Depressive Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis: Links to Body Composition, Physical Activity, and Functional Ability.

BACKGROUND In patients with multiple sclerosis, depression and its associated symptoms are factors that reduce the health-related quality of life can affect the course of the disease and the patient's compliance with therapeutic recommendations, or may even increase the risk of suicide. This study aimed to determine the relationship between body composition, motor function of limbs, physical activity, and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group included 110 patients - 84 women (76.4%) and 26 men (23.6%) - with multiple sclerosis and with or without depression. Disability status was assessed using the EDSS scale. Depressive symptoms were recognized based on the Beck Depression Inventory-II, while motor function was determined with the 9-Hole Peg Test and Timed 25-Foot Walk test. Accelerometers were used to evaluate physical activity of patients. Statistical analysis of collected data was performed using logistic regression. RESULTS Depressive symptoms (BDI-II score ≥14) were observed in 24.55% of the participants. MS patients with and without depression symptoms differed significantly in terms of fat mass, T25-FW, and 9-HPT-dominant hand. Multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that increased adiposity (OR=1.09; 95% CI=1.02-1.16; P=.008; and decreased motor ability of the upper limb, both dominant (OR=1.07; 95% CI=1.01-1.15; P=.043) and non-dominant one (OR=1.10 95% CI 1.01-1.18; P=.025) were associated with a higher risk of depression. The differences in physical activity and T25-FW between groups were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS The severity of depression symptoms was related to higher body mass and decreased functional ability of the upper limbs in patients with MS. Thus, a detailed evaluation of the patient's upper-limb function should constitute an integral part of motor function assessment of patients with MS.

[Determinants of health behaviors of physical education teachers and students]. / Determinanty zachowan zdrowotnych nauczycieli i studentów wychowania fizycznego.

BACKGROUND: The level of health behavior of physical education teachers and people preparing to perform this profession is important from the point of view of the need to play the role of a health promoter - an authority in the promotion of health culture. The aim of the study was to assess the level of teachers' health behaviors of physical education teachers and students, as well as to search for their determinants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research covered 127 teachers and 173 physical education students. Standardized questionnaire tools were used to assess the level of health behaviors (Juczynski Health Behavior Inventory) and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire). RESULTS: Teachers demonstrate a higher level of health behaviors than students. Most respondents achieved an average level of the general health behavior index (HBI) (53.1% of teachers, 52.3% of students), while a high level - 26.8% of teachers, 19.8% of students and a low level - 19.9% of teachers and 27.7% of students. Female gender and teaching profession are significant predictors of HBI. Physical activity, both its current level and the level undertaken in the past, as well as the body mass index (BMI) do not determine HBI. In the regression model, physical activity is significantly associated with male gender, past sports activity and a lower BMI level. CONCLUSIONS: Research indicates neglect in the general area of health behaviors among men, while among women, physical activity needs to be more widely popularized. The teacher education system should be more focused on the development of self-development competencies in the context of health-promoting behaviors. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(4):355-365.

Relationship between the number of lost teeth and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Many recent studies suggest the existence of a relationship between oral health and the occurrence of depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the number of lost teeth and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. METHODS: An analysis was performed on the data obtained from the PONS project (POlish-Norwegian Study), conducted in the Swietokrzyskie Province in Poland in 2010-2011. The research material included the cross-sectional data of 11,901 individuals aged 40-64 years (7967 women). Depressive symptoms, used as outcome variables, were assessed with a questionnaire. The participants provided the responses to questions concerning the occurrence of eight symptoms over the last 12 months. The answers were scored as 1 point or 0 points. The participants were divided into three tercile groups based on their total scores: no or mild (0-2 points), moderate (3-5 points), and severe depressive symptoms (6-8 points). The self-reported number of lost teeth was analysed according to the following categories: 0-4, 5-8, 9-27, and a complete lack of natural teeth. Multivariable logistic regression analysis for depressive symptoms was used in relation to the number of lost teeth. The following covariates were included in the adjusted model: age, sex, place of residence, education, marital status, BMI, diabetes status, stressful life events in the last year, use of antidepressants, smoking, and sugar and sweet consumption. RESULTS: The likelihood of both moderate (OR = 1.189; 95%CI: 1.028-1.376; p < .020) and severe (OR = 1.846; 95%CI: 1.488-2.290; p < .001) depressive symptoms showed the strongest relationship with a total lack of natural teeth. A loss of more than 8 natural teeth was also significantly associated (OR = 1.315; 95%CI: 1.075-1.609; p < .008) with the occurrence of severe depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The loss of natural teeth was positively related to the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. Thus, there is an urgent need to intensify stomatological prophylaxis, education and treatment for middle-aged individuals.

Reproducibility of the German and Slovakian Versions of the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire (KomPAN).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the reproducibility and reliability of the KomPAN questionnaire among two groups of university students from Germany and Slovakia. METHODS: A total of 422 individuals (mean age 21.4 years, SD 4.0), including 197 from Slovakia (men 26.2%) and 225 from Germany (men 22.3%), were tested using the self-administered (SA-Q) version of the KomPAN questionnaire and then retested two weeks later. A cross-classification analysis, kappa coefficients, Cronbach's ɑ coefficients, and a test-retest result comparison were conducted separately for each group of students to assess the reproducibility and reliability of the questionnaire. RESULTS: The cross-classification values were higher than 46.2% among the German students and higher than 55.8% among the Slovakian students. The kappa coefficients ranged from 0.21 to 0.90 in the German students and from 0.38 to 0.94 in the Slovakian students. Cronbach's ɑ ranged from 0.58 to 0.78. CONCLUSION: The questionnaire displayed a moderate to very good reproducibility, which was slightly higher in the Slovakian group than in the German group. Therefore, the questionnaire can be recommended for further analysis and comparison of the dietary habits among Germans and Slovakians on a larger scale.

Lifestyle elements and risk of metabolic syndrome in adults.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate which elements of lifestyle are associated with metabolic health in adults, defined as the absence of components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) based on the International Diabetes Federation criteria. METHODS: Data from 10,277 individuals aged 40-65 years constituted the material of this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses with backward stepwise selection were carried out to identify the factors associated with the absence of metabolic disorders. RESULTS: No family history of cardiovascular disease increased the odds of being metabolically healthy 1.5-2-fold. Furthermore, the following factors were associated with higher odds of being metabolically healthy in men: abstinence from alcohol (healthy individuals vs. those with ≥3 [OR = 5.49 (2.23-13.52); p<0.001], ≥2 [OR = 4.52 (1.87-10.91); p = 0.001], and ≥1 components of MetS [OR = 3.04 (1.41-6.56); p = 0.005]), moderate alcohol use (healthy individuals vs. those with ≥3 [OR = 3.36 (1.54-7.32); p = 0.002], ≥2 [OR = 3.28 (1.52-7.10); p = 0.002], and ≥1 components of MetS [OR = 3.93 (1.64-9.42); p = 0.002]), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) >2 hours/day and sitting time of 3-6 hours/day. Drinking >2 cups of coffee per day (healthy vs. those with ≥3 [OR = 2.00 (1.47-2.71)], ≥2 [OR = 1.84 (1.38-2.45)], and ≥1 components of MetS [OR = 1.72 (1.30-2.28); all p<0.001]), limiting animal fats to <2 servings/day, MVPA >2 hours/day, and 7-8 hours of sleep per day were associated with higher odds of being metabolically healthy in women. CONCLUSIONS: A healthy lifestyle increased the odds of being metabolically healthy. Some lifestyle modifications may appear effective in prevention of not only MetS, but also single metabolic risk factors.

The Effect of Three-Year Swim Training on Cardio-Respiratory Fitness and Selected Somatic Features of Prepubertal Boys.

The data regarding somatic and physiological effects of sport-related physical activities in youth are limited. Moreover, whether exercise training is capable of increasing cardio-respiratory fitness remains a disputable issue. The study undertook to assess the effect of swimming training on cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF) and the development of physical traits in prepubertal boys, and to determine which of the traits is the best predictor of their CRF. Forty 10-year old prepubertal boys (10.5 ± 0.3 y) were divided into two groups (swimmers (SG), n = 20, and controls (CG), n = 20), which underwent anthropometric measurements and performed a 20 m shuttle run test (20 mSRT) semi-annually over a 3-year period. CRF indices (the number of 20 mSRT shuttles, maximal speed, and VO2max) were higher overall in the SG compared with the CG (p < 0.001). The values of the main physique variables increased faster in the CG, but the groups showed no differentiation of physical traits. In both groups, CRF indices were associated with the participants' physical traits, the most strongly with the sum of four skinfold thicknesses in the SG and knee breadth in the CG. These results suggest that swimming training is a form of additional physical activity that improves prepubertal boys' CRF but does not significantly affect their physical development. In using the 20 mSRT to assess the CRF of prepubertal boys, their physical activity level and age-related changes in body fatness need to be considered.

Dietary Patterns and Metabolic Disorders in Polish Adults with Multiple Sclerosis.

Diet plays a major role in the aetiopathogenesis of many neurological diseases and may exacerbate their symptoms by inducing the occurrence of metabolic disorders. The results of research on the role of diet in the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) are ambiguous, and there is still no consensus concerning dietary recommendations for patients with MS. The aim of this study was to analyse the dietary patterns (DPs) of patients with MS and to assess the relationships between these DPs and the metabolic disorders. The study participants were comprised of 330 patients aged 41.9 ± 10.8 years. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data related to diet, lifestyle and health. The DPs were identified using a principal component analysis (PCA). Three DPs were identified: Traditional Polish, Prudent and Fast Food & Convenience Food. An analysis of the odds ratios adjusted for age, gender, smoking and education showed that a patient's adherence to the Traditional Polish and the Fast Food & Convenience Food DPs increased the likelihood of abdominal obesity and low HDL-cholesterol concentration. Conversely, adherence to the Prudent DP was not significantly associated with any metabolic disorder. The results of this study confirmed that an unhealthy diet in patients with MS is connected with the presence of some metabolic risk factors. There is also an urgent need to educate patients with MS on healthy eating, because the appropriate modifications to their diet may improve their metabolic profile and clinical outcomes.

Effect of Thoracic Kyphosis and Lumbar Lordosis on the Distribution of Ground Reaction Forces on the Feet.

Introduction: In clinical practice, foot load receptors are very important in shaping the correct vertical posture and optimal equilibrium reactions. They are so important that stimulating them gives measurable effects in improving both balance and posture. Plantar pressure distribution is an important parameter that provides information on changes in a person's posture, also during gait. Aim: The aim of the work is to assess the effect of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis on the distribution of ground reaction forces on the feet. Materials and Methods: A total of 211 subjects aged 8-12 were examined. Body posture and distribution of ground reaction forces on the feet were assessed using the following parameters: thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, maximum pressure (static), average pressure (static), foot surface, distribution of foot pressure, maximum pressure (dynamic), time load (dynamic). DIERS formetric and DIERS pedoscan methods were used to measure the parameters. Results: The level of the kyphosis angle correlated positively with the percentage distribution of forefoot load in static conditions. The level of lordosis angle correlated positively with the foot surface and forefoot load. Positive correlation of the lordosis angle is also related to its connection with the difference in leg load during gait. A broader cause and effect view of body posture defects and the distribution of ground reaction forces on the feet can affect a more complete assessment of the correlation between these variables, contributing to more effective treatment of any disorders of the described phenomena. Conclusion: The size of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis affects the distribution of ground reaction forces on the feet. The effect of lumbar lordosis has a linear value in relation to percentage distribution of forefoot and heel loads.

Differentiation of the Nutritional Risk of Polish Elderly People According to Selected Demographic Characteristics and Declared Socioeconomic Status.

Nutritional risk screening in older people can help to not only identify health risks but also to treat them effectively. The aim of this work was to assess the relationship between the demographic characteristics (age, gender and place of residence) and socioeconomic status of older people in the community and nutritional risk. The Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition (SCREEN-14) questionnaire was used to evaluate the nutritional risk. The study was conducted in 417 people (312 women and 105 men) between 60 and 95 years old (70.8 ± 6.73 years). Multivariate correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to determine the relationships between the categories of variables describing the level of nutritional risk, demographic characteristics and the value of the socioeconomic status (SES) index. To assess the relationship between identified nutritional risks, demographics and SES index variables, we used logistic regression analysis. Based on these studies, nutritional risk factors for older people in Poland were identified. It has been shown that larger cities and low socioeconomic status are closely linked to higher nutritional risk. At the same time, age and gender were not significant factors influencing nutritional risk. Identifying the factors that increase the nutritional risk of older people can help to improve their quality of life.

Differentiation of Nutritional Risk among Polish Seniors Based on Selected Lifestyle Characteristics.

Elderly people living in the community are a population group at high nutritional risk. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional risk of Polish seniors in relation to the region of residence and selected lifestyle characteristics (alcohol consumption, smoking, sleep, physical activity). The SCREEN-14 (Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition) questionnaire was used to assess nutritional risk. The questionnaire was conducted among 320 Polish adults aged 60 and older. The snowball method was used to select the sample. The study was conducted from May to July 2021 in two regions. Cluster analysis with agglomeration technique was used to identify the association between categories of variables describing nutritional risk level, demographic characteristics, and lifestyle characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between identified nutritional risk levels and selected lifestyle characteristics. Men over 75 and seniors living in smaller towns have been shown to be at higher nutritional risk. High nutritional risk was significantly more common among those who consumed alcohol, smoked tobacco, and had less than six hours or more than nine hours of sleep per day. In addition, low to moderate physical activity was associated with higher nutritional risk. The identification of factors that increase nutritional risk among seniors can support the planning of ways to prevent nutritional problems in this age group.