COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC PROGRAM (MASSAGE AND MANUAL THERAPY) IN PATIENTS WITH DISEASES OF THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

Abstract

Introduction. The human body is naturally capable of a wide range of muscular activity. Over the centuries, despite significant changes in socio-economic conditions, physical activity and the need for movement have not only not decreased, but on the contrary - have remained a basic life need and an important factor in maintaining health. Movement is a key natural and biological stimulator of growth, development, preservation and improvement of physiological functions, forming the harmonious development of the whole organism. Education in higher education institutions creates a specific environment when intensive mental activity is combined with pronounced hypokinesia and high neuro-emotional stress against the background of a sharp reduction in motor activity. Under the influence of physical exercises, morphological and functional restructuring occurs in the body, which contributes to a significant increase in the capabilities of individual organs, systems and their interaction, improvement of regulatory processes, as well as an expansion of the spectrum of compensatory and adaptive reactions. At the same time, both specific and nonspecific resistance of the body to the action of adverse environmental factors increases, and the ability to withstand various physical loads improves. Scientific studies confirm that physical exercises contribute to improving the functional state of the body. At the same time, to achieve maximum effect, it is necessary to rationally plan physical activity, adhere to key physiological patterns and correctly select the intensity and types of loads.

The aim of the study – to determine the best physical therapy methods for restoring the musculoskeletal system in the elderly.

The main part. The study was conducted at the SUNRISE massage therapist training and development center in Ternopil. 42 patients aged 50 to 76 years old with various musculoskeletal disorders were involved. Participants were selected based on the presence of traumatic injuries, structural damage, and decreased motor or sensory functions of the lower extremities, which met the main inclusion criteria in the study. The use of combined methods of influence contributed to pronounced positive changes in the functional state, which was manifested by a decrease in pain syndrome, improvement of muscle tone, expansion of the amplitude of movements in the joints and optimization of motor stereotypes. The obtained data also demonstrate an increase in the overall quality of life of the participants due to a decrease in physical limitations, improvement of the emotional state and increased confidence in their own motor capabilities. The complex rehabilitation approach has confirmed its effectiveness and can be recommended for practical use in rehabilitation centers, as well as as a basis for further scientific research on the optimization of recovery programs for various types of musculoskeletal injuries.

Conclusions. All clinical and functional instruments involved in the evaluation (QUALEFFO, WOMAC, TUG, BBS, 6MWT) showed significant statistically and clinically significant improvements after patients completed a three-week physical rehabilitation program.