Global Alliance for the Promotion of Physical Activity: the Hamburg Declaration.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dementia, depression and cancers, are on the rise worldwide and are often associated with a lack of physical activity (PA). Globally, the levels of PA among individuals are below WHO recommendations. A lack of PA can increase morbidity and mortality, worsen the quality of life and increase the economic burden on individuals and society. In response to this trend, numerous organisations came together under one umbrella in Hamburg, Germany, in April 2021 and signed the 'Hamburg Declaration'. This represented an international commitment to take all necessary actions to increase PA and improve the health of individuals to entire communities. Individuals and organisations are working together as the 'Global Alliance for the Promotion of Physical Activity' to drive long-term individual and population-wide behaviour change by collaborating with all stakeholders in the community: active hospitals, physical activity specialists, community services and healthcare providers, all achieving sustainable health goals for their patients/clients. The 'Hamburg Declaration' calls on national and international policymakers to take concrete action to promote daily PA and exercise at a population level and in healthcare settings.

Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR) Is a Biomarker Associated with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in the Elderly, Specifically in Women.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) may result in the development of heart failure, which is widespread among people of advanced age. The pathophysiology of LVH is complex and its biochemical pathways are not fully understood in this group. Elevated soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a biomarker of immune activation, including fibrosis, reflects subclinical organ damage in systematic diseases. The present study assesses the clinical role of suPAR measurement in determination of LVH-associated cardiac disorders in the elderly. The studied population consisted of 238 individuals aged 76-91 years; of these, 139 (58%) were diagnosed with LVH. Serum biomarkers measurement (suPAR, troponin T, NT-proBNP and CRP) and echocardiography were performed in all subjects. The suPAR level was significantly higher in the LVH group (4.01 vs. 3.82 ng/mL, p = 0.033) and correlated with the parameters of cardiac diastolic function. Stepwise logistic regression found suPAR level (OR = 1.55, p = 0.016), BMI (OR = 1.17, p = 0.0003) and hypertension (OR = 2.42, p = 0.046) to be independently associated with LVH in women. In men, the strongest predictors of LVH were hypertension (OR = 7.52, p = 0.014) and BMI (OR = 1.42, p = 0.032). The observations indicate suPAR as a promising marker reflecting LVH, especially in women at advanced age, independent of age-associated cardiac remodeling.

Dietary Zinc Is Associated with Cardiac Function in the Older Adult Population.

The elderly is a group at particularly high cardiovascular risk. The coexistence of chronic diseases and use of multiple medications creates the need to look for non-pharmacological agents to improve cardiovascular health in that population. In view of reports on the potential role of zinc in enhancing pathways of myocardial tissue repair, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary zinc intake and cardiac structure and function in individuals of advanced age. The study group included 251 community-dwelling patients, with a median age of 80 years. Dieta 6.0 software was used for calculation of zinc consumption. Percentage of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for zinc correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r = 0.196, p < 0.05), left ventricular mass index (r = -0.137, p < 0.05) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (r = 0.153, p < 0.05), while zinc density did so with E/E' ratio (r = -0.127, p < 0.05). In a multiple stepwise regression analysis, the best determinants of LVEF were %RDA for zinc (p = 0.014; ß = 0.143), presence of coronary artery disease (p < 0.001; ß = -0.39) and age (p = 0.036; ß = -0.12). Furthermore, %RDA for zinc (p = 0.009; ß = 0.16), female sex (p = 0.005; ß = -0.171), beta-blocker use (p = 0.024; ß = -0.136), body mass index (p = 0.008; ß = 0.16) and heart rate (p = 0.0006; ß = -0.209) had an independent effect on TAPSE. In conclusion, in individuals of very advanced age, lower zinc intake is associated with poorer cardiac function. Therefore, increasing the recommended zinc intake in this group deserves consideration.

Clinical Outcomes of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Women with Coronary Artery Disease-Differences in Comparison with Men.

This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in women with coronary artery disease (CAD) in comparison to men. Methods: Patients after acute coronary syndrome or after revascularization procedures (106 women, 180 men) were consecutively admitted to a comprehensive outpatient CR program, comprising of 45-min ergometer interval training three times a week for eight weeks. The training intensity was determined on the basis of training heart rate, calculated following an exercise test. Patients were divided into subgroups according to age (≤55, >55 years), BMI (<25, ≥25 kg/m2), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; ≤40%, 41−49%, ≥50%), and number of affected coronary vessels. Results: After eight weeks, exercise capacity increased significantly by 0.6 ± 0.77 MET (women) and by 1.0 ± 0.74 MET (men). The greatest benefit was observed in men, women under 55 years, women with LVEF 41−49%, and women with single-vessel CAD. An outpatient CR program appears less beneficial for women, especially those over 55 years, with two or three coronary vessels affected with atherosclerosis or with LVEF > 50%. In women with CAD, eight weeks of 45-min interval training, with sessions three times a week, is insufficient to improve exercise capacity to an extent that is considered a predictor of mortality risk reduction.

Serum testosterone level correlates with left ventricular hypertrophy in older women.

Introduction: Sex hormones may play an important role in age-related cardiac remodeling. However, their impact on cardiac structure and function in females of advanced age still remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between sex hormones level and echocardiographic parameters in older women with concomitant cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: The study group included 52 community-dwelling women with mean age 79.5 ± 2.8 years, consecutive patients of an outpatient geriatric clinic. In all the subjects, a transthoracic echocardiogram was performed and serum testosterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and cortisol levels were determined. Results: Testosterone level correlated positively with interventricular septum diastolic dimension (IVSd) (rS=0.293, p<0.05), left ventricular mass index (rS=0.285, p<0.05), E/E' ratio (rS=0.301, p<0.05), and negatively with E' (rS=-0.301, p<0.05). Estradiol level showed a positive correlation with the posterior wall dimension (rS=0.28, p<0.05). Besides, no significant correlations between clinical or echocardiographic parameters and other hormones were observed. Female subjects with diagnosed left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (n=34) were characterized by a significantly higher rate of hypertension (p=0.011), higher waist-to-height ratio (p=0.009), higher testosterone level (0.82 vs. 0.48 nmol/L, p=0.024), higher testosterone/estradiol ratio (16.4 vs. 9.9, p=0.021), and received more anti-hypertensive drugs (p=0.030). In a multiple stepwise logistic regression, the best determinants of LVH were the presence of hypertension (OR=6.51; 95% CI 1.62-26.1), and testosterone level (OR= 6.6; 95% CI 1.19-36.6). Conclusions: Higher serum testosterone levels may contribute to pathological cardiac remodeling, especially in hypertensive women. Estradiol, gonadotropins, DHEAS, and cortisol were not related to echocardiographic parameters.

Preparticipation medical evaluation for elite athletes: EFSMA recommendations on standardised preparticipation evaluation form in European countries.

Sports medicine is a medical specialty that supports the performance of professional and amateur athletes while maintaining their health. Sports medicine professionals need to ensure the safe participation of athletes in sports activities achieved through a periodical preparticipation evaluation (PPE) and a regular medical monitoring of the athletes' health in accordance with the latest recommendations regarding health condition and medical history, physical working capacity, training period and programme, recovery, nutrition, use of supplements, injuries prevention and safe return to play. In order to harmonise these national variations in the content and application of the PPE, the EFSMA Scientific and Educational Commission proposes a 'gold standard' for elite athletes across Europe. Important objectives of PPE are early detection and prevention of severe complications during sports activities both in leisure time and competitive sports. The PPE should entail the following diagnostic components: health status, anthropometry, functional and exercise capacity. It is of utmost importance to develop and implement preventive strategies such as the PPE. Besides monitoring the health status of athletes, the PPE plays an important role in the selection process, bringing valuable information for coaches and supporting a personalised treatment approach. Screening of athletes through a standardised digital PPE could be beneficial for a better understanding of the impact of long-term physical activity. Furthermore, PPE leads the scientific community to a way of working closer together in the interest of the athletes.

Exercise Capacity, Functioning and Quality of Life 12 Weeks after Traumatic Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury.

BACKGROUND: A spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to patho-physiological changes that can affect physical and psychological performance. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the relationship between exercise capacity, functioning and quality of life in patients 12 weeks after traumatic paraplegia participating in early rehabilitation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 13 patients participated in this study and performed cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on an arm-crank ergometer to determine peak exercise capacity (VO2peak). Data from the spinal cord independence measure (SCIM) were used to assess different areas of functioning. The 12-item short form survey (SF12) questionnaire was applied to measure quality of life. Spearman correlations were used to relate VO2peak with SCIM data and results from the SF12 questionnaire. RESULTS: VO2peak ranged between 12.6 and 28.1 ml/kg/min. A significant relationship was found between VO2peak and the physical component of the SF12 questionnaire, whereas no correlations were found with either SCIM sub or total score, or with the mental component or the total score of the SF12 questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Patients with traumatic paraplegia showed fair to average exercise capacity after 12 weeks of early rehabilitation. 2. A significant relationship between VO2peak and subjectively rated physical fitness exists at this time point. 3. The implementation of an individual fitness program tailored to the patients' needs based on CPET results is highly recommended in order to improve functioning and quality of life.

Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation as the keystone in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a mainstay of the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. In the European Society of Cardiology guidelines, comprehensive cardiovascular rehabilitation has the highest class of recommendation and level of evidence as an effective method for the treatment of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, after myocardial revascularization, with chronic coronary syndrome, for CVD prevention in clinical practice, and in patients with heart failure (HF). This document presents an expert opinion of the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Physiology Section of the Polish Cardiac Society concerning the definition, goals, target population, organization of rehabilitation services, standard clinical indications and methods of implementation. Moreover, it describes psychosocial risk factors influencing the course of CR and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients undergoing CR. Comprehensive CR is as a process that should be implemented as soon as possible, continued without interruption, and consist of multiple stages. Moreover, it should be tailored to the individual clinical situation and should be accepted by the patient and their family, friends, and caregivers.

Physical Activity as a Predictor of the Level of Stress and Quality of Sleep during COVID-19 Lockdown.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus pandemic and the government restrictions significantly disturbed the daily functioning of people, thereby influencing healthy behaviors, such as physical activity-the core indicator of well-being. This study evaluates the associations between physical activity (PA), the level of stress and quality of sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. METHODS: An online survey was distributed during the governmental lockdown in April 2020 and included measures for assessing physical activity, stress and sleep. The surveyed participants included all adults aged 18 years and over. The final data were collected from the 1959 respondents using: International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). FINDINGS: Almost half of the respondents indicated a low level of PA, performing only 60 min of PA daily. Most of the participants reported a moderate or high level of stress (57% and 29%, respectively) and 64% of them reported poor quality of sleep. People with low levels of stress performed on average 85.1 min/day of walking (WPA), 40.9 min/day of moderate PA (MPA) or 52.6 min/day of vigorous PA (VPA). People with good quality of sleep performed 82.9 min/day of WPA, 43.6 min/day MPA and 40.5 min/day VPA. INTERPRETATION: The results from the study indicate that the volume of daily PA may be a predictor of the level of stress and sleep quality in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. To retain a low level of stress and good quality of sleep, a lifestyle that allows to achieve a moderate level of physical activity should be maintained. The optimal daily dose of PA is at least 70 min per day, involving different intensities.

The influence of cardiac rehabilitation on heart rate variability indices in men with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease.

METHOD: The study population included 141 male CAD patients prospectively and consecutively admitted to an outpatient comprehensive CR program. Twenty-seven patients with type-2 diabetes were compared with 114 males without diabetes. The participants performed a 45-min cycle ergometer interval training alternating 4-min workload and a 2-min active restitution three times a week for 8 weeks. The training intensity was adjusted so that the patient's heart rate achieved the training heart rate calculated according to the Karvonen formula. At the baseline and after 8 weeks, all the patients underwent the HRV assessment. RESULTS: HRV indices in the patients with diabetes were significantly lower as compared to the patients without diabetes in SDNN, TP, LF parameters, both at the baseline and after 8 weeks of CR. After 8 weeks of CR, a significant improvement of TP, SDNN, pNN50% and HF occurred in the patients without diabetes, whereas in the patients with diabetes only HF component improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS: As regards HRV indices, CR seems to be less effective in patients with CAD and type-2 diabetes.

Frequency and Characteristics of Injuries and Rehabilitation Procedures in Rugby Players in Poland and France.

Objectives: Rugby is sport with a high risk of injury. Repeated changes in exercise intensity and the high training intensity may cause to overuse injuries and long-term disability. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of injuries during trainings and forms of rehabilitation procedures performed after their occurrence among elite and sub-elite rugby players. Methods: The data was obtained from 60 professional rugby males from France and Poland. Data were collected using paper-based recording form. It was a specially designed questionnaire which concerned specific details of the injury, including body location, type of injury, treatment and number of days off lost from playing rugby and on forms of rehabilitation procedures performed after their occurrence among elite and sub-elite rugby players. Results: During the study period, the overall incidence rate for injury suggested a 1.04 times more often injury occurrence (IRR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.08; 2.00) among Polish players compared with French players; however, the distribution of injuries varied by country. The training injury incidence (TII) and incidence proportion (IP) were also higher in Poland than in France (p < 0.05) with the sprain as the most frequent type of injury in all rugby players. France was 7.8 times (IRR = 7.88, 95% CI: 1.29; 3.21) more likely to sustain a fracture than Poland, which much often experienced less serious injuries (bruise, rapture of muscle and ligament) (IRR = 3.02, 95% CI: 2.06; 3.98). Polish players were provided with various forms of physiotherapy while Franch players often worked with a physiotherapist with a therapeutic method (p < 0.005). Poland and France reported experiencing side effects after an injury and the most frequent was pain. In their opinions, the reasons influencing the effectiveness of rehabilitation are too quick return to the game and too short time of rehabilitation. Conclusions: The competitive level of the rugby player influences not only the frequency and type of injury occurrence, but also access to the different forms of rehabilitation. Nonetheless, the side effects occurring after injury and the causes of ineffective rehabilitation are still similar. Further studies are needed to gather significant data to accurately formulate future injury prevention protocols or recommend modifications to game laws or competition formats, aiming at players' welfare.

Analysis of the Nutritional Status in Homeless People in Poland Based on the Selected Biochemical Parameters.

The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of adult homeless people using both anthropometric and biochemical measurements. The analysis comprised anthropometric indicators, i.e., body mass index and waist circumference, and the following biomarkers: red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, white blood cells, complete lymphocyte count, neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio, platelets-to-lymphocytes ratio, platelets-to-leukocytes ratio, C reactive protein level, serum iron concentration, serum albumin concentration, total serum protein, fasting lipids and blood glucose level. There were representative Polish homeless people enrolled (n = 580). The analysis of the conducted studies proved that there is a greater frequency of overweight and obesity than underweight in the target population. The major problem was abdominal obesity that was present statistically more frequently in women than men (p < 0.001). In the majority of cases, homeless people were found to have normal complete blood count parameters. In obese people, there were statistically significant both elevated and decreased hematocrit levels, a significant decrease in red blood cells, elevated serum glucose, triglycerides and total protein level (p < 0.05). The presence of abdominal obesity, elevated glucose concentration, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum together with smoking increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Alterations in the Properties of Red Blood Cells in Men with Coronary Artery Diseases after Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CCR) is a complex program aimed at improving the health status of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), especially those who have been subjected to cardiac interventions (PCI and CABG).The aim of this study was to measure the changes in the properties of red blood cells (RBCs) in men with CAD after cardiac intervention and after participation in CCR program. METHODS: In this study, we have investigated the influence of the physical training-based CCR program in 12 men with CAD, after PCI or CABG. The characteristics of RBCs including the basic morphology of RBCs, the conformational state of RBC membrane protein and hemoglobin, acetylcholinesterase activity, membrane fluidity, the osmotic fragility, and thiol concentration in membrane and in hemolysate were measured. Ascorbate concentration and reduced glutathione were also determined. The analysis was performed in men, before and after participation in CCR. The properties of RBCs were observed in connection with the exercise test, and parameters were evaluated before, immediately after, and 1 hour after the exercise test. RESULTS: After CCR, a decrease in the mobility of erythrocyte membrane proteins was observed, which was accompanied by a decrease in lipid fluidity. In addition, immediately after the exercise test and 1 hour later, we measured a decrease in thiol level in hemolysate, but not in the plasma membrane. Unexpectedly, an increase in reduced glutathione concentration one hour after the exercise test after completing comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation was observed. CONCLUSION: CCR in men with CAD after cardiac intervention is connected with decreased membrane fluidity and decreased membrane protein mobility, which indicates that reduction of oxidative changes in these components occurs.

Changes in lipid and apolipoprotein levels in response to 8-week cardiac rehabilitation in men with coronary artery disease.

Concentrations of selected lipoproteins are currently useful cardiovascular risk assessment indicators, especially in monitoring lipid-lowering therapy. AIM: The aim was to evaluate the influence of 8-week mid-term CR on apolipoproteins: A-I, B, E and VLDL in CAD patients in relation to conventional lipid profile and prior coronary intervention: PCI or CABG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 93 male patients admitted to CR after PCI or CABG. At baseline and after CR, conventional lipid profile parameters and VLDL concentrations were evaluated. Apolipoproteins: A-I, B, E were also determined. Basic anthropometric indicators and measurements of hemodynamic and exercise tolerance at rest and peak workload in exercise testing (HR, sBP, dBP, DP, W) were measured. RESULTS: After CR, depending on revasculazation intervention, no changes in HDL-C, LDL-C, TG and VLDL values were observed (p>0.05). Reduction in apoA-I was noted in PCI group (p=0.0254). No statistically significant changes in apoB and apoE were found in groups. Significant increase in apo B/apo A-I index was observed only in PCI group (p=0.0329). PCI and CABG patients did not differ in hemodynamic and exercise tolerance parameters, except sBP in rest and dBP at peak workload in exercise testing (p=0.014 and p=0.031). Regardless on type of intervention, there was observed statistically significant increase in Wpeak (p=0,0000 in both groups) and DPpeak (p=0.0000 in PCI-patients and p=0.0003 in CABGpatients) after CR. CONCLUSIONS: CR has various effects on lipid concentrations. Indicators of conventional lipid profile and selected apolipoproteins are not optimal parameters allowing assessment of effectiveness of CR program in such a short time, this role is well fullfilled by the hemodynamic and physical exercise indices. Apo B/apo A-I ratio value suggests an increasing risk of IHD complications, especially in post- PCI group. CR program requires intensification of lipid-reducing therapy and education on lifestyle modification.

Type of training has a significant influence on the GH/IGF-1 axis but not on regulating miRNAs.

The growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis is responsible for glucose homeostasis. In the present study we assessed the expression levels of miRNA-124, miRNA-210 and miRNA-375 and immunoexpression of IGFBP-3 in relation to the concentrations of IGF-1 and glucose in athletes performing different types of effort. Sixty-six young male athletes (age 25.4±4.1 years) were divided into: group EN (33 male athletes; age 25.6±4.4 years) with endurance-type efforts (disciplines: triathlon, long distance running, cycling) and group ST (33 male athletes; age 25.2±3.9 years) with strength-type efforts (disciplines: weightlifting, body building, CrossFit). The control group consisted of 28 non-training men (age 29.1±4.7 years). Statistically significantly higher IGF-1 concentration and lower glucose concentration (P<0.05) in serum were observed in the group of athletes (vs. controls). Immunoexpression of IGFBP-3 was higher in athletes (vs. controls), and a higher value of immunoexpression was obtained in athlete group ST vs. group EN (P>0.05). Levels of expression of miRNA-210 and miRNA-375 were higher in athletes vs. controls (P>0.05). The obtained data confirmed the importance of the somatotropic axis in the regulation of metabolic adaptation to physical exercise. The detected variation in the concentrations and expression levels of the studied molecules involved in the somatotropic axis in athletes confirmed the role of the somatotropic axis in adaptation to physical effort. Statistically significant reduction of glucose concentration and the highest expression of IGF-1in serum in athletes suggest the anabolic effect of IGF-1 through insulin receptors on many tissues under the influence of moderate physical exercises (mainly during resistance training).

Physical activity of patients with a primary open angle glaucoma.

AIM: To assess physical activity (PA) including its intensity in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: PA was characterized by the use of questionnaires: Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall and Historical Leisure Activity Questionnaire. A questionnaire of 36 questions, developed by the authors, was used to assess the level of knowledge about glaucoma. RESULTS: The study was conducted among 625 adults. The study group comprised 312 POAG patients aged over 40y, including 238 women (76%) and 74 men (24%). The control group consisted of 313 adults (>40 years old), including 202 (65%) women and 111 men (35%). The duration of current PA with an intensity of 4 metabolic equivalents (METs) was significantly shorter among people with POAG. PA in the past was significantly lower among people from the study group, regardless of gender. The level of glaucoma knowledge in patients with POAG was poor and significantly lower in men. CONCLUSION: Regular PA is an important and underestimated factor predisposing to the progression of POAG. There is a necessity to undertake educational and preventive actions with a view to modify the health behavior of glaucoma patients.

Physical activity of future health care professionals: adherence to current recommendations.

BACKGROUND: When assessing physical activity (PA), particular attention should be paid to medical university students who are taught to be health care professionals (HCPs) responsible for maintaining health in humans. However, different studies have shown that HCPs exhibit the same unhealthy behaviors as the general population. This study analyzed PA among medical university students of different faculties and their adherence to current PA recommendations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 216 medical university students of physiotherapy, dietetics and pharmacy, including males (N = 44) and females (N = 172), the mean age of 22.3±1.8 years, were collected. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire in its long form (IPAQ-LF) was used to assess and classify PA behaviors. The results were analyzed in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations regarding PA. RESULTS: Over 60% of all the students were classified as active during all-day activity. However, while analyzing PA in different domains, the same shares of all the students were still insufficiently active during leisure time, and so they did not meet the recommendation of >75 min/week of vigorous PA, >150 min/week of moderate PA or an equivalent combination. All the students self-reported PA mainly in the work and transport domains. Generally, physiotherapy students were the most active and performed PA with higher intensity. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a low level of leisure time PA among the students, and no habit of regular PA. Some changes in medical education should be suggested to include physical education as a long-term subject in medical school curricula. Future research is needed to investigate the exercise barriers that students perceive, which can guide future interventions aimed at improving their PA, and thereby impact on the quality of health care which they will provide. Med Pr. 2020;71(5):539-49.

The time spent sitting does not always mean a low level of physical activity.

BACKGROUND: The problem of spending most of the day in a sitting position concerns all people, regardless of their age. Unfortunately, this trend is more and more often observed among young people. The aim of the study was to assess self-reported physical activity and time spent sitting among students of different fields of health related faculty. METHODS: The study group included 216 students (22.3 ± 1.8 years of age) of the Medical University of Lodz: physiotherapy students (n = 101), pharmacy students (n = 73), and dietetics students (n = 42). The time spent sitting and physical activity level were assessed based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long version. RESULTS: The time spent sitting among health related faculty students was on average more than 46 h a week (2781.8 ± 1238.5 MET-minutes/week). Regarding all the students the pharmacy students spent most time sitting (3086.0 ± 1032.1 MET-minutes/week), while the dietetics students spent the least (2215.7 ± 1230.1 MET-minutes/week). Taking into account the physical activity level almost 65% of all the students were in a high category (mainly physiotherapy students). Only 1.4% of all the surveyed students were classified as the low physical activity category. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences (P = 0.6880) between the time spent sitting and level of physical activity among all students. CONCLUSIONS: Students of medical universities spend too much hours on sitting, mostly 5-8 h a day. Despite this, they undertake various activities due to which their level of physical activity is moderate or even high. Therefore, it cannot be unequivocally stated that there is a relationship between the time spent sitting and physical activity level.

Relationships between the Expression of the ACTN3 Gene and Explosive Power of Soccer Players.

Muscle strength and maximal speed are factors determining athlete's results during competition. Their association with ACTN3 gene activity has been documented. The purpose of this study was the analysis of ACTN3 gene expression during a 2 month training cycle of soccer players and its correlation with the countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ). The study group consisted of 22 soccer players (aged 17-18). The study material included peripheral blood lymphocytes. The relative expression (RQ) of the ACTN3 gene was analyzed by qPCR and performed before and after the two-month training cycle. Before the training cycle low expression levels of ACTN3 (median RQ = 0.95) were observed, yet after the training cycle they were elevated (median RQ = 1.98) ( p = 0.003). There was an increase in performance of both jumps: SJ (p = 0.020) and CMJ (p = 0.012) at the end of the training cycle. A simultaneous increase in the ACTN3 gene expression level and height in both jump tests was observed in 73% of athletes (p > 0.05). There were no significant relationships between the ACTN3 gene expression level and the results of the CMJ and SJ. However, explosive strength is a complex feature shaped by many different factors and it could be the reason why we did not observe correlations between these variables.