Level of body mass index, functional fitness, quality of life, and satisfaction with life among women aged 60+ years participating in an organised pro-health training programme.

Introduction: The aim of the study is to assess changes in body mass index (BMI), functional fitness, satisfaction with and quality of life among women 60+ years after participating in a 9-month organised health training programme. Material and methods: Research on a group of 74 women aged 60-83 years (M = 67.8; SD = 5.1) was conducted twice, at the beginning and after 9 months of the health training programme (90 minutes, twice a week). The following tools were used in the research: SECA model 764 device, Fullerton functional fitness test, the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire, and the satisfaction with life scale. Calculations were performed using the Statistica 13.1 program, via Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients as well as Student's t-test for dependent measurements and the Wilcoxon paired test. Interactive repeated measures analysis of variance was also used. The assumed level of significance was α = 0.05. Results: Comparing the results before and after implementing the health training programme, it was found that the average BMI value decreased (p < 0.001), while the functional fitness indicators, including the tests: 30-second chair stand (p < 0.001), 30-second arm curl (p < 0.001), back scratch (p = 0.001) and two-minute step-in-place (p = 0.002), increased. Between the first and second measurement, differences in quality of life profiles were also demonstrated, with 3 aspects of quality of life intensifying (somatic, psychological, and environmental), the psychological aspect increasing the most. Conclusions: The obtained results confirmed the positive impact of the 9-month health training programme on the BMI, functional fitness, and quality of life of women above the age of 60 years.

Body mass index, functional fitness and nutritional behaviours of senior women from the Kraków population.

Background: Body Mass Index (BMI) is dependent on, among others, diet and level of physical activity. Seniors are more prone to nutritional disorders than other population groups. Objective: The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between BMI and nutritional behaviours as well as the functional fitness level of senior women. Materials and methods: The research was carried out among a group of 120 women aged 60-84, using the TANITA SC-330ST body composition analyser, the HOLTAIN anthropometer, the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test and the authordesigned nutritional behaviour questionnaire for seniors. Statistical analyses were conducted using the IBM SPSS 21 statistical package, applying the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA tests with comparisons of z tests at the significance level p<0.05. Results: In terms of the relationship between BMI and functional fitness indices, it was shown that women with normal weight obtained higher results for the lower body (p=0.043) and upper body agility tests than obese women (p<0.001). Females with normal BMI also obtained higher results in the endurance test than the overweight women (p=0.038). In terms of the correlation between BMI and nutritional behaviours, it was demonstrated that women with a healthy body mass more often ate varied, low-volume meals than those overweight (p=0.026). Women with correct weight ate fish, eggs and lean meat more often than obese women (p=0.036). Obese women consumed 3-5 portions of fruit and vegetables less frequently during the day than women with normal body mass (p=0.029) and those overweight (p=0.015). Obese women were less likely to eat sea fish at least 1-2 times a week than overweight females (p=0.040) and those with normal BMI (p<0.001). At the same time, women with a normal BMI indicated a higher degree of performed daily physical activity than the overweight women (p=0.028) and those with obesity (p=0.030). Conclusions: Women with normal BMI presented more rational nutrition habits and higher functional fitness than overweight and obese senior women.

Satisfaction with Life and Nutritional Behaviour, Body Composition, and Functional Fitness of Women from the Kraków Population Participating in the "Healthy Active Senior" Programme.

Pro-health behaviours are related to a person's personal resources. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between satisfaction with life (SWL), nutritional behaviours, somatic indices, and functional efficiency of senior women. The research was conducted among 120 women aged 60-84 (Me = 65) participating in the "Healthy Active Senior" project at the University of Physical Education in Kraków. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the proprietary validated questionnaire of nutritional behaviour were used. Body composition was assessed using the method of bioelectrical impedance (TANITA SC-330ST analyser), while physical fitness was evaluated via the Senior Fitness test (Fullerton Functional Fitness Test). Correlations between the variables were measured by implementing Spearman's R signed-rank correlation coefficients (with p < 0.05). Positive correlations between SWL and selected nutrition behaviours have been demonstrated, including eating 5-6 meals (p < 0.001) and drinking at least 2 litres of fluids a day (p = 0.023), consuming cereal products daily, including whole-grains (p = 0.001), avoiding alcoholic beverages (p = 0.030), and applying vitamin D supplementation (p = 0.010). At the same time, negative correlations between SWL and limiting the consumption of red as well as processed meats (p = 0.002), animal fats (p = 0.046), and the preference for vegetable oils in one's diet (p = 0.023) were shown. Significant correlations between satisfaction with life and two indicators of functional fitness were also confirmed: negative-with the variable '2.44-m Get-Up and Go' (p = 0.003); and positive-with the '2-Minute Step in Place' test (p = 0.034). The relationships between SWL and somatic indices did not reach the level of statistical significance. Among the women participating in the "Healthy Active Senior" programme, correlations between SWL and rational nutritional behaviours, as well as indices of functional fitness, were found (mostly positive), while the trends in these areas were not fully unambiguous, suggesting the validity of conducting further research.

Effect of a 6-Week Cycle of Nordic Walking Training on Vitamin 25(OH)D3, Calcium-Phosphate Metabolism and Muscle Damage in Multiple Myeloma Patients-Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy affecting older adults. One of the most common myeloma-defining events is the development of symptomatic lytic bone disease. The serum concentrations of calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (P), and vitamin 25(OH)D3 in the serum reflect bone metabolism. An enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a marker of muscle damage, but its serum activity also has an important prognostic value in MM. Myoglobin (Mb) is a small protein present in muscles; its serum level increases when myocytes are damaged. Objectives: In this study, the impact of a 6-week Nordic walking (NW) exercise program on blood parameters related to calcium-phosphate metabolism and damage of skeletal muscles was assessed. Patients and methods: A total of 33 patients with MM in the remission stage, without cytostatic treatment, were allocated and randomly assigned to one of two groups: 17 in the training group (NW) and 16 in the control group (CG). All patients were supplemented per os with vitamin D3 and calcium carbonate daily and received zoledronic acid every 4 weeks (intravenous). Nordic walking training sessions took place 3 times a week for 6 weeks, 1 h each. Blood samples were drawn before and after the 6 weeks of training sessions to assess the serum concentrations of vitamin 25(OH)D3, P, Ca, Mb, and LDH. Results: Patients from the NW group showed a statistically significant decrease in mean serum myoglobin concentration (p = 0.018) and an increase in 25(OH)D3 (p < 0.001) and total Ca (p = 0.001) concentrations. There were no statistically significant changes in the results obtained in CG. Between groups, after 6 weeks, Mb serum concentration was significantly lower in NW (p = 0.041), and 25(OH)D3 was higher (p < 0.001) compared to CG. There was a correlation between the changes in myoglobin, phosphorus, 25(OH)D3, and Ca concentrations after 6 weeks. Conclusions: NW training is a safe and beneficial form of physical exercise for patients with MM without inducing muscle damage. NW performed outside improves serum vitamin 25(OH)D3 concentration.

Whole-Body Cryotherapy Increases the Activity of Nitric Oxide Synthase in Older Men.

Aging causes oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and a reduction in the bioavailability of nitric oxide. The study aim was to determine whether, as a result of repeated whole-body exposure to cryogenic temperature (3 min -130 °C), there is an increase of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) concentration in senior subjects (59 ± 6 years), and if this effect is stronger in athletes. In 10 long-distance runners (RUN) and 10 untraining (UTR) men, 24 whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) procedures were performed. Prior to WBC, after 12th and 24th treatments and 7 days later, the concentration of iNOS, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NTR), homocysteine (HCY), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukins such as: IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-10 were measured. In the RUN and UTR groups, after 24 WBC, iNOS concentration was found to be comparable and significantly higher (F = 5.95, p < 0.01) (large clinical effect size) compared to before 1st WBC and after 12th WBC sessions. There were no changes in the concentration of the remaining markers as a result of WBC (p > 0.05). As a result of applying 24 WBC treatments, using the every-other-day model, iNOS concentration increased in the group of older men, regardless of their physical activity level. Along with this increase, there were no changes in nitro-oxidative stress or inflammation marker levels.

Outcomes of Treatment of Monteggia Fractures with Reduction and Internal Titanium Elastic Nail Fixation of the Ulna.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usefulness of radiographic indices of humero-radial joint instability in order to predict treatment outcomes in Monteggia fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in a group of patients who underwent closed reduction and internal titanium elastic nail (TEN) fixation of the ulna and closed reduction of a dislocation of the radial head between 2016 and 2018. The indications for intrame-dullary fixation comprised transverse or short oblique fractures. The direction of the dislocation was classified according to Bado. The following radiographic indies were assessed: Radiocapitellar Line, Lateral Humeral Line, Proximity Index, and Radial Head Displacement Index. RESULTS: Treatment outcomes were assessed with the Oxford Elbow Score and Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and com-plications were assessed with a modified Clavien-Dindo-Sink scale. No coincidence between poor functional and radio-graphic outcomes was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Regardless of the severity of the injury, eligibility for surgery and correctly performed surgical treatment guarantee a good final outcome. 2. Patients treated with TEN regain their preoperative mobility. 3. There was no coincidence between poor functional and radiographic outcomes, except for one patient in whom subluxation of the radial head persisted despite surgery and was confirmed radiographically and functionally. 4. It would be beneficial for clinical practice to introduce simple, reproducible radiographic parameters for unambiguous assessment of the effectiveness of treatment and predicting treatment outcomes; unfortunately none of the parameters we investigated were sufficiently reliable. 5. The radiographic parameters analysed in this paper are dependent on the quality of the radiological examinations performed.

The Effect of Repeated Whole-Body Cryotherapy on Sirt1 and Sirt3 Concentrations and Oxidative Status in Older and Young Men Performing Different Levels of Physical Activity.

BACKGROUND: The activity of antioxidant enzymes and sirtuins (Sirt) decreases along with age, which is counteracted by aerobic training. Sirtuins increase antioxidant defence. Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) increases total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in young men. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of 24 WBC treatments on the blood concentration of selected sirtuins and the level of antioxidant defence as well as oxidative stress index of training and non-training men depending on age. METHODS: The study involved 40 males. In each group, there were 10 non-training older and young men (60 NTR and 20 NTR), and 10 older and young long-distance runners (60 TR, 20 TR). During an 8-week period, participants underwent 24 WBC treatments (3 min -130 °C), which were performed three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). The concentrations of Sirt1, Sirt3, TAC, total oxidative status and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the blood were determined before 1 WBC and after 1 WBC, 12 WBC and 24 WBC. RESULTS: After 1 WBC, the activity of GPx and the concentration of Sirt1 and TAC in 60 TR and TAC in 60 NTR increased. After 12 WBC, the level of Sirt1 in 20 NTR and SOD in 20 TR increased. After 24 WBC, the level of Sirt1 increased in 60 TR and in 20 NTR, Sirt3 in 60 TR and SOD in 20 TR. CONCLUSIONS: Cryogenic temperatures increase blood levels of Sirt1 and Sirt3 and systemic antioxidant defence in men, but the effect is dependent on age, level of performed physical activity and the number of applied treatments.

Unchanged Erythrocyte Profile After Exposure to Cryogenic Temperatures in Elder Marathon Runners.

Objective: Endurance runners may experience "sports anemia" resulting from intravascular hemolysis. In addition, aging has negative impact on hematopoiesis and rheological properties of blood, and erythrocyte membranes in older people are more vulnerable to oxidative damage, which together can lead to anemia. Whole-body cryostimulation (WBCST) is increasingly used in the elderly as a method of biological regeneration of athletes or therapy and preventive treatment. That is why the aim of the study was to determine whether repeated WBCST had an effect on the erythrocyte system in master marathon runners, compared to non-training men. Methods: Ten marathon runners (men aged 55.9 ± 5.5 years, training experience 6.71 ± 5.79 years) and 10 non-training (men aged 62.0 ± 5.8 years) were subjected to a series of 24 WBCST (3 min, -130°C) performed every other day. Erythrocyte levels, interleukin-3 (IL-3), erythropoietin (EPO), haptoglobin, bilirubin, and extracellular hemoglobin (HGBecf) concentrations were determined in the blood before and after 12, 24 WBCST, as well as 7 days after their completion. Results: The concentrations of EPO and IL-3 were significantly increased 7 days after the completion of WBCST in both groups (P < 0.05). The erythrocyte content and indicators, the bilirubin, haptoglobin, and HGBecf levels in each group did not change as a result of WBCST. In order to document hemolytic changes and/or factors affecting the severity of erythropoiesis, correlations between growth erythropoietic factors, erythrocyte and hemolytic factors as well as mutual correlations between hemolytic indexes were calculated. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.05) between the EPO and IL-3, bilirubin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and red blood cell distribution width - standard deviation. There was also a positive correlation between the concentrations of bilirubin and HGBecf, and a negative correlation between haptoglobin and HGBecf as well as bilirubin concentrations. Conclusion: WBCST treatments, repeated every other day, do not cause hemolytic changes in elder men with high or low physical activity. But also, they are a procedure that does not increase the level of erythrocytes or their hemoglobinization. In athletes, it is not a form of doping. The positive correlation between EPO and bilirubin may be indicative of, for example, the mutual antioxidative effect of these factors.

Respiratory compensation point during incremental test in overweight and normoweight boys: is it useful in assessing aerobic performance? A longitudinal study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the respiratory compensation point (RCP) in overweight and normoweight boys and to clarify changes in the RCP over 4 years. This study was conducted with 11 overweight boys and 14 boys with normal weight. The boys performed the graded test every 2 years (three series) beginning at the age of 9-10 years and finishing at the age of 13-14 years. During the test, the RCP was detected. In every series, the RCP occurred earlier in the overweight boys than in the normoweight boys and at a significantly (P<0·05) lower rate relative to body mass power output (P kg(-1) ). Relative oxygen uptake (VO2  kg(-1) ) at the RCP in all studies was also significantly (P<0·05) lower in the group of overweight boys. The maximum level of analysed indicators (VO2 max; Pmax) differentiated both groups in similar ways as their level noted at RCP. This study showed significant (P<0·05) correlation between the values VO2 max kg(-1) and VO2  kg(-1) at RCP in each series of the test and between Pmax kg(-1) and P kg(-1) at RCP. The respiratory compensation point seems to be a good method for evaluating aerobic performance in children (also overweight). During puberty, a decreasing tendency in aerobic performance was observed in both groups.

[The developmental changes in physiological cost of locomotion efforts in overweight boys]. / Rozwojowe zmiany kosztu wysilków lokomocyjnych u chlopców o nadmiernym otluszczeniu ciala.

INTRODUCTION: In obese children the aerobic capacity (maximal oxygen intake) is lower than in non-obese children, but lower ability to perform long-term efforts can also result from higher physiological cost (in comparison to normal weight children) during locomotion efforts. AIM OF THE STUDY: was to determine developmental changes in physiological cost of walks in boys with excessive level of body fat (F%) during puberty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 11 boys with excessive level of body fat (%F=26.82±2.89 % - GROUP O) and 14 with normal level of body fat (%F=12.51±2.35% - GROUP P). The boys performed the graded test and a few days later two submaximal walks (6 min each with a 4 min pause for rest between walks) on mechanical treadmill with different speed (3.6 km×h(-1) and 4.8 km×h(-1)) every two years (three series) beginning at the age about 10 years and finishing at the age of 13-14 years. RESULTS: The level of pulmonary ventilation (VE) and tidal volume (TV) were significantly higher in overweight boys, but breathing frequency (BF) was similar in both groups. With age, the economy of breathing was improved in both groups: pulmonary ventilation and tidal volume were increasing but BF was decreasing. The work intensity during walking, expressed as %VO2max and %HRmax, was higher in boys with excessive level of body fat and decreased with age. Total values of VO2 (l×min(-1)) were higher in the group of overweight boys, but relatively to body mass the values of VO2 were significantly lower in this group and with age the difference between groups was constant. CONCLUSIONS: The physiological cost of walking was higher in boys with excessive level of body fat in each test in comparison with non-obese boys. The difference between groups in level of physiological parameters increased with speed of walking. The physiological cost of walking decreased with age in both groups.