Name and Surname: prof. Nejc Šarabon, PhD
Links: ARIS 21495, LINKEDIN
E-mail: nejc.sarabon@fvz.upr.si
Research facility (research activity location)
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences
Research field according to ARIS classification
Science: Social sciences
Field: Sport
Subfield: Kinesiology – medical aspect (orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation,..)
Summary of research topic and field
Mentoring of a young researcher under the Public Call for Young Researchers at the University of Primorska in 2024.
More information on the website: https://www.upr.si/en/about-university/open-calls–tenders/call-for-employment/5291-
Topic: RESEARCH INTO MANUAL THERAPY TECHNICS` EFFECTS ON STRUCTURAL, MECHANICAL AND PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES OF THE MOVEMENT SYSTEM
The topic of the doctoral dissertation will be the evaluation of the effectiveness of various manual techniques (manual therapy, massage, myofascial release, etc.) in different contexts (prevention, acute responses, and effectiveness in treating various musculoskeletal injuries and pathologies). The candidate will conduct a series of studies on the acute effects of different manual techniques on mechanical (muscle and tendon stiffness), morphological (fascicle length), and neuromuscular (stretch tolerance, muscle performance) properties. The studies will be in the form of experiments with a crossover design and will typically involve 20 to 30 subjects, who will make 2-3 visits. Based on the conducted research and an in-depth literature review, the final step will be the execution of a randomized controlled trial on individuals with selected musculoskeletal pathology/injury. The study is expected to include at least three groups (two manual techniques and a control group) and will last between 6 and 12 weeks. The exact content of the final study will be precisely determined based on previous research. In the final research, key variables will include pain assessment using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), measurement of the range of motion in the affected joint, and evaluation of functional ability through standardized tests, such as walking tests, the Stand Up and Go test, and further tests of local muscle endurance. Additionally, we will consider subjective feedback from subjects on the improvement of life quality and symptom reduction after using manual techniques. These variables will provide a comprehensive insight into the effectiveness of selected manual techniques in managing musculoskeletal pathologies.
Topic: THE POTENTIAL OF A BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL APPROACH IN OPTIMISING CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a chronic degenerative disease of the articular cartilage, accompanied with several simptoms. In addition to ageing and mechanical stress, growing evidence suggests that metabolic mediators also contribute to the onset and progression of the disease. Pain is the most common complaint and a central factor of reduced health-related quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Previous research has found that people with osteoarthritis spend more than half of their waking time sedentary. In addition, chronic pain patients with higher levels of sedentariness have been found to report more intense pain compared to those with lower levels of sedentariness. Assuming that high sedentariness is due to high pain intensity, it is important to focus research activity in the management of patients with knee osteoarthritis on pain management during movement or exercise. Promoting physical activity in patients with knee osteoarthritis is one of the fundamental methods of managing these patients. The work of the PhD student will start with a systematic literature revie. Further cross-sectional comparative analyses will serve as a starting point for the main intervention study. The main study will focus on the management of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who experience high pain intensity, especially when performing physical activity, and present a particular clinical challenge within an active conservative management approach. The intervention will focus on a biopsychosocial approach, including educational strategies such as pain neuroscience education and the use of virtual reality to distract from pain during physical activity.
Topic: STUDY OF ADAPTATION MECHANISMS AND OPTIMIZATION OF APPROACHES TO MOBILITY EXERCISES IN THE CASE OF HIP ADJUSTMENTS – Sufficient mobility is crucial for performance and reducing the risk of injury in certain sports – especially in those that require greater mobility for sufficient sports performance (gymnastics, combat sports, …) and in sports in which the most common injuries (muscle-tendon thigh and shin injuries) occur in a stretched position (football, athletics, hockey, tennis, …). Although the basic stretching methods are well researched, the effects
and connections between them and newer methods (eccentric and other stretches using dedicated devices) have not yet been studied in detail. The purpose of the doctoral thesis is to develop and improve methods for the development of flexibility and to understand the acute and chronic effects of various training methods on muscle-tendon structures and joints. The work of the doctoral candidate will take place in three phases: a systematic review, a cross-sectional study and an intervention study. It is planned to use different metrology approaches and methods (morphological and functional measurements of muscle-tendon structures with diagnostic ultrasound, measurements of mechanical quantities with dynamometers, measurements of joint mobility, etc.) to obtain data. The expected contribution of this research work will be the improvement of
understanding and methods for the development of mobility, which can significantly contribute to the field of kinesiology and physiotherapy in adding to goals such as: athletes safety, preventive efficiency, and sports performance.
