Alexandra Ionela PRALA, Luminita Ionela GEORGESCU, Ion MIHAILA, Elena Ioana ICONARU, Stefan TOMA

KEYWORDS
Stroke rehabilitation, gait recovery, kinesio taping, gait balance

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Stroke causes peroneal nerve palsy manifested by weakness in dorsiflexion of the foot. This contributes to the respective gait impairment disrupting the swing phase of the gait cycle. Purpose: Through the proposed recovery program, we want to highlight the importance of using kinesio taping therapy in the specific recovery program to correct abnormal gait patterns in people with drop foot. Materials and Methods: In accordance with the strategy of gait recovery optimization in people with drop foot we conducted a longitudinal study over a period of 4 weeks with gait balance as test parameter. For the assessment of balance, we used the Berg Balance Scale and the Four Step Square Test, and the research group comprises a total of 10 subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups: the control group that received the classic recovery program and the experimental group that received the classic recovery program and the kinesio taping therapy. Results: According to the final evaluation results, the experimental group has made greater progress. Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed a progress rate of 18.2% higher. Results support the hypothesis that the use of kinesio taping helps to optimize gait recovery in people with drop foot after stroke. Conclusions: The correct alignment of the ankle joint during walking can be stimulated and maintained by the kinesio taping technique applied as complementary therapy, and the results obtained during assessing balance while gait support our conclusion.
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Maria Elena ABRUDEANU, Constantin CIUCUREL, Luminita GEORGESCU, Elena Ioana ICONARU, Teodor Catalin CONSTANTINESCU, Georgeta IONESCU

KEYWORDS
SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, residential care, mental health, rehabilitation

ABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic heightened vulnerabilities for individuals with disabilities, limiting access to care and essential services. This study examines its impact on institutionalized individuals, caregivers, and care centers, emphasizing the challenges posed by reduced physical activity and the resulting negative effects on health. It identifies key issues and provides insights to improve future crisis responses. Material and method: This cross-sectional study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses to assess the impact of COVID-19 on institutionalized individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and residential centers, using structured questionnaires and interviews at both institutional and resident levels. Results: The research, conducted across three residential centers in Arges County with 231 beneficiaries (96 males, 135 females, ages 19-97 years), found that the pandemic significantly affected the mental health and daily routines of residents, especially those with severe psychiatric disorders. The reduced physical activity further contributed to muscle deconditioning and frailty among beneficiaries, exacerbating their health risks. Meanwhile, staff managed stress and adapted to care requirements. Discussion: This study reveals the COVID-19 pandemic's negative impact on residents with disabilities in residential centers, emphasizing the effects of isolation and reduced physical activity. Key insights highlight the importance of maintaining physical engagement, communication, and adaptable care strategies to mitigate the impact of these limitations. Conclusions: The pandemic impacted individuals with mental disabilities differently, with isolation affecting psychological health, especially for those with schizophrenia. Family support and communication helped maintain stability. Caregiver stress was high, but support and collaboration alleviated some challenges. Reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior among both residents and caregivers worsened health, highlighting the need for better crisis preparedness.
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Klara KALMAN, Doriana CIOBANU, Theodora Florica URSU, Anca Maria DRAGAN

KEYWORDS
Diastasis recti abdominis, postpartum, women’s health, romanian women

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is characterized by deviation of the abdominal rectus muscle due to widening of the linea alba and laxity of the abdominal wall musculature and is a common condition affecting mothers both pre- and postnatally. Although DRA is gradually discovered as a common clinical problem, its management and prevention are still little known. Objectives: This study aims to assess current knowledge on DRA, its potential treatments and the awareness of this condition amongst women with DRA in Romania. The aim of this study was also to explore romanian mothers’ experiences living with DRA, how and when they found out they have DRA and who put the diagnosis, they have been or are in a recovery program and how they percept their condition affects quality of life. Subjects and methods: A narrative review was performed on the current literature by searching PubMed. The present study was undertaken from April to August 2024. Patients with DRA in Romania were questioned with an online survey, designed specifically for this study. In total 725 romanian women with diastasis recti abdominis completed the survey. Results: The literature search revealed contradictory results regarding the symptoms, clinical impact, and treatment of DRA. The majority of respondents, 52,1%, heard/learned about DRA only after 6 months after birth. The major source of information about DRA (68,5%) was the internet (Facebook, Youtube, search engines, mom groups) and friends; majority of women, 61,4%, self-diagnosed, tested themselves with the finger test; only 36,7% followed or are following a recovery program and from them only a half managed to close the DRA; 67,3% consider that their quality of life is affected moderate to very much by DRA. 89,5% believe that the gynecologist or the doctor who monitors the pregnancy should inform the expectant mother about DRA. Conclusions: More research is needed to establish appropriate educational interventions, which effectively increase knowledge about DRA among Romanian women. Assessment of DRA should be part of routine follow-up of postpartum women.
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Dorian BARZUCA , Alexandra BARZUCA, Elena-Doina MIRCIOAGA

KEYWORDS
Physical activities, dairy consumption, body composition

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Milk consumption is frequently debated for its potential role in weight regulation and modulating body composition. This study aimed to investigate the association between milk intake and body composition parameters among physically untrained students, student athletes, and dialysis patients. Methods and Materials: In a cross-sectional design, 110 participants (78 physically untrained students, 17 student athletes, and 15 dialysis patients) were evaluated for body mass index (BMI), adipose tissue percentage, and muscle tissue percentage. Milk consumption frequency was assessed using a structured questionnaire, and statistical analyses - including the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, as well as Pearson correlation - were performed to examine intergroup differences and associations. Results: Significant differences in milk consumption were observed among groups, with dialysis patients reporting the lowest frequency. A positive correlation was identified between milk consumption frequency and muscle tissue percentage (r = 0.266, p < 0.01), while a negative correlation was observed between milk consumption and adipose tissue percentage (r = -0.303, p < 0.01). Discussion: These findings suggest that increased milk intake may contribute to a more favorable body composition, potentially through mechanisms related to lipid metabolism and appetite regulation. Conclusions: Although milk consumption appears to be modestly associated with increased muscle mass and reduced adiposity, further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying physiological mechanisms and to determine the long-term effects of milk intake on body composition.
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Published in Romanian Journal of Physical Therapy

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

ABSTRACT
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.
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Anca-Paula CIURBA, Cristina AUR, Ribana LINC

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

ABSTRACT
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 hydromineral 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.
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