Žarko Mitrić’s scientific contributions

Introduction: The use of the Internet is becoming increasingly important in enabling children and adults to fully participate in society, whether it is learning new skills or connecting with friends and family. Consequently, children's opportunities are increasingly dependent on the Internet. The advance of technological innovations has resulted in more and more ICT devices being available to children, contributing to the deterioration of children and adolescents' health. Methods: The study was designed as an epidemiological, cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical, comparative study. The study was conducted from October 18, 2021, to January 16, 2022, using an online questionnaire accessible through the Microsoft Forms platform. Respondents were able to access the questionnaire via a link or QR code located on the child's consent form for participation in the study, which was previously signed by a parent/guardian. Results: The results of the study showed that school-age children were the most frequent users of smartphones and watches TV, with male respondents spending more time using almost all ICT devices, with the exception of tablets, which were used more frequently by female respondents. The analysis of pain intensity in the use of information and communication technologies revealed that respondents most frequently experienced mild pain, especially in the neck/shoulders and lower extremities. The frequency of eye problems after using ICT devices was found to be occasional, with the most pronounced symptoms being fatigue, tearing, and eyestrain, as well as headaches in one in five respondents. Conclusion: Increasing frequency of ICT device use was associated with higher pain intensity in all anatomic regions. A 1-hour increase in weekly ICT device use also increased the likelihood of pain intensity in all anatomic regions, including eye symptoms and headaches. High exposure to ICT is of concern because it leads to adverse health outcomes for children.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) imply damage to muscular or skeletal systems, which usually develop due to strenuous, repetitive activity, or an inflammation process. The therapy with capacitive and resistive electronic transfer (CRet) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) have mainly been applied for pain relief in these conditions. This paper aims to provide an overview of the efficient results of CRet therapy and HILT in managing pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders found in the available literature. Methods: Articles related to musculoskeletal disorders were searched through electronic databases, such as PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Lilacs, Cochrane, Research Gate, and available website search tools. After excluding records that are not clinical trials and studies (such as review articles, patient information, and Ph.D. papers) and articles which did not deal with pain in musculoskeletal disorders, 61 articles met our criteria and were included in the overview. Results: By reviewing the selected articles related to CRet therapy and HILT effects on pain in musculoskeletal disorders, it was found that both therapies have a favorable effect on pain reduction. Conclusion: The selected papers showed that both therapies are powerful tools for pain reduction. Although there are no specific protocols, including the number and frequency of therapies applied and other parameters, in both therapy modalities, pain alleviation occurs during or immediately after a therapy cycle application.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal diseases imply conditions that have an impact on muscles, bones, joints and associated tissues such as tendons and ligaments and as such may be a significant limiting factor for performing Activities of Daily Living. The therapy with capacitive and resistive electronic transfer has been applied as a type of endogenous thermal treatment for heating of the surface and deep tissues, providing tissue reconstruction and pain relief. This paper aims to provide an overview of the efficiency results of capacitive and resistive electronic transfer (CRet) therapy in the management of symptoms associated with musculoskeletal disorders found in the available literature. Material and Methods: Articles related to musculoskeletal disorders were searched through electronic databases, such as PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Lilacs, Cochrane, ResearchGate by the following keywords: capacitive and resistive electronic transfer, Tecar therapy, radiofrequency therapy, musculoskeletal diseases, physiotherapy modalities. After excluding records that are not clinical trials and studies and articles which did not deal with musculoskeletal disorders, 21 articles were eligible and included in the overview. Results: By reviewing the selected articles related to CRet therapy effects on various forms of musculoskeletal disorders, it was found that this therapy has a favourable effect in pain reduction, improvement of muscles and joints mobility, and oedema reduction. Its positive effects may be attributed to its capability to increase tissue temperature and improve blood circulation. Conclusion: CRet therapy, applied either solely or in combination with conventional physiotherapies, have a rapid and immediate effect, both in chronic and acute conditions.