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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Isolation Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic in People Suffering from Parkinson's Disease and Activity, Self-Assessment of Physical Fitness and the Level of Affective Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Staying at home for long periods and limiting various types of activities and social contacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have negative consequences for health. This is especially true for people suffering from chronic diseases, in whom an appropriate level of activity and social contacts delay the progress of the disease. This group includes people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease-PD. AIM: It was decided to investigate the effect of COVID-19 isolation related to self-assessment of physical fitness, physical activity, and the level of anxiety and depression in people with PD. METHODS: The study included 30 patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. We compared the results of the pre-pandemic questionnaire and the telephone interview with the same questions-after the period of isolation due to COVID-19. The questionnaire included questions about physical activity and fitness self-assessment. The level of affective disorders was tested using HADS. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the physical activity of the respondents after isolation related to COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Self-assessment of physical fitness also decreased, but the differences were not statistically significant. In the post-isolation study, only 50% of the respondents had normative values for anxiety and only 40% for depression. The analysis showed that the level of physical activity-the independent variable, explains anxiety in 30% and depression in 27%. CONCLUSIONS: Pandemic isolation has significantly reduced physical activity in PD patients. There was a certain drop in the self-esteem of physical fitness in these people. Physical fitness is an important predictor of preventing the affective disorders of anxiety and depression. The effects of isolation due to COVID-19 require further research.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fear of movement (kinesiophobia) - an underestimated problem in Polish patients at various stages of coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: The importance of the problem of reduced motor activity in the prophylaxis and treatment of many diseases has resulted in numerous adaptations of a diagnostic tool, both for the disease and for linguistic and cultural versions. This also applies to cardiovascular diseases. The significance of the problem, and encouraging results of several studies, have led to a wider use of this tool. This also applies to people suffering cardiologically in Poland, where this problem is poorly understood. This was the inspiration to undertake research on the explanation of the reasons for the limitation in the activation of cardiac patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the level of kinesiophobia in patients with CAD, and to assess its possible association with physical activity (PA), socio-demographic determinants and morbidity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was cross-sectional and included 217 hospitalized patients with CAD: 94 women and 123 men; aged 67.39 years. PA was assessed using the short version of IPAQ, and kinesiophobia was assessed using TSK Heart in Polish adaptation. TSK HeartIPAQ correlations were found. RESULTS: More than 70% of the patients revealed high levels of kinesiophobia (TSK>37 points). There were no TSK associations with gender, BMI, socio-demographic variables, other conditions and duration of cardiovascular disease. The disease is the main cause of kinesiophobia and regardless of its nature, negatively affects the level of PA. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of life of patients with CAD at various stages and the effectiveness of cardiolog-ical rehabilitation are conditioned by PA.

The relationship between physical fitness and health self-assessment in elderly.

BACKGROUND: The process of population aging inclines to seek determinants of the quality of life in the older people. Health self-assessment is the one of the main elements of the quality of life. In the older people it is associated with functional efficiency. The aim of the study was to determine correlations of physical fitness and health self-assessment. METHODS: The study group included 123 people aged 60 to 86 years. Physical fitness was evaluated using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Self-esteem of health was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: The analysis included sex factor and the occurrence of chronic diseases. When comparing with healthy participants, people suffering from chronic diseases revealed a lower level of physical fitness (P < .05) and health self-assessment (P < .05). The results of a significant percentage of study participants were worse than norms proposed as standards. The percentage of people below norms varied depending on sex, age, and SFT assessment and ranged from 0 to 89.5%. CONCLUSION: Physical fitness and health self-assessment among elderly may be strongly determined by cultural conditions, for example, habits, lifestyle in various regions. The application of conclusions suggests that the key element of rehabilitation programs among elderly should be focused on improving coordination and locomotor capabilities. Assessment of the elderly is more clearly associated with physical fitness in women than in men and also more in patients chronically ill than in healthy person. Comprehensive assessment of physical fitness according to standardized values does not indicate the diversity by sex.

Body posture and physical activity in children diagnosed with asthma and allergies symptoms: A report from randomized observational studies.

Asthma and body posture abnormalities in children and young people are major epidemiological problems worldwide. Asthma among children and adolescents, its relations with physical activity (PA) and PA relations with body posture were and are still being investigated.The aim of this study was to investigate how body posture is shaped in children diagnosed with asthma symptoms and whether body posture is associated with PA. The study involved 192 children. The main group consisted of 90 children diagnosed with asthma and allergies symptoms age 9 to 12 years old (x = 10.75 ±â€Š1.08). The control group included 102 healthy children at the similar age (x = 10.64 ±â€Š1.1). The level of activity has been assessed on the basis of a questionnaire and body posture assessments were done using a plumb line, pediscoliometer, digital inclinometer.Comparison of percentage of respondents fitting into body posture norms clearly indicates higher value in the group classified as active. In the group of participants diagnosed with asthma, percentage differences of participants with good body posture (without postural defects) were statistically significant. Among healthy children, percentages of the participants were higher in active children than in inactive children.Body posture is directly related to PA and the lack of activity affects disturbances within posturometric parameters. Prevention of body posture abnormalities is worth promoting in groups of children, also with various diseases including asthma and allergies symptoms.

Passive stiffness of the hamstrings and the rectus femoris in persons after an ACL reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the article is to investigate the passive stiffness (PS) of rectus femoris and hamstring muscles working for the knee joint in persons after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Thirty subjects (8 women and 22 men) aged 19-46 (x = 28.2 ± 7) participated in the investigation; an experimental group comprised 15 persons (4 women and 11 men) who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery. The other persons had no knee injury and described themselves as healthy. All the subjects underwent an investigation of the PS of the hamstrings and the rectus femoris on the injured as well as on the healthy leg. RESULTS: The data shows vital difference in the PS of the hamstring muscles between the healthy and injured limb (p < 0.05), a significant difference in the PS of the rectus femoris (p < 0.001) was noted. Furthermore, the PS level of the hamstring muscles of the operated limb in the experimental group is significantly different to the both legs in control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Injury of the ACL results in a considerable increase in passive stiffness of the hamstring and rectus femoris muscles in both the injured leg and the healthy leg.

Kinesiophobia as a Problem in Adherence to Physical Activity Recommendations in Elderly Polish Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The most commonly occurring diseases among the elderly people are cardiovascular system ones and among them the coronary artery disease (CAD). It is considered that the age and insufficient level of physical activity (PA) are the crucial risk factors of CAD. The key barrier which prevents elderly people from undertaking physical activity may be the fear of activity, called kinesiophobia. AIM: The aim of this project was to examine the frequency of kinesiophobia among Polish elderly patients with CAD and its potential conditions: sex, age, CAD duration, other diseases and chosen socio-demographic variables. REFERENCE AND METHODS: There have been 135 people examined: 59 women and 76 men in the 65-88 age range (average =71.88 years, SD=4.82). They were people diagnosed with stable CAD. The questionnaire form which was used collected information concerning the socio-demographical and physical activity data. And for kinesiophobia, there was Tampa Scale used, which is dedicated to examine cardiac patients - TSK heart. RESULTS: Over 76% of examined patients had a high level of kinesiophobia (TSK>37 pt). Sex, age, BMI, CAD duration and the number of other diseases did not have any connection with neither PA nor TSK. Education was the only one, among the socio-demographic variables, which differentiated the kinesiophobia. Better educated people had a lower level of it. CONCLUSION: Kinesiophobia is a common problem among the elderly people suffering from CAD. It is caused by a lack of physical activity which adversely predicts the progression of the disease. People with higher education are more rarely affected by kinesiophobia. CAD patients should be provided with knowledge and training concerning PA and there should be conditions created to enhance it.