment also indicate changes only in the main group. After completing the program, all participants in the main group showed an increase in the depth of the cervical curve, which ranged from 4.1 to 4.7 cm, i.e., the values were noticeably closer to normal. No changes were recorded in the women in the control group.

Conclusions. After completing the program, all participants in the main group showed a reduction in stooped posture and an improvement in cervical curvature to normal values. It strengthens the muscles of the cervical and thoracic spine, improves muscle tone and elasticity, and reduces functional limitations.Classes based on the author's corrective and preventive program contributed to the normalization of the functional state of the cervical spine and the restoration of its natural shape in all participants of the main group aged 41-45 years. No changes in dynamics were observed in women in the control group, which emphasizes the advisability of using targeted rehabilitation measures to optimize posture.