Functional Fitness and Quality of Life among Women over 60 Years of Age Depending on Their Level of Objectively Measured Physical Activity.

The aim of this study was to identify the differences in functional fitness and quality of life among women over 60 years of age depending on their level of objectively measured physical activity (PA) according to Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for health. The study used a cross-sectional design with 213 female volunteers over 60 years of age. Physical activity was monitored for 7 days of the week using an Actigraph Gt3X monitor. The Senior Fitness Test battery and hand-grip strength tests were performed to assess functional fitness. Quality of life was self-reported using a short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire WHOQOL-bref. Women who met the PA recommendations achieved slightly better results in most functional tests and in all domains of quality of life. Significant differences were found in the upper body strength, dynamic balance, and social relationships domains of quality of life. Physical activity programs developed on the basis of World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations have the potential to improve functional fitness and quality of life. However, further experimental studies in this area are required.

Compliance with physical activity health recommendations in members of non-governmental organizations promoting active lifestyle.

INTRODUCTION: A vital role in health maintenance and the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases is played by an adequate level of physical activity. In recent decades, numerous guidelines have been developed to determine the criteria of physical activity levels that are essential to obtain overall health benefits. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the presented study was evaluation of the physical activity of adult members of non-governmental organizations promoting active lifestyle, in compliance with recommendations of the World Health Organization and the American College of Sport Medicine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study examined 95 adult members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) promoting an active lifestyle in the Silesian Province of Western Poland. In order to make a comprehensive physical activity evaluation (including all criteria of most complex health-recommendations), both an objective tool (ActiGraph GT3X) and a subjective tool (Daily Physical Activity Log) were used. RESULTS: Compliance with a weekly total time of moderate to vigorous aerobic efforts were observed in 47% of women and 44% of men with regard to WHO guidelines, and in 29% of women and 23% of men, respectively, regarding ACSM guidelines. The criterion for the frequency of strength exercises was met by 24% of women and 15% of men. Flexibility exercises level was adequate in 35% of women and 28% of men. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent cause of non-meeting the criteria of the above- mentioned organisations were insufficient frequency of the weekly resistance (strength) exercises and flexibility exercises. There is a need to create public health programmes based on the complex physical activity recommendations, including all types of physical efforts (aerobic, strength, flexibility), and to emphasise the fact that meeting all of them is essential to obtain overall health benefits.

Physical Activity of Working-Age People in View of Their Income Status.

OBJECTIVE: The study examines relationships between physical activity levels and income status of working-age city residents. METHODS: The study was carried out in the years 2014 and 2015 in Wroclaw, Poland. The study sample comprised 4332 participants (2276 women; 2056 men) aged 18 to 64 years. Respondents' habitual physical activity levels were measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), while their income status was assessed with author's own Socio-Economic Status of Working-Age People Questionnaire (S-ESQ). RESULTS: The results revealed positive correlations between the level of physical activity and income status of male and female working-age residents of Wroclaw. The highest physical activity levels were noted among respondents with a steady income, as well as among respondents with the highest income and savings and with no debts. The odds for respondents' above average physical activity levels were the greatest in women with the highest income and with savings and in debt-free men and women. CONCLUSION: Effective actions should be developed aimed at improvement of physical activity levels of people in an adverse financial situation.

Physical activity of Katowice urban area inhabitants with regard to selected physical traits and social factors

Background: Modern research of health determinants and health-related behavior patterns places a particular emphasis on the assessment of physical activity levels in various social and professional groups. The deficit of physical activity has become a common cause of serious diseases. Following the ecological model of health behavior, physical activity as a biological and cultural phenomenon can be indirectly modified by such interpersonal factors as age, sex, somatic traits and education. Objectives: The aim of the present study was the identification and assessment of habitual physical activity of adult inhabitants from the Katowice Urban Area with regard to selected physical traits and social determinants. Material and methods: The study was carried out in the Katowice Urban Area in May and June, 2012-2014. The research material comprised 2,173 inhabitants, including 1,017 women and 1,156 men, aged 30 to 65 years. The respondents' habitual physical activity was assessed with the use of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Version (IPAQ-SF). The obtained data on the respondents' physical activity were compared with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommendations Results: The results of the study showed that the frequency and duration of high-intensity physical activity and duration of moderate-intensity physical activity were significantly greater in the male inhabitants. The age was also a significant factor affecting the levels of high-intensity physical activity in men. Body build was not a significant determinant of the frequency and duration of physical activity in both men and women from Katowice. The education level only affected the level of physical activity in men. Sex, age, and education of the respondents were statistically significant determinants of their level of fulfilment of the ACSM recommendations. Conclusions: Propagation of physical activity among adults and the elderly, and women in particular, remains a continuing challenge facing health promotion professionals.

Prevalence and socioeconomic determinants of leisure time physical activity among Polish farmers.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the leisure time physical activity of Polish farmers in the context of meeting health-related recommendations, and to diagnose the social and economic determinants. The analysis concerned leisure and transportation activities of various intensity and sedentary time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Farmers (n=153) aged over 18 were selected from a representative sample of Polish society (n=2039). In order to evaluate LTPA, the long version of the IPAQ was used. Statistically significant differences between the variables were tested using non-parametric tests. The relationship between the amount of exercise recommended by the WHO and studied socio-demographic criteria was assessed using log-linear analysis. RESULTS: The WHO health recommendations were met by 33.3% of farmers. Shares in LTPA (19.1%) and transportation (19.2%) significantly increased the chance of achieving these norms (OR=12.54 and 0.07, respectively). Along with age (≥40 years) and income (≥3000 PLN/Є750) of Polish farmers, the risk of insufficient physical activity increased. Average MET-min/week for LTPA was 299.8±583.4 and transportation - 521.2±1973.9. The average time of sitting during working days was 4.4±2.9, while it was 4.5±3.2 hrs/day during weekends. CONCLUSIONS: Health-promoting changes are necessary among Polish farmers, including an increase in the awareness of health benefits and the necessity of undertaking physically active ways of spending leisure time. It seems to be a legitimate action to develop a mini-tourist trail in the rural environment as a means of promoting physical activity also among women aged over 40, and from lower income groups, who are especially threatened by inactivity.

The relationship between meeting of recommendations on physical activity for health and perceived work ability among white-collar workers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between meeting recommendations on physical activity for health in leisure-time and the ability to work among Polish white-collar workers. METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 360 white-collar workers. Participants recorded 7-day physical activity logs, including form, duration and intensity of leisure-time physical activities. The results were compared to health recommendations. A standardized Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire was used in assessing the ability to work. RESULTS: Participants who met health recommendations achieved higher scores of the WAI (mean score = 41.93) in comparison to those who were not sufficiently physically active (mean score = 39.35) (p < .001). The results of binary logistic regression show that meeting health-related physical activity recommendations almost double the odds of reaching at least good work ability (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.12-3.36). CONCLUSIONS: Meeting leisure-time physical activity recommendations (especially the criterion of vigorous physical activity) is significantly related to higher self-assessed ability to work among white-collar workers.

Adherence to physical activity guidelines and functional fitness of elderly women, using objective measurement.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining the health and functional fitness of elderly people. The aim of the study was to determine the number of senior women meeting the physical activity guidelines, and their level of functional fitness in comparison to women who are not sufficiently physically active. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 61 women, aged 60-75. Physical activity was monitored on seven consecutive days of the week, using a triaxial accelerometer ActiGraph GT3X. Results of the assessment of physical activity were verified against the Global Recommendations of Physical Activity for Health. The Senior Fitness Test (Fullerton Test) was used to evaluate functional fitness. RESULTS: In the studied group, 36.1% achieved the recommended level of physical activity. All those examined mainly undertook physical activity of low intensity. Vigorous physical activity during the week was noted in only 6 seniors. Women who met the recommendations of physical activity achieved significantly better results in test trials, e.g. Chair Stands, Up and Go, Six Minute Step Test. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to physical activity guidelines was associated with better functional fitness of older women. However, less than half of the examined seniors met the Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health.

Objective Assessment of Adherence to Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health in Relation to Spirometric Values in Nonsmoker Women Aged 60-75 Years.

The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the relationship between forced expiratory spirometric tests and physical activity levels in older women divided into two groups based on whether they met or did not meet guidelines for weekly physical activity according to the Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health (WHO, 2011). Research included 61 healthy, nonsmoker female seniors (Mage = 66 years, SDage = 4.4 years). Weekly physical activity was assessed using an ActiGraph GT3X triaxial accelerometer. To evaluate pulmonary function, forced spirometry tests were performed. The women who met criteria of physical activity for health achieved significantly higher values for forced vital capacity (FVC), t(59) = -1.58, p < .001, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), t(59) = -3.33, p = .002. Meeting criteria of Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health is associated with better FVC and FEV1 parameters in healthy older women.

Applicability of pedometry and accelerometry in the calculation of energy expenditure during walking and Nordic walking among women in relation to their exercise heart rate.

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of pedometry and accelerometry in the measurement of the energy expenditures in Nordic walking and conventional walking as diagnostic parameters. [Subjects and Methods] The study included 20 female students (age, 24 ± 2.3 years). The study used three types of measuring devices, namely a heart rate monitor (Polar S610i), a Caltrac accelerometer, and a pedometer (Yamax SW-800). The walking pace at the level of 110 steps/min was determined by using a metronome. [Results] The students who walked with poles covered a distance of 1,000 m at a speed 36.3 sec faster and with 65.5 fewer steps than in conventional walking. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate interrelationship between the results obtained with a pedometer and those obtained with an accelerometer during Nordic walking (r = 0.55) and a high correlation during conventional walking (r = 0.85). [Conclusion] A pedometer and Caltrac accelerometer should not be used as alternative measurement instruments in the comparison of energy expenditure in Nordic walking.

Recommendations for health-enhancing physical activities in type 2 diabetes patients.

[Purpose] Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease of civilization with epidemiological coverage. An integral component of a comprehensive process of type 2 diabetes mellitus prevention and treatment is reasonably proportioned exercise. The aim of the study was to evaluate the weekly physical activity of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy subjects with respect to recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine and American Diabetes Association. [Subjects] The study involved 31 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (treatment duration 9 ± 0.8) and 31 healthy people. [Methods] Physical activity levels were determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A χ(2) test was applied to determine the percentage of people who met recommendations. [Results] Analysis of the obtained results demonstrated that the intensity of physical activity in patients with diabetes was moderate or low. The men in the control group met the recommendations for standard health-related activities significantly more often than the patients with diabetes. In women, there was no such relationship, since most of the women were insufficiently physically active. [Conclusion] The conclusion to be drawn is that there is an urgent need to develop and implement effective programs to enhance physical activity among people at risk of diseases of civilization, including type 2 diabetes.

[Physical recreational activity and musculoskeletal disorders in nurses]. / Rekreacyjna aktywnosc fizyczna i dolegliwosci miesniowo-szkieletowe pielegniarek.

BACKGROUND: The role of physical activity (PA) in the prevention and treatment of civilization diseases has been recognized by the medical society. Despite extensive knowledge and well-documented evidence of health aspects of PA, the identification and assessment of the PA level in various social and professional groups are still needed. The main goal of this research was to work out a preliminary assessment of possible relationship between recreational physical activity and reduced common musculoskeletal disorders in nurses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 93 nurses, aged 41.4+/-7.31, with body height of 164.4+/-7.04 and body weight of 64.5+/-10.8. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was applied to assess pain and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) (long version) to assess the level of physical activity. The intergroup differences, due to the occurrence of pain and physical activity levels, were determined using the Mann Whitney test and the Kruskal Wallis test. To evaluate the significance of individual factors potentially influencing the onset of musculoskeletal pains, the Chi2 test for independence was performed. RESULTS: Over 70% of the examined nurses reported musculoskeletal complaints, mostly related with lower back pain. Taking up recreational activity, of at least moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. CONCLUSION: It is most likely that recreational physical activity at appropriate parameters may prevent musculoskeletal disorders, especially in nurses with long work experience. However, this hypothesis needs to be verified by experimental studies with use of objective tools for the assessment of physical activity.

Musculoskeletal pain among Polish music school students.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and intensity of musculoskeletal pain and to estimate probability of developing playing-related musculoskeletal disorders, depending on risk factors, including gender, years of playing the musical instrument, frequency of practice (number of days per week), average daily practice time, and habitual physical activity level, in young instrumentalists. METHODS: A total of 225 instrumentalists aged 10-18 years, including 107 string-players, 64 keyboardists, and 54 wind-players, were investigated. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) together with a numerical visual-analogue pain intensity scale (VAS) was used to assess the participants' musculoskeletal pain. RESULTS: The young instrumentalists most often complained of pain located in the neck (60.4%), wrists (44.4%), and upper (41.7%) and lower back (38.2%) areas. Girls complained of musculoskeletal pain significantly more often than the boys. A probability of the pain symptoms was increased with each consecutive year of practice (OR 1.135; 95%CI 1.021-1.261). CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal pain in various body parts had already commenced at a young age in our sample of music students, and there was a gender difference (girls were more often affected). Results of our study suggest that an early prophylaxis of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders is needed among young musicians playing the various instruments.

Health-oriented physical activity in prevention of musculoskeletal disorders among young Polish musicians.

OBJECTIVES: Musicians represent a very specific professional group, which due to some occupational hazards is exposed to different health problems known as playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). The aim of this study was to assess correlations between the level of physical activity, and the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain among young instrumentalists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 225 Polish musical school students were investigated. To assess the study participants' physical activity level, the moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) index was used. To assess pain complaints on the side of the musculoskeletal system, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was applied. The NMQ questionnaire was complemented by adding a visual-analog scale (VAS), which also allowed to assess pain intensity on a numerical scale 1-10. RESULTS: The pain localized in neck, shoulders, upper and lower back was reported significantly more often by the participants who did not meet standard criteria for the recommended or minimal physical activity level. CONCLUSION: Performing the recommended health-oriented physical activity may reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in young musicians.

Weekday and weekend moderate to vigorous physical activity of young musicians in the context of public health recommendations.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity is very important for the proper mental and physical development of children and youths, especially for the development of the locomotor system. The students of music schools are a unique group of children and youths, because of specific loads on the organs of locomotion, associated with the playing of musical instruments. They can therefore be exposed to a variety of health problems, particularly in the case of insufficient physical activity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the presented study was to assess the level of physical activity of music schools' students on weekdays and weekends against the parameters of physical efforts beneficial to health. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The study involved 225 musicians from the Katowice School of Music, Complex of I and II degrees, aged 10-18 years (138 girls and 87 boys). The level of physical activity was assessed on the basis of moderate to vigorous rates (MVPA). RESULTS: Both on weekdays as well as at the weekends, boys presented a higher level of physical activity of at least moderate intensity (MVPA), which also resulted in a greater total weekly pro-health physical activity. Both boys and girls dedicated significantly more time to beneficial pro-health efforts physical health at weekends (p<0.01). The percentage of young musicians who meet accepted (in this study) standards for the optimal amount of physical activity in both groups was dramatically low (3.6% of girls and 11.5% of boys). CONCLUSION: Both boys and girls from the music schools often undertake moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at the weekends. The boys more often than the girls made pro-health physical efforts of moderate and high intensity.

[Physical activity of adult residents of Katowice and selected determinants of their occupational status and socio-economic characteristics]. / Aktywnosc fizyczna doroslych mieszkanców Katowic a wybrane uwarunkowania zawodowe i spoleczno-ekonomiczne.

BACKGROUND: The issue of physical activity (PA) is often addressed in the literature, but its socio-economic determinants are fully recognized. To date no studies of the adult population of Katowice have been carried out. Research in this area is of great importance in the context of the documented influence of PA on health and extension of retirement age in Poland. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between PA and socio-economic status of adult residents of Katowice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study carried out in 2010 comprised 2053 people (987 women and 1066 men) aged 30-65 years. To evaluate PA in the study group the diagnostic survey method and a research tool in the form of an abridged version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), with specification expanded by the authors, were used. In the statistical analysis logistic regression was employed. RESULTS: The likelihood of meeting the standards of health-enhancing PA was higher in men than in women and it decreased with age and education level of the respondents. The highest proportion of those meeting the recommendation of health-enhancing PA was observed among blue-collar workers, operators, teachers, police and soldiers. The lowest probability of meeting the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine was found among economists and lawyers, office workers, the unemployed, managers, and engineers, pensioners and health care professionals. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates the correlation between PA and socio-economic status of the respondents. The analysis of the results indicates the necessity to promote PA programs mainly among women, the elderly, the unemployed, pensioners and representatives of professions, such as economists, lawyers, managers, engineers, and health professionals.

[Physical activity of top level managers in the context of the public health recommendations]. / Aktywnosc fizyczna menadzerów wyzszych szczebli zarzadzania w kontekscie zalecen prozdrowotnych.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the work was to assess weekly, habitual physical activity of high-ranking managers, aged 28-63. The research question was formulated as follows: What percentage of surveyed professional workers met the criteria for health-recommended physical activity? MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research involved 123 top level managers divided into three age groups: 28-39, 40-49 and 50-63 years. Physical activity was measured using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The volume of different levels of physical activity was calculated in units of MET min/wk. The percentage of managers meeting various criteria (IPAQ, Paffenbarger's recommendations, American College and Sport Medicine and WHO recommendations) for physical activity was calculated. RESULTS: the average total volume of weekly physical activity was 2189.39 +/- 1201.44 MET min/wk. Public health recommendations for adults issued by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association were met by only 27% of managers. CONCLUSIONS: Manager's average frequency of participation in moderate and vigorous physical activity is lower than recommended. There is a need to institute programs to promote healthy behavior (especially physical activity) among high-ranking professional workers.

A comparison of mechanical parameters between the counter movement jump and drop jump in biathletes.

The main objective of the study was to determine to what degree higher muscular activity, achieved by increased load in the extension phase (eccentric muscle action) of the vertical jump, affects the efficiency of the vertical jump. Sixteen elite biathletes participated in this investigation. The biathletes performed tests that consisted of five, single "maximal" vertical jumps (counter movement jump - CMJ) and five, single vertical jumps, in which the task was to touch a bar placed over the jumping biathletes (specific task counter movement jump - SCMJ). Then, they performed five, single drop jumps from an elevation of 0.4m (DJ). Ground reaction forces were registered using the KISTLER 9182C force platform. MVJ software was used for signal processing (Król, 1999) and enabling calculations for kinematic and kinetic parameters of the subject's jump movements (on-line system). The results indicate that only height of the jump (h) and mean power (Pmean) during the takeoff are statistically significant. Both h and Pmean are higher in the DJ. The results of this study may indicate that elite biathletes are well adapted to eccentric work of the lower limbs, thus reaching greater values of power during the drop jump. These neuromuscular adaptive changes may allow for a more dynamic and efficient running technique.

Motor development of children and adolescents aged 8-16 years in view of their somatic build and objective quality of life of their families.

The differences in human motor development are determined by predispositions and living conditions. The aim of the present study was to examine relationships between motor fitness of children and adolescents aged 8-16 years (277 boys and 247 girls), and their somatic build and quality of life of their families. Body height, body mass and skinfold thickness were measured. On the basis of these measurements body mass index (BMI), Rohrer's index and lean body mass (LBM) were calculated. The subjects' physical fitness was also assessed with motor tests: speed of arm movement (plate tapping), agility (10 x 5 m shuttle run), explosive strength of the legs (standing broad jump), trunk strength (situps), explosive strength of the trunk and shoulder girdle (1-kg medicine ball throw), and flexibility (sit and reach) regarded as a morpho-functional predisposition of motor abilities. The standing broad jump results were then used to calculate maximal anaerobic power (MPA). The examination was completed with a questionnaire survey of the children's parents concerning their families' quality of life. On the basis of the parents' answers to the questionnaire, two quality of life indices were constructed: objective quality of life index and subjective quality of life index. Due to the wide age bracket of subjects the sample was divided into two age groups: 8-12 and 13-16-year-olds. The relationships between subjects' motor development, somatic traits and their families' quality of life were examined with the use of multivariate comparative analysis. The level of motor development of studied children was more strongly determined by their somatic build than the quality of life of their families. The most important somatic determinants of the subjects' motor abilities were body height and subcutaneous adiposity. These determinants primarily affected speed and strength abilities of younger school children. Objective quality of life of children's families determined the development of some strength abilities in children aged 8-12 years. No correlations between the subjects' motor development and subjective quality of life of their families were found.

Effect of increased load on vertical jump mechanical characteristics in acrobats.

In this study, we attempt to answer the following question: To what degree the higher muscular activity determined by increased load in the extension phase (eccentric muscle action) of vertical jump affects its efficiency? Ten high performance acrobats participated in this investigation. The acrobats performed tests that consisted of five single "maximal" standing vertical jumps (counter movement jump--CMJ) and five single vertical jumps, in which the task was to touch a bar placed over the jumping acrobats (special counter movement jump--SCMJ). Subsequently, they performed five single drop jumps from an elevation of 0.40 m (DJ). Ground reaction forces were registered using the KISTLER 9182C force platform. MVJ software was used for signal processing [1] and enabling calculations of kinematic and kinetic parameters of the subject's jumping movements (on-line system). The results obtained show that the height of jump (h), the mean power (Pmean) and the maximum power (Pmax) are statistically significant, and higher in DJ. The results prove fine adaptation of the nervous system in acrobats to muscle extension and workload, due to the 40 cm high drop jump. Presumably, this height is closest to that which acrobats experience during landing, after performing flic-flacs or round-off.