Erectile Dysfunction as an Obesity-Related Condition in Elderly Men with Coronary Artery Disease.

Background: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in elderly men with overweight or obesity and coronary artery disease. Methods: Patients recruited in cardiac rehabilitation centers post-myocardial infarction provided demographic and anthropomorphic data. ED was assessed using the abbreviated International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) Questionnaire. Results: The study included 661 men with a mean age of 67.3 ± 5.57 years, a mean BMI of 27.9 ± 3.6 m/kg2, and a mean waist circumference of 98.9 ± 10.23 cm. Over 90% of men experienced ED, with similar proportions across BMI categories. The development of ED in men with a waist circumference of ≥100 cm had 3.74 times higher odds (OR 3.74; 95% CI: 1.0-13.7; p = 0.04) than in men with a waist circumference of <100 cm. Men with obesity and moderate-to-severe and severe ED were older compared to those without these disorders (67.1 ± 5.29 vs. 65.3 ± 4.35; p = 0.23). Conclusions: The prevalence of ED in men with coronary artery disease surpasses 90%. An increased body weight raises the risk of ED, with waist circumference proving to be a more reliable predictor of this risk compared to BMI. Physicians are encouraged to screen elderly patients with cardiovascular disease for ED and address obesity to enhance overall health.

Low Exercise Tolerance as a Marker of Erectile Dysfunction and Depression among Post-Myocardial Infarction Men.

Evidence has grown recently on the correlation between lifestyle and physical activity, and their impact on the functioning of the entire organism. In addition, a decrease in physical efficiency may be an indicator of the early diagnosis of systemic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between exercise tolerance and possible erectile dysfunction or mental disorders. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 254 men in 4 cardiac rehabilitation centers in Poland using the standardized International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaires. Erectile dysfunction was directly proportional to the metabolic equivalent of the task (MET) variable. An increase in exercise tolerance by 1 point was associated with an increase in the IIEF-5 score by 1.62 points, indicating a reduction in the severity of erectile dysfunction. The 1-point increase in MET was associated with a 1.8-point decrease in BDI, indicating that an increase in exercise tolerance is associated with a decrease in the severity of depressive disorders. Increasing the tolerance of physical effort has a beneficial effect not only on the general well-being, but also on the sexual and mental health of men. An increase in exercise tolerance is associated with a reduction in the incidence of erectile dysfunction. On the other hand, in patients with depressive disorders, the improvement of exercise tolerance reduces the intensity of depression symptoms. Exercise tolerance can be an early and simple marker at the onset of erectile dysfunction or mood disorders.

Mental and Sexual Health of Men in Times of COVID-19 Lockdown.

Due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19, some restrictions were introduced which could lead to the development of distress and somatic symptoms. This survey aimed to study the mental and sexual health of men during the COVID-19 outbreak. An online questionnaire was conducted to collect data on contact with people suspected of infection/infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, use of stimulants, and perceived mental and sexual health during isolation among Polish men. They were also asked to answer the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire. In total, 606 men with a mean age of 28.46 ± 9.17 years took part in the survey. Fear of contracting the COVID-19 infection had a negative impact on the mental health of 132 men (21.8%). Fear of the health condition of loved ones caused stress and a depressed mood in 253 men (41.7%), and media reports worsened the mental health of 185 men (30.2%). In the BDI, 71.95% of the respondents did not suffer from depressive symptoms, 17.33% were diagnosed with mild depression, 6.11% with moderate depression, and 4.62% had severe depression. The mean score in the IIEF-15 questionnaire in the erectile function domain was 22.27, orgasm-7.63, desire-8.25, satisfaction-10.17, and general satisfaction-6.84. Depressive symptoms indicated more severe sexual functioning disorders (p < 0.001). Fear, following the media, and loneliness were associated with more severe depressive and sexual disorders (p < 0.001). The libido level (p = 0.002) and frequency of sexual activity (p < 0.001) were also lower during the pandemic than before the lockdown. These data showed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on male mental and sexual health.

Internet Addiction and Polish Women's Sexual Functioning: The Role of Social Media, Online Pornography, and Game Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic-Online Surveys Based on FSFI and BSMAS Questionnaires.

In this study, we investigated the relationship between social media use and women's sexual functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected between April and November 2021. Online surveys including the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) questionnaires were distributed to young, sexually active women. Information was collected on their demographics, sexual life, and use of social media. We enrolled 546 women (mean age 23.07 ± 4.69). In general, 5.68% of the women were at high risk of social media addiction. Social media addiction had a negative impact on FSFI scores, while pornography use had a positive effect on women's sexual functioning. Users of dating apps also obtained lower FSFI scores than non-users. No differences in FSFI scores were observed between gamers and non-gamers. The impact of time spent on social media on FSFI scores was not significant. We conclude that social media addiction negatively affected women's sexual functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Depressive and Sexual Disorders during the First and Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Young Polish Women.

We investigated whether long-term social restrictions and COVID-19 exposure have different impacts on the mental and sexual health of Polish women compared to the effects experienced at the beginning of the pandemic. An online survey was conducted among Polish women via Facebook groups. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores were compared for the first wave (April-May 2020) and the second wave (November 2020 to February 2021) of the pandemic. We enrolled 1644 participants (mean age 25.11 ± 7.09 years) during the first wave and 720 participants (mean age 23.23 ± 5.34 years) during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Significant differences were observed in libido levels and frequency of sexual activity before and during the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (both p < 0.001). The percentage of participants under psychiatric or psychological care increased from 6.5% to 14.44% and those who were anxious about the health conditions of loved ones increased from 57.5% to 65.14%. BDI scores increased significantly from 11 (IQR 5-18) to 12 (IQR 7-20). The change in the FSFI score was not significant (27.01 ± 7.61 vs. 26.38 ± 7.76). The COVID-19 pandemic affected various aspects of human life, including sexual life. The data obtained during the first and the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland showed that female sexual dysfunction did not differ, but depressive symptoms and fear intensified.

Application of Inspiratory Muscle Training to Improve Physical Tolerance in Older Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure.

Regardless of the management regime for heart failure (HF), there is strong evidence supporting the early implementation of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Respiratory therapy is considered to be an integral part of such secondary prevention protocols. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on exercise tolerance and the functional parameters of the respiratory system in patients with heart failure involved in cardiac rehabilitation. The study included 90 patients with HF who took part in the second-stage 8-week cycle of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). They were randomly divided into three groups: Group I underwent CR and IMT; Group II only CR; and patients in Group III underwent only the IMT. Before and after the 8-week cycle, participants were assessed for exercise tolerance and the functional parameters of respiratory muscle strength. Significant statistical improvement concerned the majority of the hemodynamic parameters, lung function parameters, and respiratory muscle strength in the first group. Moreover, the enhancement in the exercise tolerance in the CR + IMT group was accompanied by a negligible change in the HRpeak. The results confirm that the addition of IMT to the standard rehabilitation process of patients with heart failure can increase the therapeutic effect while influencing some of the parameters measured by exercise electrocardiography and respiratory function.

Erectile Dysfunction in Men Burdened with the Familial Occurrence of Coronary Artery Disease.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease (CAD) share common risk factors, some of which have genetic backgrounds, while others may be stimulated by family lifestyle. We investigated the impact of the familial occurrence of CAD on the presence of ED and the presence of classic risk factors for ED in men with CAD. This cross-sectional observational study involved 751 men with CAD who were subjected to cardiac rehabilitation. Overall, 75.63% of the men had ED. CAD was diagnosed in 39.28% of the studied men's relatives. ED was less frequent in the men with familial CAD than in those without (71.53% vs. 78.29%). Similar relations were observed for the presence of CAD in parents (70.43% vs. 78.34%) and the father (69.95% vs. 77.46%). The International Index of Erectile Function 5 score was significantly higher in patients with familial CAD (median (interquartile range); 17 (12-22) vs. 16 (10-21); p = 0.0118), in parents (18 (12-22) vs. 16 (10-20); p = 0.021), and in the father (18 (12-22) vs. 16 (10-21); p = 0.0499). Age and education minimized the effect of familial CAD. Familial CAD increased the incidence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking but not sedentary lifestyle. Despite the higher prevalence of selected risk factors for ED in men with familial CAD, a higher incidence of ED was not observed.

Influence of Inspiratory Muscle Training of Various Intensities on the Physical Performance of Long-Distance Runners.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) at different intensities on the pulmonary function and physiological adaptations of long-distance runners undergoing sports training. This study involved 25 long-distance runners. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups depending on the type of IMT applied: POWERbreathe device (group 1), Threshold IMT device (group 2), and a control group. The following lung variables were evaluated: vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) and maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax). Spiroergometric measures included: heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2max), carbon dioxide production (VCO2max), maximum ventilation (VE) and respiratory exchange rate (RER), which were measured breath by breath using a gas analyser (VYNTUS CPX). Group 1, which used the POWERbreathe device, showed significant increases in all assessed physiological and physical performance variables. In group 2, which used the Threshold device, only VO2max, VE and tRER ventilation were significantly increased to a similar level as that observed in group 1. In the control group, we only observed a significant reduction in saturation. The use of IMT with a higher intensity resulted in significant improvements in all tested variables of lung ventilation and respiratory muscle strength. Also, after training, lactate accumulation was significantly decreased. Physiological characteristics (VO2max/kg) and muscle respiratory strength variables were significantly improved in the group that used the POWERbreathe device after 8 weeks of training.

Pulmonary rehabilitation in interstitial lung diseases: A review of the literature.

There are more than 200 different diseases classed as interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). For epidemiological and practical purposes, ILDs are classified into diseases of known and unknown etiology. The aim of this review is to evaluate our current knowledge about the efficacy and safety of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with ILDs. Other issues, such as ILD pathogenesis, prevalence and comorbidity, are also elaborated in the review. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an important part of comprehensive care for patients with ILDs. In comparison to PR for patients with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), the number of clinical studies concerning PR for patients with ILDs is small. The majority of trials have been performed in relatively small groups of patients. The principles of PR in this group of patients are the same as for patients with COPD. Exercise-induced desaturation is frequently observed during PR, which is the main source of complications in patients with ILDs. Major differences between ILD and COPD patients include poorer exercise tolerance and faster development of respiratory failure in patients with ILDs.

Can Inspiratory Muscle Training Improve Exercise Tolerance and Lower Limb Function After Myocardial Infarction?

BACKGROUND Respiratory therapy is an integral part of treatment of cardiac patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to second-stage cardiac rehabilitation on exercise tolerance and function of lower extremities in patients following myocardial infarction (MI). MATERIAL AND METHODS This study included 90 patients (mean age 65 years) with MI who took part in the second stage of an 8-week cycle of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). They were divided into 3 groups: group I underwent CR and IMT, group II only underwent CR, and group III only underwent IMT. Groups I and II were allocated randomly according sealed opaque envelopes. The third group consisted of patients who could not participate in standard rehabilitation for various reasons. Before and after the 8-week program, participants were assessed for maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (PImax and PEmax) values, exercise tolerance, and knee muscle strength. RESULTS In groups I and II, a significant increase in the PImax parameters and exercise tolerance parameters (MET) were observed. Group I had increased PEmax parameters. In group III, the same changes in the parameter values that reflect respiratory muscle function were observed. All of the examined strength parameters of the knee joint muscles demonstrated improvement in all of the investigated groups, but the biggest differences were observed in group I. CONCLUSIONS Use of IMT in the ambulatory rehabilitation program of MI patients resulted in improved rehabilitation efficacy, leading to a significant improvement in physical condition.

Does CABG with Saphenous Vein Grafting and Standard Cardiac Rehabilitation Affect Lower Limb Function? A Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess lower limb function in response to two cardiac rehabilitation (CR) protocols after coronary artery bypass surgery with saphenous vein grafting. METHODS: Clinically-stable male patients aged 50-70 years were recruited 4 weeks post-surgery in which to group. Group I (n = 47) receive standard CR in a hospital setting for 3 weeks and Group II (n = 14) receive CR with a resistance training component in an outpatient setting for 8 weeks. Measures included body mass and composition, lower limb temperature distribution, lower limb hemodynamics, and dorsal and plantar flexor muscle strength. RESULTS: Average temperature of the operated limb decreased only in Group II after cardiac rehabilitation. Venous blood flow improved in both groups as evidenced by increased blood refilling time. Isokinetic strength was greater in Group I. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a 3-week intensive CR protocol to be most effective in restoring lower limb function in CABG patients after saphenectomy.

Urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women - causes, symptoms, treatment.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is an important social problem that affects more than 50% of postmenopausal women. The number of patients increases from year to year. According to recent data, UI affects women twice as often as men. This condition occurs in about 20-30% of young women, 30-40% in middle age and up to 50% of women in old age. There are five types of urinary incontinence. The etiology of the problem of incontinence is not fully understood, because the problem can affect men and women of all ages and can be due to many changes in the human body. International Continence Society Guidelines indicate that treatment of urinary incontinence should begin with conservative treatment. Surgical treatment should be used when conservative treatment will not bring positive results. According to guidelines, conservative treatment should include pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, and behavioral therapy. Numerous scientific reports indicate efficacy of physiotherapy in the treatment of urinary incontinence. Most recent reports indicate that physiotherapy gives a positive result in up to 80% of patients with stage I or stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mixed form, and in 50% of patients with stage II SUI. Urinary incontinence is an interdisciplinary problem because in addition to the sphere directly related to medicine, it also concerns the economic and social spheres. The latest data show that incontinence in postmenopausal women occurs more often than other civilization diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or depression.

Eight Weeks of Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Pulmonary Function in Disabled Swimmers-A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: According to the literature, inspiratory muscle fatigue may increase after swimming training (ST). This study aimed to examine the efficacy of 8-week inspiratory muscular training (IMT) in disabled swimmers, combined with standard sports training, on selected parameters of lung ventilation and the function of respiratory muscles. METHODS: A total of 16 disabled swimming division athletes from Wroclaw's 'Start' Regional Sports Association qualified for the study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups (ST and IMT). Both groups participated in swimming training for 8 weeks (8 times a week). The IMT group additionally participated in inspiratory muscle training (8 weeks). In all respondents, a functional lung test and the respiratory muscle strength was measured. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of training, a significant increase in ventilation parameters and respiratory muscle strength was observed only in the IMT group. In ST group 1, a 20% improvement in the strength of inspiratory muscles was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of IMT is an important element that complements swimming training, allowing for greater increases in lung ventilation parameters and the strength of respiratory muscles in disabled swimmers.

The Effect of Respiratory Muscle Training on the Pulmonary Function, Lung Ventilation, and Endurance Performance of Young Soccer Players.

This study investigated whether the addition of eight weeks of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to a regular preseason soccer training program, including incremental endurance training (IET), would change pulmonary function, lung ventilation, and aerobic performance in young soccer players. Sixteen club-level competitive junior soccer players (mean age 17.63 ± 0.48 years, height 182 ± 0.05 cm, body mass 68.88 ± 4.48 kg) participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: experimental (n = 8) and control (n = 8). Both groups performed regular preseason soccer training, including endurance workouts as IET. In addition to this training, the experimental group performed additional IMT for eigght weeks with a commercially available respiratory muscle trainer (Threshold IMT), with a total of 80 inhalations (twice per day, five days per week). Pre- and post-intervention tests of pulmonary function, maximal inspiratory pressure, and the Cooper test were implemented. Eight weeks of IMT had a positive impact on expiratory muscle strength (p = 0.001); however, there was no significant effect on respiratory function parameters. The results also indicate increased efficiency of the inspiratory muscles, contributing to an improvement in aerobic endurance, measured by VO2max estimated from running distance in the cardiorespiratory Cooper test (p < 0.005).

Analysis of the dynamics of venous blood flow in the context of lower limb temperature distribution and tissue composition in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: The elderly are particularly vulnerable to degenerative diseases, such as circulatory and respiratory system and vascular system diseases. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate the distribution of temperature and the dynamics of venous blood flow in the lower limbs (LLs) and to assess the interdependence of these parameters in terms of the somatic components in males and females participating in activities at the University of the Third Age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 60 females (mean age 67.4 years) and 40 males (mean age 67.5 years). A body composition assessment was performed using the bioimpedance technique - Tanita BC-418MA. The following parameters were examined: fat%, fat mass, fat-free mass, and total body water. The minimal, maximal, and mean temperature values and their distributions were examined using infrared thermographic camera VarioCAM Head. Measurements of the venous refilling time and the work of the LL venous pump were examined using a Rheo Dopplex II PPG. RESULTS: In males, the mean value of the right LL temperature was 30.58 and the mean value of the left LL was 30.28; the P-value was 0.805769. In females, the mean value of the right LL temperature was 29.58 and the mean value of the left limb was 29.52; the P-value was 0.864773. In males, the right limb blood flow was 34.17 and the left limb blood flow was 34.67; the P-value was 0.359137. In females, the right limb blood flow was 26.89 and the left limb blood flow was 26.09; the P-value was 0.796348. CONCLUSION: Research results showed that the temperature distribution and the dynamics of blood flow are not significantly different between the right and left extremities in both males and females. However, significant temperature differences were found between the gender groups. Significantly higher temperature values in both the right and left extremities were recorded in males than in females.

Analysis of the relationships between edentulism, periodontal health, body composition, and bone mineral density in elderly women.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and tooth loss in conjunction with periodontal disease is not clear. The suggested effects include alteration in bone remodeling rates as well as the multifaceted etiology of edentulism. There is also a question if other body-related variables besides BMD, such as body composition, may be associated with tooth number and general periodontal health. The aim of this study was to evaluate if tooth number and marginal periodontal status are associated with body composition and BMD in a sample of elderly women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 91 postmenopausal women. Data included basic anthropometric characteristics, body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis, and BMD analysis at the distal end of the radial bone of the nondominant arm via peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. A dental examination was performed to assess tooth number, periodontal pocket depth (PD), and gingival bleeding. RESULTS: In nonosteoporotic women, a significant positive correlation was found between BMD and lean body mass, total body water, and muscle mass. The indicators of bone metabolism correlated negatively with PD. Such relationships did not appear in osteoporotic women. In both groups, basic anthropometric characteristics and body composition were significantly and positively correlated with PD and bleeding on probing. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that body composition and BMD are not significantly correlated with tooth number and gingival bleeding.

Occurrence of Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults after a Stroke in the Nursing Home Facility.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of depressive symptoms among older adults after stroke in a nursing home (NH). DESIGN: The study was conducted in a NH and included 50 patients after stroke with a mean age of 74.62 (±8.2). METHOD: The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Acceptance Illness Scale (AIS) and Barthel Index (BI) were used. FINDINGS: Mean GDS was 7.60 (±2.75); 74% of patients had depressive symptoms. The study showed a significant relationship between GDS and marital status (p = .043). A negative correlations between GDS and MMSE (p = .029), GDS and BI (p = .049), and GDS and AIS (p < .0001) were found. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of depressive symptoms in older adults after stroke depends on their mental and functional status, degree of acceptance of illness, and marital status. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Early detection of depressive symptoms in stroke patients allows rehabilitation nurses to optimize the therapeutic effects.

Exercise tolerance and selected motor skills in young females with idiopathic scoliosis treated with different physiotherapeutic methods.

BACKGROUND: Scoliosis is a disorder that leads to dysfunction of a number of systems in the body, especially in young females. Physical capacity is one of the most important elements of good health as well as ofbiological development. Adolescence is a time when physical capacity develops intensively, and the condition of the respiratory system is one of many factors that have an impact on the level of physical capacity. This paper aims to evaluate a short-term application of two methods of physiotherapy and their influence on the level of exercise tolerance in young females suffering from idiopathic scoliosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved a group of 49 young females aged 14-15 years diagnosed with (2040°) thoracic and lumbar scoliosis who were in-patients at the rehabilitation ward of the Regional Paediatric Rehabilitation Hospital in Jastrzebie Zdrój. The group was divided into two subgroups depending on the method of rehabilitation employed: the first subgroup received asymmetric breathing exercise therapy by Dobosiewicz and the second subgroup practised symmetric remedial exercises. Cobb's angle, the degree of skeletal maturity, i.e. the Risser sign and the degree trunk rotation of the apex of the curvature by means of Raimondi's coefficient were determined once in an x-ray image. Basic somatic features, maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV parameter), selected motor skills and exercise tolerance were assessed on two occasions (before beginning and after completion of the rehabilitation treatment). RESULTS: 1. Young females suffering from (20-40°) thoracic and lumbar scoliosis demonstrate respiratory dysfunction, as shown by decreased maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) in the two subgroups in the present study. Exercises according to Dobosiewicz's method brought about a significantly higher degree of improvement in this parameter. 2. The physiotherapeutic regimen administered to the young girls with scoliosis significantly improved their strength motor skills and exercise tolerance. A significantly higher improvement was observed in the subgroup treated using Dobosiewicz's method, in particular, in the strength of abdominal muscles, which play an important role in both respiratory function and body posture maintenance.

Respiratory function, physical activity and body composition in adult rural population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate functioning of the respiratory system and to estimate the correlation between the function parameters of the respiratory system and the level of physical activity and body composition in the adult rural population. The study involved a group of 116 people from rural population aged 35-60 years, staying on 3-week rehabilitation camps. They were divided into two groups: men (29) and women (87). The somatic features: body height, body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and body copmposition were analysed, on the status of smoking and declared level of physical activity (PA) was checked. For the evaluation of the functional parameters of the respiratory system the pattern of flow volume curve was used. The following parameters were determined: vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), MEF50 (maximum expiratory flow at 50% of VC) and Tiffenau index. Hand grip and maximum torque of the knee join flexor and extensor muscles was measured. As expected, men had significantly higher levels of respiratory parameters. In analyzing the status of smoking cigarettes, it can be stated that the majority of subjects are smokers. CONCLUSIONS: The values of functional parameters of the respiratory system were suitable for the age they were within the norm and did not show lung ventilation disorder. Most subjects of the study declared low physical activity which may be due to manual work on the farm. Smoking cigarettes significantly lowered the value of such parameters as FEV1, PEF and MEF50 only in the male group but the values did not indicate ventilatory disorder. Parameters of the respiratory system show the highest correlations with the parameters of muscle strength. Significant correlations with body compositions parameters (FFM, water) have been noticed too.

Recovery of dynamic balance following external posture disturbance in children with idiopathic scoliosis.

Background. The aim of this study was to attempt the implementation of the method of mathematical modelling for motor properties estimation in children with idiopathic scoliosis on the process of keeping the balance in a standing position in the presence of mild disturbances. Material and methods. 42 children with idiopathic scoliosis (13-18 yr) and 40 healthy children were included into the study. Stabilography method was used to estimate body balance and the COP time series were recorded for subsequent analysis. Motor parameters of the evaluated individuals were determined based on the coefficient values of equation assessed through mathematics model. Results. The analysis of obtained calculated results showed that there are significant differences in meandered reaction induced by balance disturbation in a standing posture in evaluated patients. In scoliosis group there was a bigger loss of balance than in healthy children.The speed of loosing of balance after its deviation was slower and was dependent on the magnitude of the curvature angle. The bigger the angle values of the curvature the slower is the process of balance loss and at a lower speed and acceleration. And the time required for regaining the posture is prolonged. Conclusions. Standing posture of children with lateral curvature of the spine is more susceptible to balance disturbances and is characterised by worse stability. The reaction of nervous system to balance disturbances in scoliosis is visibly delayed and is characterised by lower impulsiveness.