Physical Treatment Research Articles

Physical therapy approach and non-invasive modalities in treatment of vaginal laxity: a literature review.

Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) and noninvasive modalities can be more safe and available treatments for vaginal laxity (VL) with less risk of postsurgical complications. The purpose of this review is to define the concepts of PFPT and noninvasive modalities, examine the evidence supporting those modalities as a treatment for VL, and evaluate their effectiveness. Between 2002 and 2023, clinical studies including women diagnosed with VL were examined in the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Exclusion criteria included studies with no outcomes or inadequate data, procedures, suggestions, editorials, book chapters, letters to editors, reviews, meta-analyses, animal research, and articles in languages other than English. Only seventeen studies have been identified. Four studies have demonstrated the impact of PFPT (low- and medium-energy radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound, low-energy laser treatment, par sacral stimulation, the knack method, and pelvic floor exercises), and thirteen studies have discussed the impact of noninvasive modalities (RF, combined multipolar RF with pulsed electromagnetic, combined RF and pulsed electromagnetic field, high-intensity focused ultrasound, CO2 laser, combining multipolar RF and hybrid fractional laser, microfocused ultrasound, and the VIVEVE surface-cooled RF) on vaginal laxity. This review indicates many knowledge areas that must be attempted in order to understand the influence of nonstrengthening physical therapy and noninvasive methods on vaginal laxity. In addition to the mechanisms behind their impacts. In addition, we strongly recommend that more clinical trials of high methodological and interventional quality are required to investigate the efficacy of various physical therapy approaches, including electrical stimulation, biofeedback exertion, acupressure, manual therapy, neuromodulation, core exercise therapy, hydrotherapy, well-designed ultrasound therapy protocols, and vaginal weight training.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVENESS OF MULLIGAN BENT LEG RAISE TECHNIQUE VS PNF HOLD-RELAX WITH AGONIST CONTRACTION IN IMPROVING HAMSTRING RANGE OF MOTION AND MUSCLE PERFORMANCE: A LITERATURE REVIEW.

Background: Hamstring tightness is a common issue that can hinder athletic performance and increase the risk of injury. Effective interventions are needed to enhance hamstring range of motion (ROM) and muscle performance. This study aims to compare two manual therapy techniques: the Mulligan Bent Leg Raise technique and the PNF Hold-Relax with Agonist Contraction technique. Objective: The primary objective is to compare the immediate effects of these two techniques on hamstring ROM and muscle performance. Secondary objectives include evaluating participants’ perceived comfort during the interventions and exploring the practical application of both techniques in clinical settings. Methods: A review of literature, focusing on randomized controlled trials involving participants aged 18–35 years, was conducted. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving the Mulligan Bent Leg Raise technique and the other undergoing PNF Hold-Relax with Agonist Contraction. Pre- and post-intervention measurements of hamstring ROM and muscle performance were collected. Immediate effects were recorded and analyzed to compare outcomes between the two techniques. Results: Preliminary results indicate significant immediate improvements in hamstring flexibility and muscle performance for both techniques. Literature supports the effectiveness of both the Mulligan and PNF techniques in enhancing hamstring function. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that both the Mulligan Bent Leg Raise and PNF Hold-Relax with Agonist Contraction techniques effectively improve hamstring flexibility and muscle performance. Implications: This study provides valuable insights for physiotherapy practice, equipping clinicians with evidence-based strategies to address hamstring tightness and dysfunction. By integrating these techniques, physiotherapists can achieve rapid improvements and enhance overall treatment outcomes.

Treatment of Leachate Obtained in Leiras de Compostagem de Remos de Alimentos (Composting of Food Remains) by Anaerobic Biodigestion Followed by Oxygenation: a Case Study in the Federal District

Objective: During the composting process of organic waste, the leachate from the degrading windrows requires treatment processes due to its significant load of polluting substances. Frequently, the approach adopted to treat leachate involves a combination of different processes. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a biological treatment system, consisting of anaerobic digestion followed by oxygenation, applied to leachate from a composting company of organic waste obtained from residential and commercial kitchens located in the Federal District. The outlined hypothesis is that anaerobic treatment followed by oxygenation, with the material studied and under the experimental conditions, allows for the attainment of material with characteristics that permit its discharge into water bodies, according to CONAMA Resolution No. 430/2011, which complements and amends Resolution No. 357/2005. Method: The leachate was collected from the windrows through pipes and directed to a physical treatment system composed of a sand and grease trap. After that, it was pumped into two anaerobic reactors operating in sequence, with a total retention time of 15 days. The material was then directed to a waterproof masonry tank with natural and forced aeration. Samples were taken before and after the treatment of the leachate for the determination of electrical conductivity, temperature, pH, chemical and biochemical oxygen demands, total dissolved solids, total and volatile solids, total nitrogen, N-NH4+, N-NO3-, N-NO2-, total alkalinity, total phosphorus, thermotolerant coliforms, and Salmonella. Results and Discussion: The absence of Salmonella was observed in both the samples obtained before and after the treatment. Reductions in electrical conductivity (7.6%), temperature (16.2%), total alkalinity (23.0%), chemical oxygen demand (42.3%), biochemical oxygen demand (45.5%), total nitrogen (9.3%), N-NH4+ (18.4%), total phosphorus (30.1%), total solids (16.9%), total dissolved solids (14.0%), volatile solids (21.5%), and thermotolerant coliforms (99.9%) were observed after treatment. On the other hand, increases in pH (12.3%), N-NO3- (30.4%), and N-NO2- (14.4%) were noted. However, the material treated under the experimental conditions adopted did not meet the environmental discharge requirements established by Brazilian legislation (CONAMA Resolution 430/2011), especially for the parameters biochemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, N-NH4+, total phosphorus, N-NO₃⁻, N-NO₂⁻, and thermotolerant coliforms. Research Implications: The volume of organic waste collected and treated by composting has been increasing in recent years in Brazil, especially due to legal requirements at state (district) and municipal levels. Since organic waste generally has high moisture content, a large volume of leachate from the windrows is produced and can become a significant source of environmental contamination. Biological treatments such as anaerobic digestion followed by aeration can be an important tool to prevent this contamination, but chemical and biochemical parameters, as well as conditions like retention time, need to be evaluated to verify the efficiency of treatment systems.

Effectiveness of telerehabilitation-based mckenzie method versus manual therapy in low-back pain management: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract Background Studies comparing the effectiveness of telerehabilitation and spinal manual therapy (SMT) for chronic non-specific low-back pain (NSLBP) are limited. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of the telerehabilitation-based McKenzie therapy (TBMT) and SMT among patients with NSLBP. Methods Forty-nine consenting patients randomised into either TBMT (n = 28) or SMT (n = 21) group completed the study. TBMT is a mobile phone-based telerehabilitation involving the ‘McKenzie extension protocol’. SMT is a grade II (10 oscillations) posterior-anterior central vertebral pressure on the offending spinous process. Both interventions were applied thrice weekly for eight weeks, and outcomes were assessed on Pain Intensity (PI), Activity Limitation (AL), Participation Restriction (PR), and Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in the fourth and eighth weeks. Results Within-group comparison across baseline, 4th and 8th week indicate that SMT had a significant effect on PI (F = 132.804, p = 0.001), AL (F = 75.984, p = 0.001), PR (F = 99.428, p = 0.001) and for all the scales of SF-12 except for mental health domain (p > 0.05). Similarly, TBMT had a significant effect on PI (F = 243.631; p = 0.001), AL (F = 85.930; p = 0.001), PR (F = 48.425; p = 0.001), and for all the scales except also for mental health domain (p > 0.05). However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the treatment effects between SMT and TBMT, except for the ‘health perception’ (p = 0.045) scale at week four and the ‘mental health’ scale (p = 0.023) at week eight. Conclusion Telerehabilitation-based McKenzie method and SMT are effective in chronic NSLBP, with TBMT leading to significantly higher long-term health perception improvement. Trial Registration Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202010667228786), Registered 27 October 2020-Retrospectively registered.

Telemedicine and Virtual Interventions in Cancer Rehabilitation: Practical Application, Complications and Future Potentials.

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the practical applications of comprehensive cancer rehabilitation services through telemedicine. Telemedicine has been shown to be an effective platform leading to positive outcomes and high patient/provider satisfaction for several forms of skilled therapy and cancer physiatry visits. Several survivorship resources are also available through telemedicine in recent years. Telemedicine can increase accessibility to geographically sequestered services including cancer physiatry, skilled therapy and survivorship resources. In certain situations and for specific services, telemedicine can be effective, however, in other situations such as the evaluation of new neurologic deficits or when providing manual therapies, in-person visits should take precedence.

Social Enrichment Improves Affective State and Foraging Behavior Compared to Physical Enrichment, While Maintaining Growth Performance in Broiler Chickens

Environmental enrichment is key for improving the broiler welfare in intensive production systems. This study lasted for 43 days and evaluated the effects of physical and social enrichment on broiler welfare. A total of 96 one-day-old male broilers were divided into two treatments: control treatment, provided with physical enrichment (n = 48) including perches, platforms, and straw bales; and social treatment (n = 48), involving regular positive interactions with a human. The behavioral repertoire, footpad health, taste preferences for sweet and umami compounds, affective states (through tonic immobility and attention bias tests), and growth performance were evaluated. No effects were found for feeding, drinking, locomotion, lying, or standing behaviors, although differences were observed at specific time points: the Social group had more feeding time on day 21 (p = 0.046), while physical treatment showed reductions on days 28 and 35 (p < 0.001). The Social group showed increased drinking on day 42 (p < 0.001), reduced locomotion (p = 0.022), and increased lying (p = 0.046) on day 42. Foraging was higher in the Social group (p = 0.027), but preening showed no differences. Footpad lesions showed no significant differences. The Control group preferred sucrose 100 mM (p = 0.022), but no preference for MSG 300 mM was observed. With regard to tonic immobility, the Control group showed a tendency towards larger durations (p = 0.078), indicating a potential increase in fearfulness. In the attention bias test, although the freezing behavior increased, the latency to begin feeding was shorter in the Social group (p < 0.001), suggesting an improved affective state. Lastly, no significant differences were observed for any of the growth parameters, including average daily feed intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, or final body weight, indicating that the Social group maintained productivity. This approach provides a practical solution for improving the quality of life for broilers in intensive systems.

Manual Therapy Techniques Versus Occlusal Splint Therapy for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background: Manual therapy (MT) and occlusal splint therapy (OST) are the most conservative therapies applied on patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The aim was to compare the efficacy of MT vs. OST in improving pain, maximal mouth opening (MMO), disability, and health related-quality of life (hr-QoL) in these patients. Methods: According to PRISMA guidelines, a meta-analysis (CRD42022343915) was conducted including randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of MT vs. OST in TMD patients, after searching in PubMed, PEDro, SCOPUS, and WOS up to March 2024. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the PEDro Scale. Cohen’s standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were the pooled effect measures calculated. Results: Nine studies, providing data from 426 patients, were included. Meta-analyses revealed that MT is more effective than OST in reducing disability (SMD = −0.81; 95% CI −1.1 to −0.54) and increasing MMO (SMD = 0.52; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.76) without differences for improving pain intensity and hr-QoL. Subgroup analyses revealed the major efficacy of OST in reducing pain in myogenic patients (SMD = 0.65; 95% CI 0.02 to 1.28). Conclusions: With caution, due to the low number of studies included, MT may be more effective than OST for improving disability and MMO in patients with TMDs.

Inclusive Exploration of Harmonizing and Alternative Treatments for Hypothyroidism

: A clinical syndrome known as hypothyroidism occurs due to a shortage of thyroid hormone as a result of decreased production, abnormal distribution, or no action of thyroid hormones. The most typical clinical symptoms included are dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, painful-prolonged periods, infertility, balance problems, slow speech, bradycardia, hypothermia, fatigue, anxiety & depression, joint pain, and indigestion. Basically, age, gender, the severity of the ailment, and a few other factors affect the various signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. The limitations of allopathic modalities necessitate the investigation of alternative treatment options. Future healthcare initiatives for the poor world will increasingly depend on CAM approaches to these concerns because lifestyle, diet, obesity, lack of exercise, and stress are significant contributing factors to the development of hypothyroidism. This review's objective is to provide information on herbs as well as complementary and alternative medications which are grouped into five major domains: Biologically Based therapies, Manipulative body-based therapies, Mind body-based therapies, and the whole Medical system. These have traditionally been used to treat thyroid dysfunction. The distribution of diseases in emerging nations is altering as a result of globalization. Hence the existing and potential roles of CAM techniques in the general practice of medicine are illustrated in these approaches. Scientists are being compelled to consider traditional herbal medical treatments and CAM therapy in order to combat adverse medication occurrences, high treatment costs, and compliance problems thus described in this review paper.

Effects of soil physical ameliorants on the growth and root morphology of Prunus yedoensis and Ginkgo biloba seedlings in compacted soils

ABSTRACT Soil compaction is prevalent in forest ecosystems, it alters the physical structure of the soil and impedes tree growth. Although ameliorants are known to enhance soil properties and positively influence tree growth, studies remain limited on the effects of potential factors on root development in compacted soils after amelioration. This study aimed to examine the effects of the physical ameliorant treatments BIOC (compaction + biochar) and ORGF (compaction + organic fertilizer) on the soil properties, growth, and root development of Prunus yedoensis and Ginkgo biloba seedlings in compacted soils. We found that ameliorant treatments improved physicochemical soil conditions, such as bulk density, porosity, permeability, pH, total carbon, and total nitrogen, which in turn influence seedling growth. Specifically, in P. yedoensis, the relative growth rate of height was significantly higher in BIOC (46.19 ± 3.47%) compared to the control (29.58 ± 3.22%). The ameliorants did not significantly affect root morphological traits; however, we found that the total fine root length was positively correlated with shoot biomass in G. biloba (R = 0.97), but not in P. yedoensis. Root length tended to increase in BIOC, with measurements of 288.12 ± 68.97 m for P. yedoensis and 65.96 ± 25.08 m for G. biloba, while the mean fine root diameter tended to decrease in ORGF (1.25 ± 0.04 mm) and BIOC (1.37 ± 0.08 mm) for G. biloba. We conclude that biochar and organic fertilizer positively affect both soil properties and plant growth, highlighting that enhanced root development through ameliorants can improve plant growth in compacted soil.

The efficacy of combined physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises and manual therapy in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

BackgroundAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a pathological condition characterized by vertebral curvature and associated trunk deformities in adolescents. The clinical efficacy of conservative treatment in alleviating spinal curvature of AIS remains a topic of ongoing debate. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of combined physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) and manual therapy (MT) on trunk deformity, spinal function, mobility, and mental health in patients with AIS.MethodsThirty-one participants who were diagnosed with AIS whose Cobb angle was between 10–45°were enrolled in the study. Participants in the intervention group received 50 min of PSSE combined with 10 min of MT, while the control group performed 50 min of PSSE as their home exercise program. Both treatments were implemented three times a week for four weeks. Cobb angle, spinal mobility, trunk morphology (vertebral rotation angle, apical deviation, pelvic obliquity distance and angle), movement capability, and quality of life (QOL) were assessed at baseline and post intervention. The treatment effects between the intervention and control groups were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsFollowing a 4-week treatment period, Cobb angle was significantly reduced from 21.58° to 18.58° in intervention group and increased from 18.00° at baseline and 19.14° post intervention in the control group. Significant improvements were also observed in spinal mobility, movement capability, quality of life, and some of the trunk morphology indices in the intervention group compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Improvements were significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group.ConclusionCombining PSSE and MT shows potential benefits in alleviating AIS symptoms and improving QOL. Further studies to substantiate these findings are warranted.Trial registrationThe trial was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn) with the registration number: ChiCTR2300071357, (Date: 12/05/2023).

Non-Invasive Therapeutic Approaches for Mechanical Low Back Pain: An Integrative Systematic Review

Background: Mechanical low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions, affecting a significant portion of the global population at some point in their lives. It is characterized by pain in the lumbar region without an obvious inflammatory or infectious origin, typically exacerbated by movement, posture, or mechanical load. LBP, whether acute, subacute, or chronic, is a leading cause of temporary and permanent disability, with significant economic repercussions due to lost workdays and healthcare costs. Recent clinical guidelines, such as those from the American College of Physicians (ACP) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), emphasize the importance of non-invasive interventions for managing mechanical LBP, particularly in acute and chronic cases. In this context, this systematic review aims to consolidate current evidence on available therapeutic interventions, focusing on non-invasive treatments. Objective: To evaluate the available evidence on non-invasive therapeutic interventions for the treatment of mechanical low back pain. The review aims to synthesize international clinical guideline recommendations and identify the most effective practices for reducing pain and improving functional outcomes. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines published up to 2023 addressing the management of mechanical low back pain in adults were included. Databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and grey literature sources, including guidelines from medical societies, were searched. The study selection process followed strict eligibility criteria, including publications in English and Portuguese focused on non-invasive treatments for LBP. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) tool. A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering a range of non-invasive interventions such as physical therapy, exercise, acupuncture, manual therapy, and pharmacological approaches. Results: Evidence suggests that exercise-based interventions, particularly programs focused on muscle strengthening and stretching, are effective in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with mechanical LBP. Manual therapies and acupuncture also demonstrated benefits, albeit with less robust evidence. Reviewed guidelines recommend caution in the use of pharmacological interventions, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly in chronic cases. Conclusion: This review highlights that non-invasive therapies, especially supervised exercise programs, represent the most effective and safe treatment for mechanical low back pain. The revised international guidelines reinforce the importance of avoiding early invasive interventions, except in cases of persistent or refractory pain. Appropriate management of mechanical LBP should be individualized, integrating evidence-based interventions to promote functional rehabilitation and minimize the impact of pain on patients' quality of life.

Research hotspots and frontiers in non-specific low back pain: a bibliometric analysis

BackgroundExtensive research has been conducted worldwide on non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), some researchers published a bibliometric analysis of NSLBP in 2020, but there have been no supplements or updates since then. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the research hotspots and frontiers in NSLBP over the last decade.MethodsPrimary sources on NSLBP were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2014 to 2023. CiteSpace V6.2. R7 (64-bit) and VOSviewer 1.6.19 software were used to analyze the number and centrality of journals, countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords, and the functions of co-occurrence and clustering were applied to draw a visual knowledge map.ResultsIn the past decade, the annual publication volume of studies on NSLBP has shown an overall upward trend year by year, with obvious temporal stages and great development potential. In total, 2,103 articles contained six types of literature, with the highest proportion being original research articles (1,633 articles, 77.65%), published in 200 journals. BMC Musculoskeletal Discourses (90 articles, 4.28%) had the highest number of publications, and the British Medical Journal had the highest impact factor (105.7). Furthermore, the United States of America (329 articles, 15.64%) had the highest publication volume, the University of Sydney (139 articles, 6.61%) was the research institution with the highest production, Maher, Chris G (36 articles, 1.71%) was the author with the most published articles, and Hoy, D (571 articles, 27.15%) was the most frequently cited author. The most cited of articles is “Non-specific low back pain” published in the LANCET, with 1,256 citations.ConclusionThis article summarizes the current research status of NSLBP and predicts future research hotspots and frontiers. In recent years, adolescents have become a high-risk group for NSLBP. Pain neuroscience education, motor control, spinal manipulative therapy, and acupuncture are effective means to treat NSLBP. Biomechanics and trunk muscles as entry points are effective ideas for the treatment of NSLBP pain. Furthermore, anxiety, neck pain, non-specific musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, and musculoskeletal disorders are diseases that are closely related to NSLBP. In the future, attention should be paid to the design of research plans, increasing the research intensity of randomized controlled trials, strengthening follow-up, and the timely updating of guidelines, which will result in higher quality and high-level scientific evidence for research on NSLBP.

Exploring the Prebiotic Potentials of Hydrolyzed Pectins: Mechanisms of Action and Gut Microbiota Modulation

The intestinal microbiota is a complex ecosystem where the microbial community (including bacteria) can metabolize available substrates via metabolic pathways specific to each species, often related in symbiotic relations. As a consequence of using available substrates and microbial growth, specific beneficial metabolites can be produced. When this reflects the health benefits for the host, these substrates can be categorized as prebiotics. Given that most prebiotic candidates must have a low molecular weight to be further metabolized by the microbiota, the role in the preliminary biological pretreatment is crucial. To provide proper substrates to the intestinal microbiota, a strategy could be to decrease the complexity of polysaccharides and reduce the levels of polymerization to low molecular weight for the target molecules, driving better solubilization and the consequent metabolic use by intestinal bacteria. When high molecular weight pectin is degraded (partially depolymerized), its solubility increases, thereby improving its utilization by gut microbiota. With regards to application, prebiotics have well-documented advantages when applied as food additives, as they improve gut health and can enhance drug effects, all shown by in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials. In this review, we aim to provide systematic evidence for the mechanisms of action and the modulation of gut microbiota by the pectin-derived oligosaccharides produced by decreasing overall molecular weight after physical and/or chemical treatments and to compare with other types of prebiotics.

Can Whole-heart Tissue Engineering Products by Recellularization from Scaffolds Be Utilized on Humans in the Next Ten Years?

Diseases like organ failure lead to irreversible damage to our body, making organ transplantation the only treatment. However, though organ transplantation may be an effective treatment, problems of organ shortage and post-transplantation immune rejection still remain unresolved, making the development of alternative technologies vital. Organ regeneration is, therefore, a promising treatment as it aims to lower the chance of immune responses and may potentially solve the issue of organ shortage. An average procedure of organ regeneration has two steps: decellularization and recellularization. Decellularization techniques include physical, chemical, and enzymatic treatments, and these methods are often combined to maximize cell depletion, turning the organ into an extracellular matrix scaffold and minimizing the chances of immune rejection. Recellularization is the process of repopulating the scaffold with patient-specific cells, and is often completed through using perfusion systems by performing vascular perfusion and intramyocardial injections with the help of a bioreactor. This article explains the concept of whole-heart regeneration and assesses different methods of decellularization and recellularization to find the treatment with the highest efficacy and efficiency, while also conducting a case study on cultured epidermal autografts and primary research, in the form of a questionnaire, to look at the social acceptance of this technology, estimate the progress of whole-heart regeneration, and discuss its limitations.

Sustainable innovations and future prospects in construction material: a review on natural fiber-reinforced cement composites.

There is a growing trend in the construction industry to adopt environmentally friendly practices, and innovative materials are becoming increasingly popular. Within the scope of this paper, the potential of natural fiber-reinforced cement composites (NFRCs) as an environmentally friendly building material is examined. This work introduces plant fiber aspects such as micromorphology, primary components, physical and mechanical properties, chemical components, thermal properties, and degradation mechanisms in cement composites. It explores how plant fibers affect concrete's mechanical performance, durability, and thermal qualities. It is responsible for increasing permeability and decreasing durability in concrete material because plant fibers have porosity and a weak interface. The purpose of this in-depth investigation is to investigate the features, sustainability (social, environmental, and economical) performance, and applications of NFRCs, with a particular focus on environmentally responsible innovation and potential future applications. The exhaustive study also addresses the difficulties associated with attaining the highest possible level of compatibility between fibers and matrixes. The physical and chemical treatments of natural fibers in cement components give more resistance to aging by reducing water absorption and increasing roughness at the surface. It is also possible to reduce the effect of alkalinity of the cement mixture through optimization of the binder component and curing regimes, which retard the breakdown of natural fibers. The purpose of this study is to present a summary of existing research, with a particular emphasis on the benefits, drawbacks, and prospective ways in which NFRCs could potentially improve throughout the construction industry in the future.

COMPREHENSIVE INJURY PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Injury prevention in football is a critical issue for athletes, coaches, and health professionals, given the sport's dynamic movements that elevate the risk of muscle and joint injuries. Effective strategies should incorporate specialized physical training and physiotherapeutic interventions to optimize player protection and performance. Preventive training programs, emphasizing muscle strengthening and proprioception, are essential for reducing injury risks. Specific exercises targeting the hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and core enhance joint stability and mitigate overload injuries. Neuromuscular training, which includes balance exercises and plyometrics, improves proprioception and helps prevent falls and twists. Flexibility through regular stretching and dynamic warm-ups, such as the FIFA 11+, is crucial for preparing players physically and lowering injury incidence. Additionally, physiotherapists play a vital role in injury prevention through functional assessments to identify muscle imbalances and develop corrective exercise programs. Manual therapy techniques, joint stabilization exercises, and preventive rehabilitation further contribute to maintaining soft tissue quality and preventing muscle strains. Monitoring training load is another fundamental aspect of injury prevention, as abrupt changes in training intensity can lead to injuries. Using tracking technologies allows for better control of players' physical efforts. Studies indicate that implementing structured injury prevention programs significantly reduces injury rates and enhances athletic performance. Research highlights the importance of a multicomponent approach, individualized training, and load management to lower hamstring injuries. Collaboration among athletes, coaches, and health professionals is crucial to create a safe training environment. As football evolves, prioritizing injury prevention is essential for players' health, success, and career longevity.

Effect of physical and chemical treatment on the characteristics of wheat straw as fuel for energy applications

Effect of physical and chemical treatment on the characteristics of wheat straw as fuel for energy applications

Integrating mechanical and cultural methods for weed control in organic chickpea

Abstract The Northern Great Plains of the United States is a major production region for organic pulse crops that are prone to yield losses due to weeds. Weed management in organic systems relies on the integration of several tactics to stack additive effects and for redundancy to deal with variable efficacy of individual weed management practices. To address the need for effective, integrated weed management, we conducted a 2-yr trial that evaluated the effects of planting date, seeding rate, and preemergent weed control practices (shallow tillage and flame weeding) on weed biomass, crop density, and yield in organically managed chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Montana. Stacking weed management practices increased yields. Early planting had the largest effects on yields, increasing them by 1.8- to 3.6-fold compared with planting 10 to 14 d later. Increasing the seeding rate from the standard rate (43 viable seeds m−2) by 50% increased yields by 47% from 889 to 1,304 kg ha−1. Both preemergent weed control practices increased yields by 40% to 50 % relative to the non-weeded controls. By integrating all three practices, yields of organic chickpea increased greater than 6-fold from 318 kg ha−1 in the controls to 2,006 kg ha−1. The effects of weed control treatments on midseason weed biomass were complex and variable. Although efficacy of the cultural (seeding rate and planting date) and physical (preemergent) treatments on weed biomass varied between years and when combined with other treatments, their full integration, that is, early planted, at higher seeding rate, and preemergent weed control, produced consistently lower weed biomass (84% reduction on average) compared with the standard grower practice (later planting, standard seeding rate, no preemergent weed control). The results lend support to the concept of integrating multiple weed management practices to achieve weed control and high yields in organically managed crops.

Home Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation Rehabilitation Program for Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: Crossover Trial.

Maintaining physical function and preserving spinal flexibility have been challenging in managing ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Most rehabilitation programs, including manual therapy, massage, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture, cannot be performed at home. The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was validated in treating AS, but no home TENS system has explored its efficacy to date. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a home TENS system with a novel treatment program for patients with AS. The modified WeHeal TS-200 TENS and galvanic response system provided home-based TENS treatment for patients with AS. Patients were divided into a 2-month course group and a 1-month course group. After the first treatment course, patients went through a washout period for the same duration of their treatment course. Participants could decide whether to accept the second course of treatment. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Schober test, finger-to-floor flexion test, enthesis score, cytokines, chemokines, inflammatory factors, and immunoglobulins were measured to evaluate its efficacy. The clinical trial protocol (1096607481) received approval from the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan. A total of 9 patients (5 in a 2-month course group and 4 in a 1-month course group) completed the first treatment course, and 5 patients (4 in a 2-month course group and 1 in a 1-month course group) completed the sequential treatment course. The weighted results showed that patients reported an improving BASFI score (mean difference -0.9, SD 1.7; P=.03) after treatment. Looking into the trajectories, declined BASFI and BASDAI scores were noticed during treatments; this score increased during the washout period. There were improving trends in the Schober test (mean difference 1.9, SD 4.9; P=.11) and finger-to-floor flexion test (mean difference -0.6, SD 9.5; P=.79), but the results were not statistically significant. The response of cytokines, chemokines, inflammatory factors, and immunoglobulins before and after treatment did not show a consistent trend, and all results were not statistically significant (all P>.05). The home TENS device demonstrated a potential role in AS management. It may improve accessibility and adherence for patients with AS and provide remote monitoring for clinicians. Further research can compare the effectiveness of electrotherapy at home or in a medical setting and focus on integrating the home TENS system and exercise program to enhance patients' physical functions and spinal flexibility.

Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy on pain in tendinopathy

Introduction: High-intensity laser therapies (HILT) have gained significant attention in therapeutic pain treat-ment. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of HILT therapies in the management of different types of tendinopathy-related pain, and the long-term benefits associated with treatment process.Methodology: A systematic literature review of prospective randomized controlled trials from electronic data-bases: Google Scholar, Pub Med, Embase, Science Direct, and ProQuest, using relevant key words, was per-formed. Randomized trials that included HILT, patients with tendinopathy, pain management, and at least one single clinically pertinent attribute were selected. Standard PRISMA protocols were followed when completing the assessment.Results: The physical, demographic, and theoretical insights from various studies suggest that HILT is a highly promising approach for managing pain in patients with tendinopathy. The most common body parts for treating tendinopathy using this method were the shoulder, elbow, ankle, and knee. Various attributes and parameters, such as Hand function evaluated by Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QDASH) and Hand-grip Strength; pain assessed by the visual analogue score (VAS) during rest or activity, 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) for physical and mental health, and the shoulder pain and Disability Index (SPADI) for shoulder and elbow assessment, were frequently significant across studies.Conclusion: HILT could be recommended as a treatment of choice for reducing pain and improving function in patients with tendinopathy, with potential benefits when combined with other physical therapy treatments. Further studies are needed to clarify optimal treatment protocols and long- term outcomes.