Baño Alcaraz, Aitor

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Baño Alcaraz, Aitor

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Baño Alcaraz, Aitor

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Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Fisioterapia

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Open Access
Coexistence of neck pain and low back pain, and their association with demographic, occupational, and spine MRI-based morphological factors in dentists
(Springer, 2026-05-27) López Morales, Ana; Baño Alcaraz, Aitor; López Nicolás, Manuel; García Vidal, José Antonio; Cánovas Ambit, Germán; Fisioterapia; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Medicina
Background The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, particularly low back pain (LBP) and neck pain (NP), is notably high among dentists. Several studies have examined associated factors such as age, gender, long working hours, non-ergonomic postures, and repetitive movements. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the gold standard for detecting spinal morphological changes; however, evidence shows that MRI findings do not always correlate with the presence or severity of LBP or NP. Purpose This study aimed to compare the relative frequency of coexisting versus isolated NP and LBP and to assess their association with demographic, occupational, and MRI-based morphological factors. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among actively practicing dentists affiliated with the Professional College of Dentists and Stomatologists of Murcia. Data were collected during a single visit at an authorized radiology unit, including pain types, demographic and occupational data, and MRI measurements. Results A total of 57 dentists participated. LBP was reported by 66.7% of participants, while NP was present in 70%; notably, 47.4% experienced both simultaneously. MRI findings revealed that the most common lumbar alterations were disc bulging (84.2%) and facet joint degeneration (66.7%), while cervical changes included disc bulging (66.7%) and herniated disc (54.4%). A significant association (p = 0.010) was found between younger dentists and the coexistence of both pain types, as well as between middle-aged dentists (40–49 years) and isolated LBP. Conclusion Nearly half of dentists experience coexisting NP and LBP, with coexistence strongly linked to individuals under 40 years of age.
Open Access
Effectiveness of a cervical treatment in wind-instrument musicians with temporomandibular dysfunction: a randomized clinical trial
(Elsevier, 2024-10-23) López Requena, Anais; Baño Alcaraz, Aitor; Escolar Reina, Pilar; Ferrández Gómez, Édgar; Cánovas Ambit, Germán; Fisioterapia; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Medicina
Aims To compare the effectiveness of a combined treatment involving manual therapy and postural exercises in wind musicians with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted among a sample of TMD-affected wind-instrument musician students (NCT05893251), who were assigned to an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). Both groups underwent an active cervical postural treatment for 4 weeks, with the experimental group (EG) additionally receiving a cervical therapy protocol. Participants were assessed through the craniofacial pain and disability inventory (CF-PDI) test and maximum mouth opening (MMO). Results The treatment administered to the experimental group (EG) demonstrated higher efficacy compared to the control group (CG) in terms of MMO and CF-PDI scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion A therapeutic program including manual therapy at a cervical level and a program of active postural exercises results to be more effective than solely performing postural exercises on wind musicians with DTM.
Open Access
A complementary technique that improves flexibility without compromising strength: the role of ultrasound-guided nerve stimulation
(Elsevier, 2026-08-07) Sola Martínez, Sergio; Cánovas Ambit, Germán; Baño Alcaraz, Aitor; López Nicolás, Manuel; García Vidal, José Antonio; Fisioterapia; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Medicina
Background Hamstring flexibility is a key determinant of musculoskeletal function and physical performance; however, conventional interventions such as static stretching may negatively affect muscle strength. Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve stimulation has emerged as a potential neuromodulatory technique, although its effects on flexibility and strength remain insufficiently explored. Objective To evaluate the effects of ultrasound-guided electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve on hamstring flexibility and muscle strength. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 40participants. Participants were allocated to either an experimental group receiving ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve stimulation or a control group undergoing a sham intervention. Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the popliteal angle, toe-touch, and fingertip-to-floor tests, and muscle strength was measured with a digital dynamometer. Assessments were performed before and immediately after the intervention. Results Significant improvements in all flexibility measures were observed in the experimental group (p < 0.05), whereas no significant changes were detected in the control group (p > 0.05). Between-group comparisons demonstrated significantly greater improvements in flexibility in the experimental group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in muscle strength between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve stimulation improved immediate hamstring flexibility without evidence of an acute reduction in the measured strength outcomes in this exploratory sample.. This technique may represent a promising alternative for both clinical rehabilitation and performance optimization, although further studies are required to confirm the durability of its effects.
Open Access
Relationship between low back mobility test and low back pain in amateur paddle tennis players
(Edizioni Minerva Medica, 2023-06-20) Alcaraz Mecha, Juan C.; Baño Alcaraz, Aitor; Cánovas Ambit, Germán; García Vidal, José Antonio; Lozano Meca, José Antonio; Gacto Sánchez, Mariano Luis; Fisioterapia; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Medicina
L'attuale letteratura scientifica non offre una quantità di studi sufficiente a determinare se il deficit di mobilità lombare possa essere correlato al dolore avvertito a livello della regione lombare, nei giocatori di paddle tennis. METODI: Il disegno di studio impiegato è osservazionale, analitico e trasversale. Il range di mobilità lombare è stato valutato in un campione di 34 giocatori di paddle tennis per mezzo del test di Schöber modificato-modificato (Modified- Modified Schöber Test, MMST), del test Toe touch (TTT), dell’analisi dei punteggi FMS® relativi al gesto motorio dello squat profondo (Deep Squat, DS) e alla misurazione della flessione lombare nella posizione finale dello squat profondo (lumbar flexion measurement in the final position of the deep squat, LBM in FMS® DS). RISULTATI: Sono state riscontrate differenze significative nella LBM in FMS® DS (P=0,014) in relazione alla pre-esistenza/ assenza di dolore localizzato a livello della regione lombare. È stata inoltre osservata una moderata correlazione positiva tra TTT e LBM in FMS® DS (0,517) nel gruppo non affetto da lombalgia, mentre nel gruppo che presentava lombalgia è stata evidenziata una ragguardevole correlazione negativa tra TTT e LBM in FMS® DS (-0,592). Una correlazione positiva “elevata” (0,721) è parimenti emersa tra tra MMST e LBM in FMS® DS. Infine abbiamo riscontrato anche una “considerevole” correlazione negativa (-0,672) tra TTT e LBM nella FMS® DS. CONCLUSIONI: Il test di mobilità lombare e il dolore lombare sono correlati nei giocatori di paddle tennis amatoriali.
Open Access
Do technological tools improve reliability in ankle dorsiflexion assessment? A study across healthy and injured individuals
(Elsevier, 2025-11-14) Cánovas Ambit, Germán; Godínez Leal, Jorge; Baño Alcaraz, Aitor; López Nicolás, Manuel; García Vidal, José Antonio; Fisioterapia; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Medicina
Background The objective was to examine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of three instruments for measuring ankle dorsiflexion (ADF) range of motion (ROM) and degree of asymmetry in the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT). Additionally, the study evaluated the agreement between these tools in both asymptomatic and symptomatic populations. Methods Sixty-five participants were included, comprising 32 healthy individuals and 33 subjects presenting ankle pathology. Measurements were conducted on two separate occasions by two independent assessors using distinct methods to quantify ADF-ROM and asymmetry during the WBLT. Results Veloflex demonstrated strong intra- and inter-rater reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) consistently above 0.88, for both ADF-ROM measurement and asymmetry detection across symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Furthermore, an acceptable agreement was observed between Veloflex and the tape measure in the symptomatic cohort, while agreement between Veloflex and the Dorsiflex app was suboptimal. Conclusion The findings indicate that Veloflex is a reliable tool for assessing ADF-ROM and asymmetry in both healthy and pathological cases. While the tape measure offers a viable alternative to Veloflex in symptomatic assessments, substitution of Veloflex with the Dorsiflex app is not supported due to inconsistent agreement.