Relations between multidimensional attitude toward death and psychological distress in firefighters.

To investigate firefighters' multidimensional attitude toward death and psychological distress, 60 firefighters completed the Death Attitude Profile-Revised and the General Health Questionnaire-28. As predicted, fear of death and escape acceptance were positively related to severe depression and anxiety/insomnia. However, contrary to predictions, neutral acceptance and death avoidance were not associated with psychological distress. Our results indicate that it would be advisable to examine the effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic interventions for firefighters aimed at reducing the fear of death and escape acceptance.

Effect of different forms of physical activity on balance in older women.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of two types of physical activity, dance, and general exercises, on balance in older women. Study participants comprised two groups of women. The participants attended 45-min DMT (n = 20) or GRE sessions (n = 19) three times per week for 12 weeks. Before and after the training, the participants underwent the Postural Stability Test, the Limits of Stability Test, and the Fall Risk Test. Improvement of the balance was confirmed for only one test both for the dance group and the general exercises group.

Functional fitness normative values for elderly polish population.

BACKGROUND: It's really important to measure the actual functional physical fitness of elderly independent living persons from different environments to know the level and rate of decrease may inform about the threat of loss of functional independence, hence the need to monitor and assess the senior's motor realm and adapt to it the appropriate programs and treatments in the care for the elderly person. METHODS: The study involved 5367 people (mean age 69,63 ± 7,06), including 4164 women (mean age 69,55 ± 7,11) and 1203 men (mean age 69,91 ± 6,86) aged 60 to 93 years old. We have measured basic anthropometric features and physical fitness (by using Senior Fitness Test). RESULTS: The average values in individual SFT tests significantly decrease along with age. After age of 80 and 85 there were no sex differences in SFT. The largest deficits concern the dynamic balance and the decrease reaches 69% in men and 62% in women A significantly higher rate of decline in aerobic capacity concerns men (43%) than women (36.9%). A clearly lower rate of loss occurs in the muscular strength of the lower and upper body and does not exceed 30%. CONCLUSIONS: The results are of great clinical importance for the development of effective prevention and gerontological education programs in terms of promoting active lifestyle and successful ageing, at the same time limiting the economic consequences of treatment and hospitalisation.

The effect of dance therapy on the balance of women over 60 years of age: The influence of dance therapy for the elderly.

Dance therapy is a physical activity that can lead to balance improvement in older adults. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of dance therapy on balance and risk of falls in older women. Twenty-four older women (mean age 66.4 years old) attended dance sessions for three months. Pretest/posttests were completed using the Postural Stability Test, the Limits of Stability Test, and the Fall Risk Test M-CTSIB. Results showed the Limits of Stability Test was significantly higher (17.5%) after dance classes. Regular use of dance therapy shows promise in improving balance by increasing the limits of stability.

Changes in Biochemical Properties of the Blood in Winter Swimmers.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of winter swimming on biochemical indicators of the blood. The subjects - winter swimmers - belonged to the Krakow Walrus Club "Kaloryfer" - "The Heater". The study group consisted of 11 men, aged 30-50 years, 'walrusing' throughout the whole season from November to March. Statistically significant changes throughout the 'walrusing' season were observed for the following biochemical parameters: a decrease in sodium (mmol/1), chloride (mmol/1), alpha-2 globulin(g/1), gamma globulin (g/1), IgG (g/1), and an increase in albumin (g/1), indicator A/G, IgA (g/l ), Herpes simplex virus IgM. Seasonal effort of winter swimmers has a positive influence on biochemical blood parameters.

Alterations of Body Composition, Blood Morphology and Fibrinogen Concentration after Vibration Therapy in Older Adult Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Vibrotherapy is one of the methods of physical therapy. Vibration, like various forms of physical activity, affects metabolic processes and health. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of thirty vibration sessions on body composition, hematologic and rheological indexes of blood, and protein and fibrinogen concentration in elderly women's blood. The study included 69 women, aged 60-70 years (mean age 64.6 ± 2.9), who were randomly and parallel assigned into: the vibrotherapy group 1 (G1) that took part in vibrotherapy on the Knees module, the vibrotherapy group 2 (G2) that took part in vibrotherapy on the Metabolism module, and the control group (CG) without interventions. In all patients, the following assessments were performed twice-baseline and after thirty vibrotherapy sessions: an assessment of body composition, a complete blood count with a hematology analyzer and erythrocyte aggregation by a laser-optical rotational red cell analyzer; total plasma protein and fibrinogen concentrations were established, respectively, by biuret and spectrophotometric methods. Intergroup (between groups) and intragroup (within each group) changes were statistically evaluated. After applying thirty vibration sessions, a decrease in body composition parameters (BM, body mass G1, p < 0.05; G2, p < 0.001 and FFM, fat free mass G1, p < 0.05; G2, p < 0.05) was confirmed in both intervention groups and BMI, body mass index in G2 (p < 0.05). It was found that, in G2, changes in erythrocyte aggregation indexes (T ½, half time kinetics of aggregation, p < 0.05 and AI, aggregation index, p < 0.05) and decrease of fibrinogen concentration (p < 0.05) took place. A series of thirty vibration sessions did not cause significant alterations in blood morphological parameters; therefore, vibrotherapy did not disturb hematological balance. Vibration sessions had a positive effect on BM, BMI, AG and fibrinogen concentration in the studied women, indicating the usefulness of this form of activation in older adults. Due to a decrease in FFM observed in the study, vibrotherapy should be employed in conjunction with physical exercise and other forms of physical activity in the group of older adults.

The effect of pain-free treadmill training on fibrinogen, haematocrit, and lipid profile in patients with claudication.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of pain-free treadmill training on changes of plasma fibrinogen, haematocrit, lipid profile, and walking ability in patients with claudication. DESIGN: Randomized control trial. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with peripheral obstructive arterial disease and intermittent claudication (Fontaine stage II) were randomly assigned into the treadmill training (repetitive intervals to onset of claudication pain, three times a week) or a control group (no change in physical activity) over 3 months. Both groups performed treadmill test to assess pain-free walking time (PFWT) and maximal walking time (MWT) and had blood analyses [for haematocrit, fibrinogen, triglycerides, and cholesterol: total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)] done at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of the study. RESULTS: Total and LDL cholesterol levels in the training group decreased (p < 0.05) by 14.8% and 20,5%, respectively. Significant (p < 0.05) HDL cholesterol increased (14.6%) and triglycerides decreased (19%) in the training group but changes of all these lipids were insignificant in the control group over the 3 months. Haematocrit and fibrinogen changes were insignificant in both groups. PFWT was prolonged by 109% and MWT increased by 54% in the training group (p < 0.01), but not in the control group. CONCLUSION: The improvement in walking time over 3 months of pain-free treadmill training parallels with progressive normalization of lipid profiles in patients with claudication.

Effects of cold water swimming on blood rheological properties and composition of fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes of untrained older rats.

This is the first report on the effects of a single bout of swimming to exhaustion in cold water on rat erythrocyte deformability, aggregation and fatty acid composition in erythrocyte membranes. The results indicate that there was a significant decrease in body temperature of experimental rats swimming in water at 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C when compared to the control. Erythrocyte aggregation indices did not change after swimming in water at 4 degrees C whereas erythrocyte deformability increased at shear stress 1,13 [Pa] and 15,96 [Pa]. Physical effort performed in water at 4 degrees C when compared to the control group resulted in an increase in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acid content in erythrocyte membranes that influenced the increase in their fluidity and permeability even though that of polyunsaturated n-6 fatty acids decreased. Physical effort performed in 25 degrees C water resulted in an increase in saturated fatty acid content and a decrease in all polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated n-6 fatty acids when compared to the control group. Swimming of untrained old rats in cold water affected rheological properties oferythrocytes in a negligible way while changes in the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes were more pronounced.

Effect of Vibrotherapy on Body Fatness, Blood Parameters and Fibrinogen Concentration in Elderly Men.

Elderly people need activities that will positively contribute to a satisfactory process of getting older. Vibration training uses mechanical stimulus of a vibrational character that, similarly to other forms of physical activity, affects metabolic processes and conditions of health. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of thirty vibration treatments on body fatness, hematologic and rheologic indexes of blood, and proteinogram and fibrinogen concentration in elderly men's blood. The study included twenty-one males, aged 60-70 years (mean age 65.3 ± 2.7), who were randomly assigned into a vibrotherapy group (VG) and took part in interventions on mattresses generating oscillatory-cycloid vibrations, and a control group (CG), without interventions. In all patients the following assessments were performed twice: an assessment of body fatness using the bioimpedance method, a complete blood count with a hematology analyzer, and erythrocyte aggregation by a laser-optical rotational cell analyzer; whereas, total plasma protein and fibrinogen values were established, respectively, by biuret and spectrophotometric methods. In order to compare the impact of vibrotherapy on changes in the analyzed variables, analysis of variance (ANOVA) or the Wilcoxon test were used. After applying thirty vibration treatments in the VG, a significant decrease in body fatness parameters was confirmed: BM (∆BM: -2.7 ± 2.0; p = 0.002), BMI (∆BMI: -0.9 ± 0.7; p = 0.002), BF (∆BF: -2.5 ± 2.5; p = 0.013), and %BF (∆%BF: -2.0 ± 2.7; p = 0.041), as well as in RBC (∆RBC: -0.1 ± 0.1; p = 0.035). However, changes in erythrocyte aggregation and proteinogram were not confirmed. It was found that after thirty treatments with VG, a significant decrease of fibrinogen level took place (∆ = -0.3 ± 0.3, p = 0.005). Application of thirty vibrotherapy treatments positively affected body fatness parameters and fibrinogen concentrations in the examined. However, further research should include a greater number of participants.

Influence of Nordic Walking Training on Vitamin D Level in the Blood and Quality of Life among Women Aged 65-74.

INTRODUCTION: Demographic forecasts indicate the progressive aging process of societies in all countries worldwide. The extension of life span may be accompanied by deterioration of its quality resulting from a decrease in physical activity, mental or even social performance, and a deficit in certain chemical compounds responsible for proper functioning of the body. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a 12-week Nordic walking (NW) training intervention on the level of vitamin D in the blood and quality of life among women aged 65-74 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 37 women aged 65-74 (x = 68.08, SD = 4.2). The subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: experimental group (NW), which consisted of 20 women who underwent an intervention in the form of Nordic walking training for 12 weeks, and the control group (C), including 17 women who underwent observation. In the experimental group, training sessions were held 3 times a week for 1 h. At that time, the C group was not subject to any intervention. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to measure quality of life. Vitamin D was assessed based on the results of biochemical blood tests. The analysed parameters were assessed twice-before and after the completed intervention or observation. RESULTS: Comparison of the results regarding trials 1 and 2 allowed to note statistically significant improvement in quality of life for all health components and factors in the NW group. Analysis of vitamin D levels demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the NW group. In group C, no significant changes in the analysed parameters were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Regularly undertaking Nordic walking training significantly influences the improvement of self-evaluation regarding the components of physical and mental health, as well as the concentration of vitamin D in women aged 65-74 years.

Physiotherapy according to the BeBo Concept as prophylaxis and treatment of urinary incontinence in women after natural childbirth.

Pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions can lead to urinary incontinence, a condition which often affects women both during pregnancy and after childbirth. As a result of this, certain exercises are recommended during and after pregnancy to prevent and treat this incontinence, and the BeBo Concept is one of these methods used to prevent pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a 6-week course of physical therapy according to the BeBo Concept on the improvement of perineal muscle strength and endurance as well as urinary continence in women after their first vaginal delivery. The study was conducted on a group of 56 women who were randomly assigned to the exercise (n = 30) or control (n = 26) group. The exercising group participated in a 6-week physical therapy program according to the BeBo Concept. Pelvic floor muscles were assessed using the perineometer and palpation Perfect Test. UDI6 and ICIQ-SF questionnaires were used to obtain information about the symptoms of urinary incontinence, evaluate the frequency, severity and impact of urine leakage on the quality of life. In all women after natural childbirth, regardless of treatment, it was observed that measured parameters improved, but the improvement was slightly more explicit in those who participated in the Bebo Concept exercise group (e.g. ICIQ-SF exercise group p = 0.001, control group p = 0.035). Due to its positive impact on the pelvic floor, this exercise program should be recommended to women after natural childbirth.

Foundations of fluoride prophylaxis in Poland and the prosthetic rehabilitation of the masticatory organ in arthropathies and malocclusion: Scientific achievements of Professor Noemi Wigdorowicz-Makowerowa.

Professor Noemi Wigdorowicz-Makowerowa was born in Warsaw to a Polish Jewish family on November 24, 1912. She graduated from the Medical University of Warsaw in 1937 and from the Academy of Dentistry in 1939. In early 1940, she was forcibly relocated to the Warsaw Ghetto, from which she escaped in January 1943. Shortly after the Second World War, in 1946, she started working at Wroclaw University. She conducted multiple studies there on the fluoride prophylaxis of caries, and on temporomandibular joint arthropathy and its etiology. She proved the efficiency of tap water fluoridation in caries prevention through a comparative study on children from schools in Wroclaw and Malbork, where the fluoride concentrations were 0.1 mg/L and 3.2 mg/L, respectively. The incidence of deep caries and the rate of tooth mortality were significantly lower in Malbork. Her long-term studies on the fluoride prophylaxis of caries prompted Professor Wigdorowicz-Makowerowa to found the Scientific and Technical Team for Fluoride Prophylaxis, based at the Department of Dental Prosthetics in the Institute of Dentistry of Wroclaw Medical University, which led to the creation of 35 fluoride water treatment plants in Poland by 1980. Moreover, she emphasized that malocclusion caused by dental caries and tooth loss, bruxism, higher susceptibility to stress, and increased muscle tone may constitute reasons for masticatory organ disorders. In her long career of over 30 years, she published 68 articles about fluorine and its use in dentistry, and 50 articles about temporomandibular joint arthropathy and other masticatory organ disorders.

Red blood cell rheology in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD).

Rheological studies concerning aggregation and elongation of erythrocytes were carried out in 21 patients (mean age 56 years) with chronic venous disease (CVD) and 10 (mean age 45 years) healthy control subjects, with the use of a LORCA device. Higher values of parameters characterizing both erythrocyte elongation (EI) and aggregation (gammathr) in non-control patients than in the control group were found. These values differed significantly ranging from 1.13 to 8.23 Pa for the shear stress and gammathr in patients--432.14, in relation to the control group--166.5. It was proposed, that the increase in deformability may constitute a compensatory mechanism in subjects with chronic venous disease, due to increased resistance in their microcirculation.

Effects of dance movement therapy on the rheological properties of blood in elderly women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of dance movement therapy exercises (DMT) on the rheological properties of blood in elderly women. METHODS: The study encompassed group of women (mean aged: 67 years), who were subjected to three-month dance movement therapy programme (n = 20). Blood samples from all the women were examined for their haematological, rheological, and biochemical parameters both prior to the study and three months thereafter. RESULTS: DMT did not cause statistically significant differences in the number of erythrocytes, thrombocytes, leukocytes and the haematocrit value. DMT affected the rheological parameters of the blood in elderly women, improving the erythrocyte deformability at the lowest shear stress value and reducing the half-time of the total aggregation. Plasma viscosity and concentration of fibrinogen did not change after dance therapy. CONCLUSIONS: DMT modulate rheological properties of blood of older women. The results of this study suggest that physical exercise program for older women can prevent unfavorable age-related changes. Some indicators such as the haematological parameters, plasma viscosity and fibrinogen level were not affected by DMT in older women, suggesting the maintenance of homeostasis.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Nordic Walking Training in Improving the Gait of Persons with Down Syndrome.

People with Down syndrome (DS) show dysfunction of gait, expressed by disturbed character of angular changes and values of the spatiotemporal parameters as compared to the physiological norm. It is known that exercises and various activities have positive effect on balance and gait, but there are only a few scientific proofs concerning above-mentioned in people with DS. Furthermore, the effect of Nordic Walking (NW) training on gait in people with DS is unexplored. We enrolled 22 subjects with DS, aged 25-40 years, with moderate intellectual disability. Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: NW training group which underwent 10 weeks of training at a frequency of 3 times a week and control group with no specific intervention. Subjects were examined twice: 1 week before training and a week immediately after intervention. Gait was evaluated by the Vicon 250: a computerized system of three-dimensional analysis of motion, connected to 5 infrared video cameras. We conducted mixed-design ANOVA model to assess the effects of time and type of training on spatiotemporal parameters. We found significant favorable time by group interaction in the following parameters: step length in right leg: F(1,15) =14,47, p=0.002; left leg accordingly F(1,15) =5,15, p=0.038, cycle length in right leg: F(1,15) =14,48, p=0.002; left leg accordingly F(1,15) =15,09, p=0.001; and gait standardised speed F(1,15) =5,35, p=0.035. Statistically significant changes were observed in numerous kinematic parameters of ankle, knee, pelvis, and shoulder in NW group. Regular NW training has positive influence on selected spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters in people with Down Syndrome and may be an attractive and safe form of rehabilitation.

The influence of pelvis reposition exercises on pelvic floor muscles asymmetry: A randomized prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The assessment of pelvis reposition exercise efficacy in the treatment of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) asymmetry. The hypothesis was that PFM asymmetry may have a functional reason related to lumbopelvic complex misalignment. DESIGN: A parallel group trial with follow-up METHODS:: Thirty young women were divided into 2 groups: experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15). In experimental group one, a 15-minute trial of pelvis reposition exercise was carried out. Ober test, the Thomas test, and transabdominal PFM ultrasound measurements were performed in both groups. RESULTS: In the experimental group both the Ober and Thomas tests were positive at baseline in most subjects. After the exercise, improvement was noted in Ober test (P = .005; d = 0.75 on the right side, P = .005; d = 0.78 on the left side) and in the Thomas test (P = .005; d = 0.66 on the right side, P = .005; d = 0.67 on the left side). At baseline, the ultrasonographic evaluation of PFM performed during resting and during voluntary pelvic muscles contraction showed the right-left length asymmetry. The return of symmetrical PFM work after pelvis reposition exercise was observed in the experimental group. There were no statistically significant changes in the control group.s CONCLUSIONS:: We suggest that after reposition exercises, the pelvis was more symmetrically aligned in relation to body axis; therefore, the muscles of the pelvic floor have functional length and did not shorten or lengthen due to pelvis rotation. In this study, for the first time, it was presented that PFM asymmetry visible in ultrasonography may be corrected by this specific exercise. Further analysis of the causes of this asymmetry may lead to more accurate treatment of PFM dysfunctions.

Effects of different rehabilitation models on erythrocyte deformability and nitrite plus nitrate as end-products of nitric oxide levels in elderly women.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of two rehabilitation protocols, dance movement therapy exercises (DMT) and general rehabilitation exercises (GRE), on erythrocyte deformability and plasma levels of nitrite plus nitrate as end products of nitric oxide (NOx) in elderly women. METHODS: The study included 39 women aged 61-82 years, subjected to either GRE (n = 20) or DMT (n = 19). Women were subjected to 5-months programs of GRE and DMT, with each session lasting no longer than 45-50 min, and the intensity of exercising corresponding to no more than 40-60% of heart rate reserve. Plasma levels of NOx were determined spectrophotometrically before and at the end of the intervention. RESULTS: A significant increase in the total nitrate/nitrite concentration from 1.341 µmol/L to 1.590 µmol/L (7.3%) was observed in women subjected to the DMT rehabilitation program. Furthermore, an increase in erythrocyte deformability was observed in this group at shear stress 0.30. No significant difference was found between the pre- and post-rehabilitation NOx levels of women participating in the GRE program. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in DMT rehabilitation program might be reflected by an increase in plasma NOx levels and an improvement of erythrocyte deformability at lesser shear stress, and thus could potentially result in better vascular function. DMT should be offered to older adults, especially to persons who do not find conventional forms of rehabilitation as attractive, as they might refrain from physical activity and suffer from a faster decline in nitric oxide production. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2479-2484.

Effects of dance therapy on the selected hematological and rheological indicators in older women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of dance therapy on selected hematological and rheological indicators in older women. METHODS: The study included 30 women (aged 71.8±7.4), and the control group comprised of 10 women of corresponding age. Women from the experimental group were subjected to a five-month dance therapy program (three 45-minute sessions per week); women from the control group were not involved in any regular physical activity. Blood samples from all the women were examined for hematological, rheological, and biochemical parameters prior to the study and five months thereafter. RESULTS: The dance therapy program was reflected by a significant improvement of erythrocyte count and hematocrit. Furthermore, the dance therapy resulted in a significant increase in the plasma viscosity, while no significant changes in glucose and fibrinogen levels were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Dance therapy modulates selected hematological parameters of older women; it leads to increase in erythrocyte count and hematocrit level. Dance therapy is reflected by higher plasma viscosity. Concentrations of fibrinogen and glucose are not affected by the dance therapy in older women, suggesting maintenance of homeostasis. Those findings advocate implementation of dance therapy programs in older women.

Effect of whole-body cryotherapy on the rheological parameters of blood in older women with spondyloarthrosis.

BACKGROUND: Cryotherapy is a physiotherapy method used to treat back pain in older persons. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the changes in the rheological parameters of blood in older women with spondyloarthrosis, who underwent whole-body cryotherapy. METHODS: The experimental group comprised 69 older women with lumbar spondyloarthrosis, aged between 65 and 70 years. Due to the methodology of the procedure, the experimental group was randomly divided into three groups. Each group underwent two weeks of different types of physiotherapy: only whole-body cryotherapy (22 women); only kinesitherapy (23 women); and both cryotherapy and kinesitherapy (24 women). The control group comprised 25 women who did not undergo any form of therapy. The evaluation of the rheological properties of the blood encompassed measurements of the plasma viscosity, the erythrocyte elongation and aggregation indices, and the level of fibrinogen. RESULTS: The conducted rheological tests revealed a significant decrease in the erythrocyte elasticity and aggregation indices only in the group of women who had undergone both whole-body cryotherapy and kinesitherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Applying whole-body cryotherapy to older women with spondyloarthrosis decreases the elasticity of erythrocytes and, despite favourable changes in the aggregation parameters, problems with perfusion may still appear. For this reason, the benefit of using whole-body cryotherapy in these persons is debatable.

Effects of rhythmic exercise performed to music on the rheological properties of blood in women over 60 years of age.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of motor rehabilitation, in the form of rhythmic exercise to music, on the rheological characteristics of blood in older women. The study included 30 women (65-80 years of age), and the control group was comprised of 10 women of corresponding age. Women from the experimental group were subjected to a five-month rehabilitation program, in the form of rhythmic exercise performed to music (three 30-minute sessions per week); women from the control group were not involved in any regular physical activity. Blood samples from all the women were examined for hematological, rheological, and biochemical parameters prior to the study and five months thereafter. The rehabilitation program was reflected by a significant improvement of erythrocyte count and hematocrit. Furthermore, an improvement of erythrocyte deformability was observed by lower shear stress levels, while no significant changes were noted by the higher shear stress values. The rehabilitation resulted in a marked decrease of the aggregation amplitude while no significant changes were observed in aggregation index and total aggregation half-time. Additionally, the training regimen was reflected by a significant increase in the plasma viscosity, while no significant changes in fibrinogen levels were noted.