Introduction Pilates is a method of exercising which aims to increase strength and flexibility but also to positively influence people's mental state. Although its effectiveness in these areas is confirmed by numerous studies, not all the studies are conclusive and many results are inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to evaluate abdominal muscle activity in people practicing Pilates and to examine the influence of Pilates exercises on core muscle activity. Material and methods Sixty three participants were divided into two groups. The study group (Pilates group) consisted of 50 adults (48 women and 2 men: age = 47.2±12.7 years) and the control group (Non-exercising group) consisted of 13 adults (10 women and 3 men: age = 37.1±13.4 years). Both groups took part in two tests: transverse abdominis (TRA) muscle activity test in the prone position and the lumbar spine stability test while moving the lower limbs in the supine position. The equipment used in the study was the Pressure Biofeedback Stabilizer (PBS). Results The results showed no significant differences between the groups, both in the TRA muscle activity test and in the lumbar spine stability test. Conclusions Pilates exercises do not influence the activity of the TRA muscle or the core stability as assessed by the Pressure Biofeedback Stabilizer. However, in the study group the high percentage of positive results and the relatively low percentage of poor results obtained in the TRA muscle activity test encourage further research in this area.
Introduction Strength is a primary component of human motor skills and one of the most frequently trained motor abilities. Handball belongs to a group of sports in which handgrip strength plays a key role. The aim of the study was to assess handgrip strength of children and adolescents handball players. This research may prove useful due to the need to monitor the training process. It will enable coaches and therapists to compare the results of children and adolescents with regard to age, gender and body dimensions as well as plan strength training programmes for handball. Material and methods The study was carried out on a group of 99 handball players from the “Handball Club” in Radzymiński Centre of Culture and Sport. The study included both boys and girls aged 9 to 16 who regularly and actively participated in handball training. The work presents basic anthropometric characteristics of the study participants and the results of handgrip strength measurements of both hands with the use of a hydraulic dynamometer. Results Handgrip strength increases with age in both girls and boys. Handgrip strength is greater in boys than in girls, which is connected with greater body mass, body height, relative body weight and phalanx length. Conclusions The given values of handgrip strength will enable coaches and therapists to compare the results of children and adolescents with regard to age, gender and body dimensions in order to monitor strength and plan strength training program in handball.
Introduction Upper crossed syndrome is a postural syndrome, with myofascial and functional imbalance within the shoulder girdle and the cervical spine. The therapy usually includes myofascial techniques or massage. The aim of this work was to indicate which of these forms of therapy is more effective in terms of myofascial release. Material and methods The study group consisted of 18 individuals (12 females and 6 males) with upper crossed syndrome who were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. In group 1 (8 females, 1 male), rehabilitation protocol involved myofascial techniques, while in group 2 (4 females, 5 males), massage was performed. In both groups, the therapy consisted of five 30-minute daily sessions. Prior to the therapy, on the 1st and the 5th day of the therapy immediately after the intervention as well as 14 days after the therapy completion, suprasternale height was measured and the cervical spine mobility was examined. Results It was revealed that both forms of the therapy resulted in an increase in the range of motion of the cervical spine, particularly in the case of the right flexion and right rotation. Effects were still present two weeks after the therapy. After 5 days of rehabilitation, both forms of the therapy led to a significant increase in suprasternale height (p<0.05). Conclusions Both myofascial techniques and massage result in an increase in the cervical spine and chest mobility in the longitudinal dimension in persons with upper crossed syndrome.
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Wstęp Zespół skrzyżowania górnego to zespół posturalny, w którym występuje nierównowaga strukturalna mięśniowo-powięziowa oraz funkcjonalna w obrębie obręczy barkowej i odcinka szyjnego kręgosłupa. Terapia w tym przypadku polega najczęściej na zastosowaniu techniki mięśniowo-powięziowych bądź masażu klasycznego. Celem pracy było wskazanie, która spośród wskazanych form terapii wykazuje większą skuteczność w rozluźnianiu kompleksu mięśniowo-powięziowego. Materiał i metody Grupę badaną stanowiło 18 osób (12 kobiet, 6 mężczyzn) z zespołem skrzyżowania górnego, które w sposób losowy zostały przydzielone do jednej z dwóch grup. W Grupie I (8 kobiet, 1 mężczyzna) przeprowadzono rehabilitację za pomocą technik mięśniowo-powięziowych, zaś w Grupie II (4 kobiety, 5 mężczyzn) zastosowano masaż klasyczny. Terapia składała się z pięciu 30 minutowych sesji, odbywających się codziennie, przez 5 dni. Przed terapią, 1 dnia i 5 dnia bezpośrednio po terapii oraz 14 dnia od zakończenia terapii, zbadano wysokość punktu suprasternale klatki piersiowej ruchomość odcinka szyjnego kręgosłupa. Wyniki Wykazano, że obie formy terapii wpływają na zwiększenie zakresu ruchu odcinka szyjnego kręgosłupa, w szczególności skłonu bocznego w prawo oraz rotacji w prawo. Uzyskane efekty występowały również 2 tygodnie od zakończenia terapii. Po 5 dniach usprawniania, obie formy terapii wpłynęły na znamienne zwiększenie wysokości suprasternale.(p<0,05). Wnioski Zarówno techniki mięśniowo-powięziowe, jak i masaż klasyczny wpływają na zwiększenie ruchomości odcinka szyjnego kręgosłupa oraz poprawę ruchomości klatki piersiowej w wymiarze długościowym u osób z zespołem skrzyżowania górnego.
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