Comparison of Gait in Women with Degenerative Changes of the Hip Joint and Healthy Women Using the MoKA System-A Pilot Study.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a global problem. There are few reports in the literature regarding the temporal and spatial parameters of gait in people with OA. The aim of this study was to determine spatiotemporal parameters for the pelvis and lower limbs during walking in women with OA and to compare these parameters with healthy people. For this purpose, a 6 min walking test (6MWT) was carried out. OA subjects had worse outcomes compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Data were collected using IMU sensors integrated into the MoKA system and mounted on indicator points on the body. Limited mobility of the pelvis in the frontal plane was observed in the study group, which influenced walking strategy. For the comparison with the control group at each minute, p < 0.05. IMU sensors attached to the body and integrated in one application provide extensive research and diagnostic capabilities.

SMART System in the Assessment of Exercise Tolerance in Adults.

Health-oriented physical activity should meet two key criteria: safety and an optimal level of exercise. The system of monitoring and rationalization of training (SMART) was designed to meet them. SMART integrates a custom-configured inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a sensor with real-time heart rate measurement (HR) using a proprietary computer application. SMART was used to evaluate the safety and exercise load with 115 study participants: 51 women (44.35%) and 64 men (55.65%) aged 19 to 65 years. The exercise test was the 6MWT test. In 35% of the participants, the mean HR exceeded the recognized safe limit of HR 75% max. Ongoing monitoring of HR allows for optimal exercise and its safety. Step count data were collected from the SMART system. The average step length was calculated by dividing the distance by the number of steps. The aim of the present study was to assess the risk of excessive cardiovascular stress during the 6MWT test using the SMART system.

Kinesiophobia in People with Multiple Sclerosis and Its Relationship with Physical Activity, Pain and Acceptance of Disease.

Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic demyelinating disease. Factors that reduce the occurrence of symptoms include physical activity (PA). However, the data indicate that PA levels among people with MS are lower than those of healthy peers. The cause may be kinesiophobia. The aim of the study was to determine the level of kinesiophobia among people with MS and its relationship with age, disease duration, functional status, PA, and degree of acceptance of the disease. Materials and Methods: Eighty people aged 35−69 were examined: 60 women (75%) and 20 men (25%). The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was used to determine the level of disability (median: 3.50; min−max: 1−6). The research questionnaire consisted of a metric section, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and Modified Baecke Questionnaire for Older Adults for physical activity. Results: Of the respondents, 52.50% were characterized by a high level of kinesiophobia (>37 points). Correlation analysis: TSK and PA showed the following: r = −0.363 (p = 0.001). Regression explains kinesiophobia in 44% (R2 = 0.4364; p < 0.0000). The predictors of TSK were as follows: disability level: p < 0.01, ß = 0.33; disease acceptance: p < 0.01, ß = −0.34; PA: p < 0.05, ß < −0.05. Conclusions: The problem of kinesiophobia is significant in MS patients, and its predictors are the functional status of the patients, low degree of acceptance of the disease, and low level of physical activity. The age and duration of the disease do not determine the problem of fear of movement.

Psychometric Features of the Polish Version of TSK Heart in Elderly Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

Background and objectives: Recommendations for the control of stable patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) related to an adequate level of physical activity (PA). Practical experience shows that the PA level in most people with CAD is definitely too low in relation to the guidelines. The cause may be psychological factors and among them the fear of movement-kinesiophobia. The aim of this project was to examine the evaluation of psychometric features of the Polish version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Heart (TSK Heart), used in people with CAD. Materials and methods: The study involved 287 patients with stable CAD: 112 women and 175 men. Age: 63.50 (SD = 11.49) years. Kinesiophobia was assessed using TSK Heart, physical activity (PA)-using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and anxiety and depression was examined using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The structure of TSK was examined using principal component analysis (PCA), internal cohesion (Cronbach's alpha, AC), and content validity was calculated by linear regression. Results: PCA showed a three-factor TSK structure. One-dimensionality and satisfactory reliability were found: TSK Heart: AC = 0.878. Kinesiophobia as a predictor of PA: R2 = 0.162 (p = 0.000000). Anxiety and depression-TSK: R2 = 0.093 (p = 0.00000). Conclusions: The Polish version of TSK Heart for cardiac patients is characterized by good psychometric features. The use of it can improve the cooperation of rehabilitation teams for patients with CAD.

Effectiveness of 6-Week Nordic Walking Training on Functional Performance, Gait Quality, and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease.

Background and objectives: Motor rehabilitation improves physical mobility and quality of life in Parkinson's disease (PD). As specialized rehabilitation is expensive and resource-consuming, there is a need for simpler, cost-effective methods. The purpose of the study was to determine whether Nordic Walking (NW) training may support the management of motor disability in PD. Materials and Methods: Forty patients (median age 64.0 years, range 50-75 years) with idiopathic PD, Hoehn and Yahr stages II-III, were randomly assigned to NW or standard rehabilitation (SR) programs, comprising twelve rehabilitation sessions conducted bi-weekly throughout the 6-week study period. Results: Median Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III scores were significantly reduced with NW, by 8.5, and with SR, by 6.0 points (both p < 0.001), with significantly greater improvement with NW than with SR (p = 0.047). Gait quality and balance control, measured using the Dynamic Gait Index, improved with NW by a median of 8.0 and with SR by 5.5 points (both p < 0.001), with slightly greater improvement with NW, compared to the SR group (p = 0.064). Quality of life, assessed using the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), improved with NW by a median of 15 and with SR by 12 points, p = 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively. Conclusions: The 6-week Nordic Walking program improves functional performance, quality of gait, and quality of life in patients with PD and has comparable effectiveness to standard rehabilitation.

Affective Disorder and Functional Status as well as Selected Sociodemographic Characteristics in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease and History of Stroke.

The main arguments in support of researching anxiety and depression in patients with chronic somatic diseases are the prevalence of affective disorders in the population, somatic conditions as risk factors of affective disorders and the search for effective preventative and therapeutic strategies. The aim of the study was to determine the association between the functional status, selected sociodemographic characteristics and prevalence as well as severity of anxiety and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD) and history of stroke (S). Material and methods: Eighty participants (44 women and 36 men) with MS (n = 22), PD (n = 31) and history of stroke (n = 27) were enrolled. All participants completed a questionnaire consisting of metrics, the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Fifty-five per cent of all participants did not present with anxiety or depression, 20% scored above the diagnostic threshold on the anxiety scale and 26% scored above the diagnostic threshold on the depression scale. Subgroup analysis revealed that anxiety and depression sufferers were 13.64% and 13.64% of MS patients, respectively; 22.58% and 35.48% of PD patients, respectively; and 22.22% and 25.93% of stroke survivors, respectively. There was a significant correlation between depression and independence level in the entire group and between depression and marital status in stroke survivors. Conclusions: Although depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in patients with neurological conditions, the disorder has a very individual nature and is not associated with the patient's age, duration of a condition or concomitant diseases. Screening for depression and anxiety as a part of comprehensive approach may increase treatment efficacy in neurological patients.

Impact of physical activity and fitness on the level of kinesiophobia in women of perimenopausal age.

To determine the impact of physical activity and fitness on the level of physical activity barriers (kinesiophobia) in women of perimenopausal age, the study included 105 women between the ages of 48 and 58. A Baecke questionnaire was used to evaluate physical activity and a modified Fullerton test was used to evaluate the fitness level. The level of kinesiophobia was assessed using the Kinesiophobia Causes Scale questionnaire. A low level of habitual physical activity has a negative impact on the values of Biological Domain (r = -0.581), Psychological Domain (r = -0.451), and on the Kinesiophobia Cause Scale total score (r = -0.577). Lower physical activity expressed by a lower score in the Fullerton test also has a negative impact on the level of kinesiophobia. Upper body flexibility (r = -0.434) has the strongest influence on the Biological Domain, whereas upper body strength (r = -0.598) has the greatest impact on the Psychological Domain. A low level of upper body strength also has the greatest impact on the Kinesiophobia Cause Scale total score (r = -0.507). Low levels of physical activity and fitness in women of perimenopausal age favour kinesiophobic attitudes and thereby increase the level of barriers against undertaking physical activity.

Back and neck pain among school teachers in Poland and its correlations with physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Back pain represents one of the most common diseases across various populations of workers worldwide. This study analyzes the prevalence and severity of back pain, based on selected demographic variables, and the relationship with physical activity among school teachers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 998 professionally active teachers (840 females and 158 males) from the southern part of Poland. Validated psychometric tools, namely: 1) for evaluation of disability due to back pain - a Polish version of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Neck Disability Index (NDI), 2) for physical activity assessment - the Subjective Experience of Work Load (SEWL) as well as the authors' supplementary questionnaire, addressing demographic and anthropometric variables were used. RESULTS: There was no correlation between age and the NDI scores in females (r = 0.027), in contrast to males (r = 0.202; p ≤ 0.05). Statistically significant correlations (p ≤ 0.05) were reported between: age and the ODI, in both females (r = 0.219) and males (r = 0.180). No associations between the body mass index (BMI)-ODI, and BMI-NDI were found. In the case of women, disability related to low back pain (LBP) had a negative impact on the indicators of their activity during work, sports, and leisure time. In the case of men, the NDI and ODI scores did not differ, based on activity indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that back pain represents a serious concern among teachers. Age appears to be a prognostic factor, while no association between the BMI and LBP has been revealed. The limitation of physical activity leads to more frequent back pain.

[Is a single application soft tissues techniques of spine area may cause increase trunk mobility?]. / Czy jednorazowe zastosowanie terapii manualnej tkane miekkich grzbietu moze wplynac na ruchomosc tulowia?

UNLABELLED: The primary goal of application soft tissue techniques is to restore the proper mobility of fascia. Disturbance of soft tissue mobility can cause disorder in deep tissues and lead to musculoskeletal dysfunction. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of soft tissues techniques of spine area to thoracic and spine mobility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Examined 30 subjects (15 women and 15 men) aged: x=19.9±1.2. Were performed measurements: mobility of the thorax, flexibility of the trunk in planes: sagittal and frontal. Then applied selected soft tissue techniques of spine area. Immediately after the therapy measurements were repeated. RESULTS: Occurred increase mobility and flexibility among women statistically significant. Among men, the increase in mobility occurred in all measurements in addition to the finger-floor test and horizontal range of arms. CONCLUSIONS: The application of soft tissue techniques may favorably influence on increasing mobility of thoracic and trunk flexibility. Confirmation results of the observations in other studies may be part of the improvement in the rehabilitation proceedings.

Effect of a 4-week Nordic walking training on the physical fitness and self-assessment of the quality of health of women of the perimenopausal age.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the effect of a 4-week Nordic walking training on the physical fitness of women of the perimenopausal age and self-assessment of the quality of their health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-four women between 48 and 58 years of age were included in the study. Half of the group (42) was assigned to the control group and the other half was assigned to the experimental group. In both groups studied, physical fitness was evaluated using a modified Fullerton's test and a quality of life self-assessment SF-36 (Short Form of Health Status Questionnaire). Similar tests were repeated 4 weeks later. In the experimental group, a Nordic walking training was conducted between the two tests. During 4 weeks, 10 training sessions were performed, each session was 60 minutes long, and there was an interval of 2 days between the sessions. RESULTS: A 4-week Nordic walking training resulted in a significant improvement (p < 0.001) of physical fitness as demonstrated by an increased strength and flexibility of the upper and lower part of the body and the ability to walk a longer distance during a 6-minute walking test. Women participating in the training also showed a significant improvement in health in terms of both physical health (p < 0.001) and mental health (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A 4-week Nordic walking training has a positive effect on the physical fitness of the women in the perimenopausal age. Participation in training contributes also to a clearly higher self-assessment of the quality of health.

Body Image and Physical Activity and the Diet of Polish Youth Aged 15-18.

Adolescence is a crucial stage in the biological, psychological, and social development of humans. During this period, perceptions of one's body and behaviors are formed. The aim of the study was to investigate body image (BI) and its relationship with physical activity and selected eating habits in adolescents. The study included 312 people (102 girls (32.69%) and 210 boys (67.31%)) aged 15-18. As many as 40% of the girls and 27% of the boys reported feeling dissatisfied with their body mass. BI was negatively perceived by the adolescents, with girls being more critical than boys. Lack of acceptance of one's body mass negatively affects overall BI in girls, and only the functional aspects in boys. Negative perception of body mass in girls does not motivate them to increase physical activity but rather causes them to adopt dietary restrictions.

Risky behaviors of adolescents in the Silesian voivodeship: resistance to stress and physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Movement and physical activity are the natural needs of a living human. Sedentary lifestyle resulting from the development of car communication, improper nutrition, abuse of drugs and addictive substances, constant rush and stress consequently cause destructive health effects. The aim of the study was to analyze risky behaviors among adolescents in the Silesian voivodeship (Poland), taking into account their resistance to stress and physical activity. METHODS: Two hundred eleven people were examined (100%). Among them there were 122 girls (57.82%) and 89 boys (42.18%) aged 16 to 18 years (x=17.3, SD=0.53). The participants were students from upper secondary schools in the Silesian voivodeship. The research tool was an original questionnaire consisting of a metric part, closed questions related to the examined problem and a standardized questionnaire of physical activity (Subjective Experience of Work Load [SEWL]). RESULTS: Most of the girls (47, 38.52%) considered themselves to be medically resistant to stress, while boys (30, 33.71%) believed they were rather resistant to stress. On the other hand, there was no correlation between susceptibility to stress of adolescents in relation to age. From the whole group, up to 203 people (96.21%) have already drunk alcohol. Among them there were 117 girls (95.90%) and 86 boys (96.63%). The first cigarette from the studied group of teenagers was ignited by 137 people (64.93%), including 80 girls (65.57%) and 57 boys (64.04%), while psychoactive substances have been already taken by 51 participants (24.17%). Among them there were 23 girls (18.85%) and 28 boys (31.46%). There was no correlation between the self-esteem of susceptibility to stress and the use of stimulants in both boys and girls. The average value of the Sport Index among girls was 2.75, while among boys was 6.37. CONCLUSIONS: Boys in comparison to girls considered themselves more resistant to stress, while the age in both sexes did not affect self-assessment of vulnerability to stress. Gender of the adolescents did not affect the frequency of stimulants use.

Effect of Nordic Walking Training on Physical Fitness and Self-Assessment of Health of People with Chronic Non-Specific Lower Back Pain.

In order to determine the impact of a four-week cycle of Nordic Walking (NW) training on the physical fitness of people with chronic non-specific lower back pain and the impact of this form of activity on their self-assessment of health quality, the study included 80 men and women aged 29 to 63 years. The subjects were divided into two equal (40-person) groups: experimental and control. In both study groups the degree of disability in daily activities caused by back pain was assessed with the FFb-H-R questionnaire, the physical fitness was evaluated with the modified Fullerton test and the sense of health quality was assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire. The same tests were repeated after four weeks. In the experimental group NW training was applied between the two studies. During four weeks, 10 training units were carried out, and each training session lasted 60 min with a two-day break between each training. The four-week NW training resulted in a statistically significant sense of disability due to back pain (p < 0.001), significant improvement of physical fitness expressed by improvement in upper (p < 0.001) and lower (p < 0.01) body strength, upper and lower body flexibility (p < 0.001) and ability to walk a longer distance in a 6-min walk test (p < 0.001). The training participants also showed significant improvements in health quality in both physical (p < 0.001) and mental (p < 0.001) components. The four-week NW training has a positive impact on the physical fitness of men and women with chronic lower back pain. Participation in NW training also contributes to a significant reduction in the sense of disability caused by back pain and improvement in the self-assessment of health quality.

The effect of regular fitness training, sex hormones, and turnover of selected bone markers on sclerostin levels in young women.

Introduction: Regular physical activity (PA) is a recognized factor stimulating bone formation. In recent years, osteocytes have been shown to be involved in the metabolism of bone tissue in addition to osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of regular fitness training, sex hormones, and selected bone turnover markers on sclerostin levels in young women. Material and methods: The cross-sectional study involved 78 women including 39 who regularly engaged in fitness training (for 1 h three times a week for 3 months) and 39 leading a sedentary lifestyle. Anthropometric measurements and glucose, lipids, insulin, estradiol, testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), vitamin D, osteocalcin, ß isomer of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ß-CTx) and sclerostin levels were measured. Results: Activity of women (study group) who were on a high level of PA ranged between 2262 and 6606 MET/min/week (mean, 3843.16; SD = 1230). All of the control group were on low level of PA (198-1617 MET/min/week; mean, 841.06; SD = 302.01). Significantly higher levels of iPTH and ß-CTx were observed in the study than in the control group (p < 0.01). We did not observe differences in vitamin D (p > 0.12), osteocalcin (p > 0.23), or sclerostin levels (p > 0.37) between groups. There were significant negative correlations between log10 sclerostin and log10 DHEA levels (r = -0.24; p < 0.05). A multivariate stepwise backward linear regression model for sclerostin as an independent variable, with the explanatory variables physical activity, estradiol, testosterone, and DHEA levels, did not reveal any effect on changes of sclerostin levels. The model with the explanatory variables vitamin D, iPTH, ß-CTx, and osteocalcin also did not show effects on changes of sclerostin levels. Conclusions: Our results show that regular fitness training, sex hormones, vitamin D, iPTH, ß-CTx, and osteocalcin did not influence circulating sclerostin levels in young women.

The Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Men after Radical Prostatectomy Measured with the Insert Test.

A commonly used physiotherapeutic method for the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) after radical prostatectomy (RP) is pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PFMT by enhanced biofeedback using the 1h pad-weighing test. The following factors were taken into consideration in the analysis of PFMT effectiveness: the relevance of the patients' age, time from RP, BMI, mental health, functional state, and depression. A total of 60 post-RP patients who underwent 10-week PFMT were studied. They were divided into groups: A (n = 20) and B (n = 20) (random division, time from RP: 2−6 weeks) and group C (time from RP > 6 weeks). Group B had enhanced training using EMG biofeedback. UI improved in all groups: A, p = 0.0000; B, p = 0.0000; and C, p = 0.0001. After the completion of PFMT, complete control over miction was achieved by 60% of the patients in group A, 85% in group B, and 45% in group C. There was no correlation between the results of PFMT efficacy and patients' age, BMI, time from RP, mental health, functional state, and depression. PFMT is highly effective in UI treatment. The enhancement of PFMT by EMG biofeedback seems to increase the effectiveness of the therapy.

Evaluation of Posturometric Parameters in Children and Youth Who Practice Karate: Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Reduced physical activity or inappropriate training can cause the development of postural abnormalities. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between intensive, controlled physical activity, such as karate, and postural parameters. The study group consisted of 57 young karate competitors aged 9-12 years. The control group included 76 healthy, active children in similar age. The children's posture, activity level, and time in front of electronic devices were evaluated. The following body posture assessments were carried out: Adams' test, evaluation of the plumb line, evaluation of the kyphosis, and lordosis angles using a digital inclinometer and shoulder blade position measurements using a pediscoliometer. In the majority of cases, despite evidence of an increase or decrease in the values of the plumb line and scapulae level, the results were still within the normal ranges. In 71.93% of the examined karate-training children, a decrease in torso rotation was noted. The study revealed a visible difference in postural muscle strength by the Mathiass screening test (P < 0.00001). The children in the control group spent more time in front electronic devices than the karate-training children did (P < 0.007). Postural defects regression was more often observed in the study group than in the controls (P < 10-8). The frequency of postural defects stabilization was also significantly higher in the study group than in the control children (P = 0.001). Conversely, postural defects progression was significantly more frequent in the control group than in young karate competitors (P < 10-8). These differences remained significant in subgroups of girls and boys. Physical activity performed regularly and under the direction of a professional trainer can prevent postural disorders.

[The quality of selected health services for intellectually handicapped patients in their parents view on the example of southern Poland]. / Jakosc wybranych swiadczen medycznych na przykladzie Polski poludniowej dla osób z niepelnosprawnoscia intelektualna w opinii ich rodziców.

INTRODUCTION: According to many authors, the access to public health service is obstructed for the intellectually handicapped people. To meet this argument Special Olympics created a program Healthy Sportsmen. This program relates to intellectually handicapped people all over the world and its aim is to diagnose selected clinical illnesses and create data bank of this social group. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for the 'young physicians' to improve their knowledge and skills in the area of practice with the handicapped. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The aim of the study was to answer the question: what is the parents' evaluation of the quality of the selected health services provided to children with different degree of intellectual handicap on the example of two voivodeships of southern Poland. 108 parents of intellectually disabled children took part in the study (51 women and 57 men): 71 respondents (66%) from the Silesian voivodeship and 37 (34%) from the Lesser Poland voivodeship. The study included the author's questionnaire in which 15 questions, concerning the opinions about selected medical services, were asked. RESULTS: In the opinion of parents' of the intellectually handicapped the access to dental services was evaluated at the lowest level. The attitude of the society towards the people with mental handicap, support and help offers from the Health Service units and the accessibility of the secondary health care were evaluated at similarly low level. The services provided by the primary care physicians and physiotherapists were evaluated at the highest level. CONCLUSIONS: There is a constant need to improve the methods of practice with the intellectually handicapped patients.

Frequency of back pain occurrence among high school youth including their physical activity.

INTRODUCTION: Back pain diseases are among frequently reported health problems. Unfortunately, more often this problem also affects young people, high school students. Lifestyle that people are representing nowadays has a negative impact on their spine. Development of technology and transportation eliminates daily basic physical activity such as taking a walk to the school. Prolonged and inappropriate sitting posture during classes and using the computer at home are predisposing factors for back pain occurrence. PURPOSE: The aim of this paper was to analyze the frequency of back pain occurrence among high school youth and attempt to relate their occurrence frequency with sex, time spent in sitting position, anthropometric parameters and physical activity of examined students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examined group initially counted 272 teenagers, but ultimately 218 were taken into account for the analysis and 54 questionnaires were filled in incorrectly and rejected. All of them were high school students. Customized survey consisting of general part and closed questions regarding physical activity (Subjective Experience of Work Load - SEWL) was used as an examination tool. RESULTS: Examined youth spent on average 10.04 hours daily in a sitting position. As much as 195 (89.45%) of examined teenagers declared to experience back pain at least once in their lives. The most of teenagers (117; 53.67%) indicated lumbar spine pain. Girls more often felt spine pain issues in comparison to boys. Short stature of teenagers was often related to back pain occurrence. No correlation between time spent in sitting position and frequency of skeleton axis pain occurrence was noted. Among group of boys a relation between more frequent physical activity and less often spine pain occurrence was observed. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Spine pain is an important health problem of examined youth, occurring more frequent among girls than boys. 2. Body height correlate negatively with frequency of spine pain occurrence among youth. 3. Despite spending more than 10 hours daily in sitting position by examined youth, it didn't affect the frequency of back pain issues occurrence. 4. Higher physical activity of examined boys was related to less often back pains.

Past physical activity and its influence on female functioning during perimenopause.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to assess correlations between practising sports at an elite level at a young age, and the current physical activity level, selected sociometric features and the severity of menopausal symptoms in women during perimenopause, which will contribute to the knowledge about undertaking sports activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved a total of 334 females aged 45-65. They were purposefully assigned to both a study and control group. The study group included 148 women - former elite athletes qualified based on the presumed criteria. The control group consisted of 154 women who did not meet the criterion of practising sports activity earlier in life. In order to conduct the study, we applied the method of a diagnostic survey. The outcome measure was a survey questionnaire and contained questions concerning sociometric features, some elements of gynaecological history, and physical activity undertaken in the past. The second part used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index. RESULTS: The groups were homogenous in terms of age and BMI. The former athletes most frequently used to practise athletics, team games and swimming. Both groups displayed no differences regarding the age at menarche, the onset of sexual activity, and the presence and regularity of menstruation. The former athletes had fewer children compared to the controls. They manifested a higher level of physical activity in particular areas and intensity categories. The comparison between the two groups did not show statistically significant differences in the severity of menopausal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Sports training in the past differentiates selected sociometric features such as economic activity and a numerous pregnancies and births. Sports training in the past has an impact on the current level of physical activity - the females who used to train present its higher level. Sports training in the past does not differentiate the severity of menopausal symptoms.

Kinesiophobia in Stroke Patients, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disesase.

BACKGROUND: Stroke (S), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD) are chronic neurological diseases that are a challange for public health and represent a real social problem. Physical activity (PA) improves functional performance, reduces various symptoms in PD and MS, in stroke- reduced neurological impairment of patients and provides a chance for independence. One of the main obstacles in successful rehabilitation is patients' movement passivity. The reason might be the psychological aspects, in particular fear of movement-kinesiophobia. Aim: To determine how many patients with S, MS, and PD suffer from kinsiophobia and what factors influence this process. METHODS: Fifty patients after stroke, eighty one MS patients and sixty one PD patients were consecutively recruited from hospital and outpatients clinics. The sociodemographic data, self- assesment of fitness, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) and The Modified Baecke Questionnarie for Older Adults for physical activity were collected. A score >37 was considered to indicate a high level of kinesiophobia according to the TSK. RESULTS: High level of kinesiophobia was shown in 66.67% of the subjects. TSK medians in particular illnesses were above the cut-off score and amounted: S-42.50 points; MS-38 points; PD-42.00 points. Regression showed 15% of fluctuation of variance (R2 = 0.1498; p < 0.0001), where regression factor showed: for mobility self-assessment: b = -0.2137 and for the age b = 0.0065. CONCLUSIONS: Kinesiophobia among the patients suffering from S, MS and PD concerns most of the subjects. Predictors of kinesiophobia are: limitations connected with functioning and age. The meaning of kinesiophobia in neurological disorders requires further research.