Anca-Cristina POP, Ghita Catalin POPDAN, Mustafa GUVEN, Ioan-Cosmin BOCA, Dana Ioana CRISTEA

Chronic nonspecific low back pain, École du Dos Mail 14, functional disability, motor control rehabilitation, patient education.

Introduction: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a leading cause of global disability. While both conventional therapeutic exercises (CTE) and structured educational methods, such as the École du Dos Mail 14 are used in rehabilitation, few studies have directly compared their functional outcomes. Objective: To compare the short-term effects of École du Dos Mail14 and CTE on disability, motor control, and spinal mobility in patients with CNSLBP through a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twelve participants (mean age: 61.1 ± 12.7 years) with CNSLBP were randomized into two groups: Group A (CTE) and Group B (École du Dos). Outcomes included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), fingertip-to-floor (FTF), lateral flexion, and the Luomajoki Movement Control Test. Mann-Whitney U tests and Cohen's d were used to assess group differences and effect sizes. Results: The École du Dos group showed clinically meaningful improvements in ODI (8.0% vs. 23.0%, p = 0.054, d = 1.4) and Luomajoki scores (1.17 vs. 2.67, p = 0.164, d = 1.1). Mobility gains (FTF, lateral flexion) were similar between groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: This pilot trial is among the first to functionally compare École du Dos and CTE in CNSLBP. Although statistical significance was limited, the École du Dos method demonstrated favorable trends and large effect sizes in disability and motor control, supporting its potential clinical relevance. Further studies with larger samples are warranted.

| DOWNLOAD PDF |

Anca-Paula CIURBA, Cristina AUR, Ribana LINC

Balneary therapy, gynecological pathologies, Bihor County, hydro-mineral.

Introduction: The beneficial effects of balneotherapy on gynecological conditions are due to the physical-chemical properties of thermo-mineral waters, through external and internal applications. Objective: This study highlights the localities in Bihor County that have hydro-mineral resources with physio-chemical properties, aimed at therapeutic indications in the management of gynecological pathologies. Methods: A bibliographic study was carried out on the effect of balneotherapy in gynecological conditions, preceded by the identification, selection and centralization of the localities in Bihor County that have balneary resources valued in gynecological pathologies. Results: Out of the total of 81 localities with hydromineral resources found in Bihor County, the hydromineral resource is exploited for balneotherapeutic purposes only in six localities (Băile Felix, Băile 1 Mai, Băile Tinca, Sarcău, Marghita, Ștei), of which only four localities have resources hydrominerals with therapeutic indications aimed at gynecological conditions (Băile Felix, Băile 1 Mai, Marghita, Băile Tinca, Sarcău). Conclusions: The balneary treatment certainly has its own, primary, but also complementary role in the treatment of chronic gynecological diseases and is increasingly recommended. However, future studies would be necessary to refer to gynecological pathologies and the influence that the properties of thermal waters can have on them.

| DOWNLOAD PDF |

Constantin CIUCUREL, Mariana TUDOR, Elena Ioana ICONARU

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, questionnaire development, validation, correlational analysis, patient care.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to develop and validate a questionnaire that evaluates the impact of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) on quality of life and functional capacity in older adults, while also exploring correlations between clinical factors and DPN severity to guide personalized treatment strategies. Methods and materials: A systematic literature review identified key symptoms of DPN, leading to the development of the 20-item Questionnaire for the Assessment of the Impact of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (QAIDPN). The QAIDPN evaluates neuropathic pain, sensory changes, balance difficulties, functional limitations, and overall quality of life using a Likert scale (0-4). It was piloted with 56 DPN patients (mean age 72.45 ± 5.72 years) to assess internal consistency. Correlational analyses examined relationships between questionnaire outcomes and age, sex, diabetes duration, and highest recorded blood glucose level (HRBGL). Results: The QAIDPN demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93), indicating excellent agreement among the items. QAIDPN scores significantly correlated with HRBGL (r = 0.80, p ≤ 0.001), diabetes duration (r = 0.64, p ≤ 0.001), and age (r = 0.56, p ≤ 0.001). Discussion: This study developed and validated the QAIDPN, a novel tool for assessing DPN's effects in older adults. Covering a wide range of domains, it provides valuable insights into DPN’s impact on quality of life and functional capacity. QAIDPN is a reliable method for evaluating DPN, aiding in the development of therapeutic algorithms to improve patient outcomes. Our correlational analysis identified significant associations between QAIDPN scores and clinical outcomes such as HRBGL, diabetes duration, and age (p ≤ 0.001), guiding targeted treatment strategies for DPN. Conclusions: The development and validation of the QAIDPN enhance clinical research and practice by providing a reliable method for evaluating DPN and serving as a foundation for creating targeted physical therapy algorithms aimed at improving patient outcomes.

| DOWNLOAD PDF |