Edward Golec's research while affiliated with Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego im. Jergo Kukuczki w Katowicach and other places

Balneotherapy is an effective treatment method in various diseases and commonly used treatment modality among patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Sulfur baths are known for healing properties however effect on rheological properties is unstudied. Thus the aim of our study was to determine the effect of sulfur balneotherapy on hemorheological blood indices. A total of 48 patients with osteoarthritis were enrolled to the study. Blood samples were collected twice, before and after 3-week time period. We evaluated complete blood count, fibrinogen, hs-CRP and blood rheology parameters such as elongation index (EI), half-time of total aggregation (T 1/2) and aggregation index (AI) analyzed with the Lorrca Maxis. Mean age of studied cohort was 67 ± 5 years. After sulfur baths WBC count was significantly decreased is studied group (p = 0.021) as well as neutrophile count (p = 0.036). Red blood cell EIs were statistically higher after sulfur baths in shear stress ranging from 8.24 to 60.30 Pa. T 1/2 was significantly higher (p = 0.031) and AI lower (p = 0.003) compared to baseline. No significant changes in fibrinogen and hs-CRP were observed. It is the first study that evaluate effect of sulfur balneotherapy on rheologic properties of blood. Sulfur water baths may improve erythrocyte deformability and aggregation parameters.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most commonly recorded diseases in clinical practice. Vibration therapy has been suggested for the treatment of knee OA. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of vibrations of variable frequency and low amplitude on pain perception and mobility in patients suffering from knee OA. Methods: Thirty-two participants were allocated into two groups - Group 1 (oscillatory cycloidal vibrotherapy-OCV) and Group 2-control (sham therapy). The participants were diagnosed with moderate degenerative changes in the knee (grade II based on the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) Grading Scale). Subjects received 15 sessions of vibration therapy and sham therapy respectively. Pain, range of motion, and functional disability were assessed through Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Laitinen questionnaire, goniometer (ROM - range of motion), timed up and go test (TUG) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Measurements were taken at baseline, after the last session and four weeks after the last session (follow up). T-test and U-Mann Whitney test compare baseline characteristics. The Wilcoxon and ANOVA tests compared mean VAS, Laitinen, ROM, TUG and KOOS. The significant P-value was less than 0.05. Results: After 3 weeks (15 sessions) of vibration therapy, reduced the sensation of pain and improved mobility was recorded. There was a more significant improvement in the vibration therapy group than the control group in pain alleviation on VAS scale (p < 0.001), on Laitinen scale (p < 0.001), knee ROMs flexions (p < 0.001) and TUG (p < 0.001) at the last session. KOOS score with pain indicator, symptoms, activities of daily living, function in sport and recreation and knee related quality of life improved more in the vibration therapy group than the control group. Effects maintained up to 4 weeks in vibration group. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that the use of vibrations of variable frequency and low amplitude in patients with the knee OA is a safe and effective therapy. It is recommended to increase the number of treatments performed, primarily in patients with degeneration II° according to the KL classification. Trial registration: Prospectively registered on ANZCTR ( ACTRN12619000832178 ). Registered on 11 June 2019.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most commonly recorded diseases in clinical practice. Vibration therapy has been suggested for the treatment of knee OA. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of vibrations of variable frequency and low amplitude on pain perception and mobility in patients suffering from knee OA. Methods: 32 participants were allocated into two groups – Group 1 (oscillatory cycloidal vibrotherapy-OCV) and Group 2 - control (sham therapy). The participants were diagnosed with moderate degenerative changes in the knee (grade II based on the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) Grading Scale). Subjects received 15 sessions of vibration therapy and sham therapy respectively. Pain, range of motion, and functional disability were assessed through Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Laitinen questionnaire, goniometer (ROM – range of motion), timed up and go test (TUG) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Measurements were taken at baseline, after the last session and four weeks after the last session (follow up). T-test and U-Mann Whitney test compare baseline characteristics. The Wilcoxon and ANOVA tests compared mean VAS, Laitinen, ROM, TUG and KOOS. The significant P-value was less than 0.05. Results: After 3 weeks (15 sessions) of vibration therapy, reduced the sensation of pain and improved mobility was recorded. There was a more significant improvement in the vibration therapy group than the control group in pain alleviation on VAS scale (p <0.001), on Laitinen scale (p <0.001), knee ROMs flexions (p <0.001) and TUG (p <0.001) at the last session. KOOS score with pain indicator, symptoms, activities of daily living, function in sport and recreation and knee related quality of life improved more in the vibration therapy group than the control group. Effects maintained up to 4 weeks in vibration group. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that the use of vibrations of variable frequency and low amplitude in patients with the knee OA is a safe and effective therapy. It is recommended to increase the number of treatments performed, primarily in patients with degeneration II° according to the KL classification. Trial registration: Prospectively registered on ANZCTR (ACTRN12619000832178). Registered on 11 June 2019. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12619000832178

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most commonly recorded diseases in clinical practice. Vibration therapy has been suggested for the treatment of knee OA. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of vibrations of variable frequency and low amplitude on pain perception and mobility in patients suffering from knee OA. Methods 32 participants were allocated into two groups – Group 1 (oscillatory cycloidal vibrotherapy-OCV) and Group 2 - control (sham therapy). The participants were diagnosed with moderate degenerative changes in the knee (grade II based on the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) Grading Scale). Subjects received 15 sessions of vibration therapy and sham therapy respectively. Pain, range of motion, and functional disability were assessed through Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Laitinen questionnaire, goniometer (ROM – range of motion), timed up and go test (TUG) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Measurements were taken at baseline, after the last session and four weeks after the last session (follow up). T-test and U-Mann Whitney test compare baseline characteristics. The Wilcoxon and ANOVA tests compared mean VAS, Laitinen, ROM, TUG and KOOS. The significant P-value was less than 0.05. Results After 3 weeks (15 sessions) of vibration therapy, reduced the sensation of pain and improved mobility was recorded. There was a more significant improvement in the vibration therapy group than the control group in pain alleviation on VAS scale (p < 0.001), on Laitinen scale (p < 0.001), knee ROMs flexions (p < 0.001) and TUG (p < 0.001) at the last session. KOOS score with pain indicator, symptoms, activities of daily living, function in sport and recreation and knee related quality of life improved more in the vibration therapy group than the control group. Effects maintained up to 4 weeks in vibration group. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions Our data demonstrated that the use of vibrations of variable frequency and low amplitude in patients with the knee OA is a safe and effective therapy. It is recommended to increase the number of treatments performed, primarily in patients with degeneration II° according to the KL classification. Trial registration Prospectively registered on ANZCTR (ACTRN12619000832178). Registered on 11 June 2019.

Introduction: Eye disease or visual impairment, such as myopia and hyperopia, is now a common problem. Various types of vision therapy and eye exercises are available. Objective: To estimate publications assessing the impact of various eye exercises on visual parameters in order to determine their effectiveness in the treatment and prevention of visual impairment. Data sources: Ebsco, PubMed and Medline were searched between April 10-15, 2021. Study selection: The study comprised a controlled trial, randomised clinical trial, case control study, nested case-control study and comparative study in which the effects were examined of eye therapy or eye exercise among adults, adolescents and children with refractive eye errors or regular eyes. Data extraction and synthesis: The analysis was based on the PRISMA recommendations (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis). Results: Nineteen publications were analysed in detail. Considering visual parameters, the largest number of studies (16 articles) concerned refractive defects of the eye, such as myopia or hyperopia. Various interventions were used, the most popular being the Bates method (8 articles), eye yoga exercise (7 articles), Chinese eye exercises and vision therapy (1 article). The most commonly used eye assessment tools were the autorefractometer (4 articles) and Snellen’s chart (6 articles). Conclusions: Eye exercises have a positive effect on the treatment of myopia and improve binocular vision.

Introduction: Traumatic injuries to the ankle and subtalar joints constitute severe damage to the locomotor system, both structural and functional. They most often occur in the form of ankle fractures and sprains of the ankle joint, and the least common are peritalar dislocations. Study aim: The aim of the study was to answer the following research questions: 1. What are the most common causes of traumatic injuries to the ankle and subtalar joints, and what are the most common causes of these injures?; 2. What diagnostic methods of traumatic injuries to the ankle and subtalar joints in the analysed period of clinical observation dominated in their imaging?; 3. What are the recommended treatments for traumatic injures of the ankle and subtalar joints? Materials and methods: The aim of the study was carried out on the basis of analysing publications and conference presentations regarding traumatic injuries by employees of the Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopaedics, the 5th Military Clinic Hospital with Polyclinic, Independent Public Healthcare Centre in Kraków, covering the years from 1992 to 2017. The research methodology, on the other hand, was based on analysis of the content concerning thematically compatible publications and scientific studies with the adopted objectives of the work and established research questions. In the study, 2 thematic monographs (books) were also included, which were published by Państwowy Zakład Wydawnictw Lekarskich (PZWL) [Eng. National Institute of Medical Publishing] in 2020 and 2021 by a retired clinic employee. They are partly based on its clinical material from 1992 to 2017. Results: In the analysed period, 58 of the identified scientific studies were thematically consistent with the adopted research objectives and established research questions. Those were 20 original creative papers (34.5%), 3 review papers (5.2%), 4 case studies (6.9%), 1 postdoctoral dissertation (1.7%), 4 doctoral dissertations (6.9%) and 1 (1.7%) thematic monograph (book), 11 (18.9%) chapters in thematic monographs (book) and 14 (24.2%) conference and convention presentations. Conclusions: 1. The most common causes of traumatic injuries to the ankle and subtalar joints are so-called sports-related injuries or those caused by traffic accidents as well as falls on a hard surface at the same level, especially in people with bone tissue demineralisation disorders. Most often, they are in the form of ankle fractures, and the least common are peritalar dislocations. 2. Clinical diagnosis of traumatic injuries to the ankle and subtalar joints requires manual tests regarding their stability, and imaging examinations are based primarily on ultrasound, MRA and MRI. With regard to post-traumatic instability of the ankle joint, these diagnostics require radiological examination in forced positions. 3. Fractures of the ankle-shin joint require surgical treatment based on the open reposition of bone fragments and their effective stabilisation, as well as on the fixation of tibiofibular syndesmosis. On the other hand, peritalar dislocations can be treated non-operatively, while selected types of damage can be treated surgically. A necessary supplement to the treatment of the traumatic injuries in question is a consistently implemented and individualised programme of physiotherapy.

Introduction: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are among the most commonly seen types of fractures worldwide. Numerous studies suggested that surgical treatment of DRFs results in better quality of life. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess long-term quality of life after operative and nonoperative treatment of distal radius fractures among adults. Material and methods: We retrospectively studied 207 patients with isolated DRF (mean age 64 ±17.9 years, women comprised 150 (72.5%), men 57 (27.5%). There were no significant differences in sex, age, hand dominancy, energy of trauma, AO type fracture and comorbidities between patients treated operatively (n=101) and nonoperatively (n=106). After 3.9 ±1.6 years (mean ±SD) quality of life assessment was conducted using Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and International Osteoporosis Foundation Quality of Life Questionnaire (IOF QLQ). Functional outcomes were evaluated using Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires. Results: Quality of life in operatively treated distal radius fracture patients was better than amongst those treated nonsurgically. However, after subdivision of cohorts we observed no such differences regardless of treatment method in patients aged ≥ 50 years. SF-36 and IOF QLQ scores were correlated with DASH and PRWE results. Conclusions: Quality of life questionnaires are useful tools for determining outcomes after distal radius fractures. Operative treatment may not always be superior to nonoperative management especially in patients aged 50 years or above with distal radius fractures.

A i m: The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcomes and complications associated with conservative and operative treatment of distal radius fractures and to determine if restoration of radio- graphic parameters influences functional outcomes. I n t r o d u c t i o n: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are common injuries associated with many complications. Numerous studies suggest that operative treatment with anatomic reduction and restoration of radiographic parameters leads to better functional outcomes than nonsurgical treatment.Materials and Methods: We enrolled 207 patients with isolated DRF (mean age 64 ± 17.9 years, women 150 (72.5%)) to our retrospective, single-center study (101 treated operatively, 106 treated non-operatively). There were no significant differences in sex, age, AO type fracture between study groups. After 3.9 ± 1.6 years (mean ± SD) clinical, functional and radiological assessment was conducted using Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT), grip and pinch strength tools. R e s u l t s: We found higher rates of malunion in nonoperative group (p <0.0001) and worse radiologic parameters such as volar tilt (p <0.0001), teardrop angle (p <0.0001) versus operative cohort. Nevertheless radiological parameters were not correlated with DASH and PRWE results. Moreover, patients aged 50 years and above treated operatively had similar functional outcomes (DASH, PRWE) to those treated nonoperatively. C o n c l u s i o n s: Restoration of anatomic and thus radiologic parameters of radius may not be obligatory to achieve satisfactory functional outcome in patients with DRF aged 50 years or above. Patient is the most important 'factor' in determining appropriate and successful treatment method of distal radius fractures.

The head is an important element of the biokinetic chain. Under physiological conditions, it should extend along the midline of the body. Due to its location and the fact that it constitutes approx. 6% of the total body weight, many authors believe it has a significant impact on its functioning. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature search and to synthesize the evidence of the impact of the head posture on the functioning of the human body. A systematic review was conducted within 3 databases: PubMed, Medline OVID, and EBSCO, using the following terms: “forward head,” “posture,” “position,” and “neck.” For the analysis, scientific articles published after 2013 were selected. A total of 16 studies matched the inclusion criteria of this systematic review. Their results have proven that the position of the head has a significant effect on the human body. Research findings show that abnormal head position changes affect muscle activity, proprioception, the pattern of breathing and neck pain. This is the first systematic review of the relationship between the head posture, and the functioning of the human body. The results of this study seem to be promising if used in therapeutic practice. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(5):559–68