Effects of nordic walking training on gait and exercise tolerance in male ischemic heart disease patients.

This technique-focused observational study explores the impact of a 6-week Nordic Walking (NW) program on physiological and biomechanical aspects in ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients. Twelve male IHD patients (66.2 ± 5.2 years, 12.2 ± 7.5 years of disease duration) were evaluated pre- and post-training for (i) gait parameters, (ii) exercise tolerance using electrocardiographic (ECG) stress test, (iii) a 6-min walk test (6MWT). The NW training, adhering to IHD patient guidelines, involved a 100-m walk at a self-selected, preferred speed without sticks, with classic NW sticks and mechatronic sticks. A mechatronic measuring system, specifically engineered for measuring, diagnosing and monitoring the patient's gait, was integrated into mechatronic sticks. Post-training, significant enhancements were observed in ECG stress test duration, metabolic equivalency, and 6MWT distance, irrespective of the stick type. However, no significant changes were noted in spatiotemporal parameters concerning the measured side, stick utilisation, or type. The results suggest that NW training boosts exercise capacity and refines gait mechanics in male IHD patients. However, the improvement in exercise capacity was not linked to changes in gait mechanics from NW training but rather to the movement during NW gait. Hence, the key to enhancing exercise capacity in IHD patients is the movement during NW gait, not the quality of gait mechanics.

Walking Speed and Risk of Falling Patients Operated for Selected Malignant Tumors.

BACKGROUND: A literature review reveals that studies on walking and fall occurrences in the context of cancer have predominantly centered on geriatric patients. Nonetheless, cancer patients of all ages are susceptible to such risks. Both cancer and its treatments contribute to significant risk factors for disturbances in walking and falls, encompassing muscle weakness, impaired balance, reduced proprioception, cognitive impairment, and functional limitations. AIM: to assess walking speed and the risk of falls among patients undergoing surgery for the most common malignancies: breast (BU), lung (P), colorectal (DS), and reproductive organs (G). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational study was conducted using a cohort design. A total of 176 individuals participated in the study, including 139 cancer patients, who were divided into four groups: BU (N = 30), P (N = 35), DS (N = 35), and G (N = 39), as well as 37 healthy volunteers in the control group (C, N = 37). All participants underwent an assessment of walking speed using BTS G-WALK® and an evaluation of the number of falls and the risk of falling using a Fall Control Card. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in walking speed after surgery compared to the time before surgery, from 2.7% in the BU group, through 9.3% in the P group, and 19.2% in the DS group, to 30.0% in the G group. At the same time, for groups G and DS, the average walking speed fell below 1.0 m/s, amounting to 0.84 m/s and 0.97 m/s, respectively, in the measurement after the surgery and 0.95 m/s and 1.0 m/s in the follow-up measurement. Falling occurred in all the groups except for the BU group. The created logistic regression model showed that increasing the walking speed measured after the procedure (study 2) by 1 m/s reduces the risk of falling by approximately 500 times (OR = 0.002). Limitations in daily activity were observed in the follow-up examination (study 3) in 75% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical intervention has an impact on walking speed, and being part of the study group influences the risk of falling. Further research is needed to determine the precise risk of falls in cancer patients.

Mechatronic Pole System for Monitoring the Correctness of Nordic Walking.

Marching with Nordic walking (NW) poles is a common form of physical activity. It is recommended in the treatment and rehabilitation of many diseases. NW's wide range of applications in rehabilitation and its effectiveness are limited by the need for experienced physiotherapists to supervise patients during the training. A prerequisite for good rehabilitation results is correctly using the poles during walking. Essential parameters of NW include the angle of inclination of the pole, the force of the pole on the ground, and proper coordination of performed movements. The purpose of this paper is to present the design and operating principle of a mechatronic NW pole system for measuring and recording the gait parameters. The subject of the work was the assessment of the usefulness of the mechatronic NW pole system for phases identified during marching. The study was conducted in field conditions. The study's main objective was to compare the obtained results from the developed system with those of a commercial system for measuring foot pressure distributions on the ground. The paper also presents sample results measuring walkers' gait with NW poles in the field and the resulting gait phase analysis.

Do Mechatronic Poles Change the Gait Technique of Nordic Walking in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease?

The study aimed to compare the technique of normal gait with the Nordic walking (NW) gait with classical and mechatronic poles in patients with ischemic heart disease. It was assumed that equipping classical NW poles with sensors enabling biomechanical gait analysis would not cause a change in the gait pattern. The study involved 12 men suffering from ischemic heart disease (age: 66.2 ± 5.2 years, body height: 173.8 ± 6.74 cm; body mass: 87.3 ± 10.89 kg; disease duration: 12.2 ± 7.5 years). The MyoMOTION 3D inertial motion capture system (Noraxon Inc., Scottsdale, AZ, USA) was used to collect biomechanical variables of gait (spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters). The subject's task was to cover the 100 m distance with three types of gait-walking without poles (normal gait), walking with classical poles to NW, and walking with mechatronic poles from the so-called preferred velocity. Parameters were measured on the right and left sides of the body. The data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance with the between-subject factor "body side." Friedman's test was used when necessary. For most kinematic parameters, with the exception of knee flexion-extension (p = 0.474) and shoulder flexion-extension (p = 0.094), significant differences were found between normal and walking with poles for both the left and right side of the body and no differences due to the type of pole. Differences between the left and right movement ranges were identified only for the ankle inversion-eversion parameter (gait without poles p = 0.047; gait with classical poles p = 0.013). In the case of spatiotemporal parameters, a reduction in the cadence step value using mechatronic poles and the stance phase using classical poles compared to normal walking was observed. There was also an increase in the values for step length and step time regardless of the type of poles, stride length, and swing phase when using classical poles and stride time when using mechatronic poles. The differences between the right and left sides of the measurement occurred when walking with both types of poles for single support (gait with classical poles p = 0.003; gait with mechatronic poles p = 0.030), stance phase (gait with classical poles p = 0.028; gait with mechatronic poles p = 0.017) and swing phase (gait with classical poles p = 0.028; gait with mechatronic poles p = 0.017). Mechatronic poles can be used in the study of the biomechanics of gait in real-time with feedback on its regularity because no statistically significant differences were found between the NW gait with classical and mechatronic poles in the studied men with ischemic heart disease.

Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in an NMU-induced Rat Mammary Tumor Model.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) production and a newly discovered risk factor involved in endothelial dysfunction and adverse cardiovascular events. Recently, both NO and ADMA have also emerged as molecules of interest in carcinogenesis and tumor growth progression. Our earlier studies have confirmed elevated plasma ADMA levels in patients with hematological malignancies. However, the cause of elevated ADMA was unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of ADMA, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and L-arginine in rats exposed to N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU) for the induction of mammary tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 95 female rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain were used in the study. Plasma concentrations of ADMA, SDMA and L-arginine were quantified and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Mean ADMA levels were higher in the tumor-bearing group compared to the control group. Mean plasma levels of SDMA and L-Arginine were not significantly different between the groups. The L-ARG/ADMA ratio was lower in rats with tumors compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Histological assessment confirmed expression of ADMA within the tumor cells, which strongly suggests that these tumor cells were the source of ADMA. Other studies are warranted to further explain the role of ADMA in neoplastic diseases.

Selected Spatiotemporal and Joint Angle Parameters in Normal Gait and Nordic Walking with Classical and Mechatronic Poles in Aspects of Sex Differences.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare selected spatiotemporal parameters and changes in the range of motion in the joints of lower and upper limbs during normal gait and during Nordic walking performed with classical and mechatronic poles of females and males. Methods: The study involved 19 physical education students (11 males and 8 females). The MyoMotion research motion analysis system was used to collect gait kinematic variables. The subject task was to cover a 100 m distance in a straight line with three types of gait: gait without poles, gait with classical poles, and gait with mechatronic poles at preferred velocity. Parameters were measured both on the right (RT) and on the left side (LT) of the body. The data was analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA with the between-subject factor "sex." Friedman's test was used when necessary. Results: The most significant differences in spatiotemporal parameters between males and females were revealed in gait with the classical and mechatronic pole (stance phase LT and RT, load response LT and RT, single support LT and RT, preswing LT and RT, swing phase LT and RT, double stance LT and RT, and step length LT), the least in gait without a pole (stance phase RT, load response LT, single support LT, preswing RT, and swing phase RT); whereas, the most significant differences in kinematic parameters were revealed in gait without poles (shoulder rotation RT, wrist radial-ulnar LT, hip flexion-extension LT and RT, knee flexion-extension LT and RT, ankle inversion-eversion LT, and ankle abduction-adduction LT and RT), the least in gait with mechatronic poles (knee flexion-extension LT and RT, ankle dorsiflexion-plantarflexion LT, ankle inversion-eversion LT, and ankle abduction-adduction LT and RT). Conclusion: Statistical analysis revealed many differences in spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters in normal gait, as well as in gait with the classical and mechatronic poles, which allows the conclusion that the gait of females and males should be analyzed separately.

The Influence of Physical Training on the Immune System of Rats during N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-Induced Carcinogenesis.

Aim: To assess the effect of physical training on the selected parameters of the immune system regarding CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11, CD161, CD45A cell counts in rats treated with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). Material and Methods: Thirty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with MNU and were divided into three groups, i.e., sedentary control (SC), the group of moderate-intensity training (MIT) and the group of high-intensity training (HIT). Physical training was supervised immediately after MNU administration and was conducted 5 days per week for 12 weeks on a three-position treadmill. Results: A significant difference was found between SC and training groups in terms of the number of induced tumors per rat (1.57 vs. 0.4, p = 0.05) and in the following lymphocyte subpopulations: CD4+/CD8+ (p = 0.01), CD3−/CD11b+ (p = 0.02), CD3−/CD161+ (p = 0.002), CD3−/CD161− (p = 0.002), CD3+/CD45RA+ (p = 0.003) and CD3−/CD45RA+ (p = 0.005). In terms of the intensity of physical training, the highest efficacy was found for MIT and the following lymphocyte subpopulations: CD3−/CD11b+ (SC vs. MIT, p < 0.001), CD3−/CD161+ (SC vs. MIT, p = 0.002), CD3−/CD161− (SC vs. MIT, p = 0.002), CD3+/CD45RA+ (SC vs. MIT, p = 0.02) and CD3−/CD45RA+ (SC vs. MIT, p < 0.001, MIT vs. HIT, p = 0.02). Furthermore, negative correlations were found between the number of apoptotic cells and CD3−/CD11b (r = −0.76, p = 0.01) in SC and between the number of induced tumors and CD3+/CD8+ (r = −0.61, p = 0.02) and between their volume and CD+/CD8+ (r = −0.56, p = 0.03) in the group of rats undergoing training. Conclusions: Physical training, particularly MIT, affected immune cell function and an altered immune response can be considered a mechanism underlying the effect of exercise on breast cancer development.

Interactive Video Games as a Method to Increase Physical Activity Levels in Children Treated for Leukemia.

Despite the beneficial effect of exercise, children treated for cancer do not engage in sufficient physical activity. It is necessary to search for attractive forms of physical activity, including interactive video games (IVGs). The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of the rehabilitation model developed by the authors based on the use of IVGs in children undergoing leukemia treatment. The study included a group of 21 children aged 7-13 years (12 boys, 9 girls) undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (n = 13) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (n = 8). The children were randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group. To assess the level of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), each child participated in a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test. Daily physical activity was assessed using the HBSC questionnaire. The study also used the Children's Effort Rating Table Scale (CERT) to assess the intensity of physical effort. The children in the intervention group participated in 12 sessions of. The study participants managed to complete all stages of a progressive training program, which confirmed the feasibility of such physical effort by patients with cancer. Pediatric patients reported that the IVG training required a light to moderate physical effort despite high values of energy expenditure (EE).

No Influence of Mechatronic Poles on the Movement Pattern of Professional Nordic Walkers.

This study compared selected temporal and kinematic parameters of normal gait and Nordic Walking (NW) performed with classic and mechatronic poles (classic poles equipped with sensors). It was assumed that equipping NW poles with sensors for biomechanical gait analysis would not impair the NW walking technique. Six professional NW instructors and athletes, including three women, participated in the study. The MyoMotion MR3 motion analysis system was used to collect gait kinematic variables. The subject's task was to cover a 100-m distance with three types of gait: a gait without poles, a gait with classic NW poles, and a gait with mechatronic poles at the preferred speed. Parameters were measured both on the right and left sides of the body. No significant differences were found between gait types for three temporal parameters: step cadence, step, and stride time. For the other variables, all the differences identified were between free-walking and walking with poles, with no differences between standard and mechatronic poles. For nine kinematic parameters, differences between free-walking and walking with poles for both the left and right sides were found, while no differences were due to the pole type. All temporal parameters were characterized by symmetry, while among kinematic parameters, only two were asymmetrical (shoulder abduction-adduction in walking with regular poles and elbow flexion-extension in walking without poles). Equipping classic NW poles with additional signaling and measuring devices (mechatronic poles) does not impair the NW technique, making it possible to use them in further studies of gait biomechanics.

Comparison of the optoelectronic BTS Smart system and IMU-based MyoMotion system for the assessment of gait variables.

PURPOSE: Although inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based systems have been validated against optoelectronic systems for recording joint kinematics, the accuracy of each system must be evaluated, and measurements from different systems cannot be easily compared. Therefore, this study compared the joint angles recorded using the IMU-based MyoMotion system and the optoelectronic BTS Smart-DX 700 system during Nordic walking. METHODS: The study subject, a long-time Nordic walking instructor, was assigned to walk 12 m/trial (14 trials with 5 sampled gait cycles) at a velocity preferred for Nordic walking. The trials were simultaneously recorded by both systems. The instantaneous lower (ankle, knee, hip) and upper (shoulder, elbow, wrist) limb joint angles were recorded. RESULTS: The joint angles from MyoMotion were significantly larger or smaller (depending on the joint and plane) than those from BTS. CONCLUSIONS: Joint angles measured by MyoMotion are not interchangeable with values from BTS, and IMU-recorded values should be interpreted carefully. However, MyoMotion can still provide information about intra-individual changes based on the joint angle profiles, e.g., following Nordic walking training.

Assessment of Serum Neopterin as a Biomarker in Peripheral Artery Disease.

Neopterin (NPT), a pyrazino-pyrimidine compound mainly produced by activated macrophages, has been regarded as a proinflammatory and proatherosclerotic agent. The study was designed to evaluate NPT level and its interaction with conventional peripheral artery disease (PAD) biomarkers and vascular regenerative potential in severe PAD. The study included 59 patients (females n = 17, males n = 42) aged 67.0 ± 8.2 years classified into two groups based on ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements (ABI ≤ 0.9 n = 43, ABI ≤ 0.5 n = 16). A total of 60 subjects aged 70.4 ± 5.5 years (females n = 42, males n = 18) with ABI > 0.9 constituted a reference group. NPT concentration reached values above 10 nmol/L in patients with PAD, which differed significantly from reference group (8.15 ± 1.33 nmol/L). High levels of CRP > 5 mg/L, TC > 200 mg/dL as well as lipoproteins LDL > 100 mg/dL and non-HDL > 130 mg/dL were found in the same group, indicating the relationship between NPT and conventional atherogenic markers. The endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) tended toward lower values in patients with ABI ≤ 0.5 when compared to reference group, and inversely correlated with NPT. These findings indicate a crucial role of NPT in atheromatous process and its usefulness in monitoring PAD severity. However, the role of NPT in chronic PAD needs further studies including relatively high number of subjects.

The Influence of Nordic Walking on Isokinetic Trunk Muscle Endurance and Sagittal Spinal Curvatures in Women after Breast Cancer Treatment: Age-Specific Indicators.

Nordic walking (NW) is a popular form of rehabilitation. NW improves psychophysical condition in breast cancer (BC) survivors. This study aimed to analyze the effects of NW on functional and postural changes of the trunk in women of different ages after BC. We hypothesized that an age relationship would be found. BC survivors (n = 39) were stratified by age as "middle- aged" (45-59 years) or "older" (60-75 years), then randomly allocated to the training intervention. A study group (SG, n = 19) participated in NW and a control group (CG, n = 20) performed general gymnastics. The sagittal spinal curvatures and isokinetic trunk muscle endurance were recorded at two time points, pre- and post-training intervention. Significant within NW group changes (p < 0.05) were found for the total work (TW) and average power (AP) of trunk flexors and extensors and the upper thoracic angle in middle-aged women. In older Nordic walkers, significant increases in TW and AP of the trunk flexor muscles were observed, with a negative increase in the trunk inclination angle. In CG, no significant functional or postural changes were observed in response to general gymnastics. NW improved both functional and postural changes in middle-aged women. This study identified the limitations of NW training in older women.

Peak Oxygen Uptake and Exercise Capacity of Children Undergoing Leukemia Treatment.

The aim of the study was to assess the exercise capacity (VO2peak) of children undergoing leukemia treatment and to compare the results with healthy children. Furthermore, we assessed the influence of treatment methods on the level of exercise capacity and the increase in sedentary behaviors. The study comprised 21 children (12 boys and 9 girls) undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (n = 13) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (n = 8). The subjects were aged 7-13 years (mean age 10.7, SD 2.0 years). Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by using the ergospirometry test. Progressive Godfrey protocol was performed. The level of physical activity was assessed by using the questions from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC 2018) questionnaire. The study results showed that children undergoing leukemia treatment were characterized by a reduced level of exercise capacity. The measured value of VO2peak in the group of treated children was, on average, 22.16 mL·kg-1·min-1. The mean values of VO2peak predicted for this age group were 45.48 mL·kg-1·min-1 (SD, 3.8). The measured value of VO2peak in the study group with the division into age groups was, on average, 21.21 mL·kg-1·min-1 in the group of children aged 7-10 years. In the group of children aged 11-13 years, this parameter was 22.64 mL·kg-1·min-1. Lack of physical activity and failure to meet the standards for the minimum level of weekly physical activity (MVPA index-moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) probably contribute to the deterioration in exercise capacity level of cancer-treated children.

The influence of Nordic walking on isokinetic trunk muscle endurance and sagittal spinal curvatures in women after breast cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to assess the impact of Nordic walking on sagittal spinal curvatures and isokinetic trunk muscle endurance in women after breast cancer treatment. METHODS: Thirty-nine breast cancer survivors were divided into two groups: a study group (n = 19) that performed Nordic walking, and a control group (n = 20) that performed a standard general exercise programme. Body posture was assessed using Moiré photogrammetry and trunk muscle (flexors and extensors) endurance at 120°/s was measured isokinetically. Statistical analyses were based on two-way ANOVA with Scheffe post hoc tests and Pearson's r correlation tests. RESULTS: Women who completed the 8-week Nordic walking intervention showed significant improvements in average power and total work, irrespective of the muscle group investigated. Following training intervention, greater strength-velocity values of the trunk muscles were observed in the study group, compared to the control group. There were no significant changes in postural parameters or correlations for trunk muscle function within spinal curvatures before and after the training interventions. When both groups were combined (Nordic walking + general exercises), functional-postural correlations following the intervention showed a statistically significant tendency toward a reduced inclination of the upper thoracic section, together with increases in all tested functional parameters of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles (r = -0.33 to r = -0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to a standard general exercise programme, Nordic walking is more effective for improving isokinetic trunk muscle endurance in women after breast cancer. However, no changes in sagittal spinal curvatures were observed after the 8-week Nordic walking and general exercise interventions.

Effects of Physical Rehabilitation on Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters and Ground Reaction Forces of Patients with Intermittent Claudication.

Chronic ischemia of the lower extremities often presents as intermittent claudication characterized by lower limb pain which subsides after a short break. This study aimed to provide an assessment of the spatiotemporal parameters of gait and ground reaction forces in patients with PAD participating in three forms of supervised physical training. A total of 80 subjects completed a three-month supervised physical rehabilitation program with three sessions per week. The subjects were assigned to one of three programs: group 1-standard walking training on a treadmill (TT); group 2-Nordic walking (NW) training; group 3-strength and endurance training comprised of NW with isokinetic resistance training (NW + ISO). Gait biomechanics tests (kinematic and kinetic parameters of gait) and a six-minute walk test were carried out before and after three months of physical training. Nordic walking training led to the greatest improvements in the gait pattern of patients with PAD and a significant increase in the absolute claudication distance and total gait distance. Combined training (NW + ISO) by strengthening the muscles of the lower extremities increased the amplitude of the general center of gravity oscillation to the greatest extent. Treadmill training had little effect on the gait pattern. Nordic walking training should be included in the rehabilitation of patients with PAD as a form of gait training, which can be conducted under supervised or unsupervised conditions.

The relationship between sagittal spinal curvatures and isokinetic trunk muscle endurance after aquatic exercise training in survivors of breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Assessment of the impact of aquatic exercises on the relationship between sagittal spinal curvatures and isokinetic trunk muscle endurance against standard land exercises in women after breast cancer treatment. METHODS: 40 women post breast cancer divided into two groups: a study group (n = 20) participated in the aquatic exercises and a control group (n = 20) performed the land exercises. Data collection occurred both before and after the 8 week intervention. Measurements were taken from the SG and CG performing antagonistic movements (flexions/extensions) to assess the endurance (120 °/s) in isokinetic conditions and a photogrammetric examination to define sagittal spinal curvatures. RESULTS: A significant improvement (p < 0.05) in total work and average power was found among women after the aquatic exercises irrespective of the muscle group under examination. There were no significant changes in any examined parameters after the land exercises. In the study group, there was a significant association of gamma angle decrease and an increase of all examined functional parameters of total work and average power of both the extensor muscles (r = -0,49 to -0.51) and the trunk flexors (r = -0.48 to -0.51). In the control group, a similar tendency of functional-postural changes was observed only for the extensor muscles of the trunk (r = -0.54 to -0.58). CONCLUSIONS: General exercises performed in water, as opposed to those performed on land, are more effective in terms of the functional-postural retations in women after breast cancer.

Effect of Physical Training on the Levels of Sex Hormones and the Expression of Their Receptors in Rats With Induced Mammary Cancer in Secondary Prevention Model - Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women worldwide. In previous work, we presented results of physical activity in primary prevention in a model of induced mammary gland cancer. In the present study, we assessed the influence of physical activity on sex hormone levels (estradiol and progesterone) and the expression of their receptors (ER, PR), as well as the level of apoptosis of tumor cells in secondary prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty 1-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injection of 180 mg/kg body weight of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) for tumor induction. Three months after the administration of MNU, rats were divided into four groups: low-intensity, moderate-intensity, and high-intensity physical training groups (combined as PT) and a sedentary control (SC) group. Physical training was conducted 5 days per week with a three-position treadmill according to a precisely described protocol. The entire training was completed by 32 rats from which tissue and blood were collected for further analysis. Immunohistochemistry for ER and PR expression, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling method for detection of apoptosis, and enzyme-linked fluorescent assay for detection of plasma hormone levels (estradiol and progesterone) were performed. Statistical analysis used p<0.05 as the significance level. RESULTS: Significantly stronger expression of ER and PR was found in the SC in comparison to the PT group (p=0.035 and p=0.036, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found in estradiol or progesterone concentrations between SC and PT groups. Apoptosis was non-significantly increased in the PT group in comparison with the SC group. Stronger apoptosis in the PT group correlated positively with the level of training intensity (r=0.35, p=0.05). CONCLUSION: Physical training may reduce ER and PR expression in breast cancer cells, and reduce cell sensitivity to pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of estrogens, ultimately leading to apoptosis.

Does Daily Physical Activity Level Determine the Physical Efficiency of Children After Treatment of Leukemia?

The aim of the study was to assess daily physical activity level and its influence on the physical efficiency of children after the treatment of leukemia. The study was comprised of 34 children (23 boys and 11 girls) after the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia or myeloid leukemia (mean age of 11.29 ± 2.81 years, mean body height of 146.88 ± 16.11 cm, and mean body weight of 43.68 ± 13.93 kg). The mean time since treatment completion was 3.09 ± 1.80 years. The level of physical activity was assessed with the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children questionnaire (HBSC). Physical efficiency was assessed based on the palant ball throw (assessment of strength, coordination, and upper limb speed), the long jump (assessment of jumping ability, speed and coordination) and the 60 m run (assessment of speed). Measurements of motor skills were normalized, classified according to age and sex, and converted into grades. The mean values obtained in the run and the ball throw showed low pass grades in the study group. In the case of the long jump, satisfactory grades were obtained. A correlation of r = 0.512 was found between vigorous physical activity (HBSC 3) and the grade in the run. A correlation of r = -0.437 was observed between the duration of computer use in leisure time (HBSC 6) and the grade in the long jump, whereas correlations of r = -0.482 and -0.485 were noted between the number hours per week spent on games (HBSC 5) and the duration of computer use in leisure time (HBSC 6) and the grade obtained in the ball throw, respectively. In addition, different levels of physical activity and physical efficiency were demonstrated depending on the time elapsed since treatment completion. Supervised programs promoting daily physical activity should include children after the treatment of leukemia. These programs should also be aimed at improving their physical efficiency.

Using Thermography in the Diagnostics of Lymphedema: Pilot Study.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of thermography in the diagnosis of lymphedema. Methods: The study included 43 women after axillary dissection caused by breast cancer, whose mean age was 64.4 ± 7.8 years. The subjects were divided into two groups, with the criterion for division being the appearance of secondary lymphedema. The size of lymphedema was verified by Limb Volumes Professional 5.0; body surface temperatures were registered using a thermal camera. Results: In the control group, the difference in the volume of the limb on the operated side and the contralateral limb was 7.5 ± 77.7 mL (3.6%). The temperature on the nonoperated side tended to be higher than on the opposite side. In the test group, the difference in size between the limbs was 54.5 ± 312.7 mL (29.3%). In the case of mild or moderate edema, a reverse tendency was observed. While measuring the difference in the mean surface temperatures of both limbs belonging to two groups, a significance of differences at the level of p = 0.04 was observed. Moreover, a negative Spearman correlation coefficient (-0.34) was observed between the size of secondary lymphedema and the surface temperature. Conclusion: Noninvasive thermography can provide a valuable supplementary tool in the diagnostics of secondary lymphedema.

Physical Activity and Quality of Life of Healthy Children and Patients with Hematological Cancers.

The aim was to assess the level of physical activity and the quality of life of children undergoing cancer treatment, during and after the completion of the treatment. Eighty-eight children aged 11-15 were enrolled. Three groups of children were assessed, i.e., children undergoing cancer treatment (n = 30), children after cancer treatment (n = 28), and healthy children (n = 30). The level of physical activity in children was assessed using the questions from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) questionnaire. The assessment of children's quality of life was conducted using the KIDSCREEN-10 Index. The chi-square test was used to assess the statistical significance of the differences in the results between the study groups in the case of both HBSC and KIDSCREEN-10 questionnaires. Children undergoing cancer treatment did not perform any physical activity of at least 60 min (in total) per day, during the week. Therefore, they did not meet the recommendations related to the appropriate level of daily physical activity (Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity; MVPA). Children after cancer treatment and healthy children significantly more frequently undertook physical activity. The quality of life of children with cancer is significantly lower and different from the quality of life of healthy children.