Fatigue based on the subjective feeling of people representing selected medical professions.

OBJECTIVES: Fatigue can be the result of overexertion and overload. It occurs when the burdened body does not have enough time for regeneration and biological renewal. The aim of this study was analysis of fatigue based on the subjective feeling in physiotherapists, nurses, and paramedics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research covered 193 women and 107 men aged 30-60 years, including 100 physiotherapists, 100 nurses and 100 paramedics with higher education, employed in clinics and hospitals in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, Poland. The research tool of choice was 30-item Research Committee on Industrial Fatigue Fatigue Scale, adapted into the Polish language by Paluch. The data were analyzed based on ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS: Values determining frequency of decrease in activity were higher in nurses than in physiotherapists (p < 0.001) and paramedics (p = 0.005). Physiotherapists and nurses showed statistically significant positive associations of all fatigue indices with age and seniority. Sex-related differences in the frequency of physical fatigue symptoms have been noted (p = 0.044). Among people working in outpatient clinics and hospitals there were statistically significant differences in the frequency of decrease in activity (p = 0.001) and general level of fatigue (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: In nurses and physiotherapists, the frequency of experiencing ailments increases with age and work experience. This suggests that in the case of these professions it is important to quick identification of signs of fatigue and taking actions to prevent its worsening. Women experience fatigue more often, so they especially need to take steps to prevent and, if necessary, treat this condition. Hospitals should be an area of special involvement in the process of implementing programs to counteract fatigue of employees in the medical services sector. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(1):72-83.

Variability of foot growth in width in relation to length among 3-year-old girls and boys.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to analyze the length and width of the feet and the mutual rate of growth of these features in 3-year-old girls and boys classified into age categories taking into account the semi-annual division. METHODS: The study covered 800 children (400 girls and 400 boys) aged 3. The CQ-ST podoscope was applied as the research tool. The data were analyzed based on Student's t-test for independent samples, Mann-Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon test and simple regression. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the width of the right and left feet, for both girls (1st group: p<0.001; 2nd group: p = 0.006) and boys (1st group: p<0.001; 2nd group: p<0.001), in the absence of differences in length. In the regression models created for the results of girls and boys classified into age categories, the coefficients of determination ranged from R2= 0.24 to R2= 0.48. CONCLUSIONS: The right and left feet of the examined girls and boys are characterized by symmetry in terms of length, while in terms of width, the left feet are larger than the right ones. In girls, the width of the foot increases proportionally by about 67-69% of the length, while in boys, the increase in foot width is 49-61% of the growth in length. In boys classified to the 2nd group, the growth of the foot in width in relation to its lenght in length is smaller than in the 1st group.

Tarsus and knee setting in children at the final stage of early childhood taking into account the six-month age ranges.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to analyze the tarsus and knee setting in 3-year-old girls and boys, taking into account the six-month age ranges. METHODS: The study involved 800 children (400 girls, 400 boys) recruited from randomly selected preschools in the in the Podkarpackie voivodeship. Study group was divided into two age ranges: 1st group (children aged 3.00-3.49 years) and 2nd group (children aged 3.50-3.99 years). Baseline goniometer (Fei Fabrication, Ltd., USA) was used as primary research tool. The data were analyzed based on Mann-Whitney U-test and Student's t-test for independent samples. RESULTS: Sex differences concern only the tibio-calcaneal angle in children in the 2nd age group (right: p < 0.001) and left p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences in both girls (right lower limb: p = 0.003; left lower limb: p = 0.002), and boys (right lower limb: p = 0.001; left lower limb: p = 0.001) were found. CONCLUSIONS: Boys were characterized by greater valgus of the tarsus of the right and left foot than girls. Knees of girls and boys in the 1st age group were characterized by greater valgus, compared to children from the 2nd age group.

Impact of length and width of footwear on foot structure of preschool-aged children.

Background: Due to the dynamics of developmental changes, the preschool age is of crucial importance for the later health and efficiency of the feet. The aim of this study was the analysis of the fitting of indoor footwear and its impact on the features of the foot structure in 6-year-old children. Methods: The study group consisted of 100 children, including 50 girls and 50 boys at the age of 6 years. The applied device was the CQ-ST podoscope and the Clevermess. The data were analyzed based on Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test and regression analysis. Results: About 60% of children wore correctly fitted shoes in terms of length and width. Multiple regression models with two variables explaining the variance of the Clarke's angle were statistically significant for girls (right foot: p < 0.001 and left foot: p = 0.009), and boys (right foot: p < 0.001 and left foot: p < 0.001). The influence of predictive variables on the values of the heel angle (γ) was statistically significant for girls (right foot: p < 0.001 and left foot: p < 0.001) and boys (right foot p < 0.001 and left foot: p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both in the case of girls and boys, the frequency of using too long and too wide shoes was higher in relation to the frequency of using too short and too narrow shoes. The length and width of the shoes affected the length and width of the footwear both in girls and boys. The longer and wider the shoes, the lower the height of the arch. Longer shoes are accompanied by a greater transverse arch, and wider ones with a lower transverse arch of the foot.

Relationships between the Perception of Footwear Comfort and the Fear of Falls in People at the Early Period of Old Age.

Objective: The present study aimed to analyze the relationships between the perceptions of footwear comfort with fear of falls in younger-old women and men. Participants: the population sample involved 100 free-living community dwellers aged 65−74. Design: the Falls Efficacy Scale-International and a visual analogue scale to assess perception of footwear comfort were used as research tools. Results: there were statistically significant differences in the FES-I results in people who suffered a fall in the last year compared to those who did not experience a fall (p < 0.001), as well as in the subjective assessment of mediolateral control in people who have suffered and have not suffered a fall in the last year (p = 0.033). In women, statistically significant relationships were found in the subjective assessment of shoe comfort in terms of arch height (p = 0.025) and material properties of the footwear (p = 0.036) with the results of FES-I. Conclusions: People who have fallen show a higher level of fear of falling. The assessment of footwear comfort in terms of mediolateral control was lower in the younger-old who had experienced a fall in the last year. In women, a worse assessment of arch height and material properties of the footwear is accompanied by greater fear of falling.

Effect of Longitudinal and Transverse Foot Arch on the Position of the Hallux and Fifth Toe in Preschool Children in the Light of Regression Analysis.

The aim of the study was to analyze the development of foot structure and the impact of longitudinal and transverse arching of the foot on the position of the hallux and fifth toe in preschool children. The study was carried out among 200 children aged 6 (100 G, 100 B). The research tool was the podoscope CQ-ST. The collected research results were analyzed with the use of the Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson Chi-square test and regression analysis. A statistically significant influence of the heel angle on the value of the varus angle of the fifth toe of the right (girls: p = 0.032; boys: p = 0.001) and left foot (girls: p = 0.004; boys: p = 0.005) was found. Boys' feet are longer and wider than girls' feet; moreover, they have a lower longitudinal arch. The frequency of longitudinal and transverse arch deformities of the feet, as well as valgus of the hallux and varus of the fifth toe do not depend on gender. In both sexes, decreasing the transverse arch of the foot has an influence on the severity of varus of the fifth toe. Changes in the height of the longitudinal foot arch does not affect the position of the hallux and fifth toe.

Foot Structure of Girls and Boys in the Final Stage of Early Childhood Taking into Account the Half-Yearly Age Ranges.

The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of foot structure in girls and boys in the final stage of early childhood, taking into account the half-yearly age ranges. The study was carried out among 800 children aged 3. The research tool was the podoscope CQ-ST. The collected research results were analyzed with the use of Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Statistically significant sex differences in the length of the right and left foot, the width of the right and left foot and Clarke's angle of the right and left foot in each of the identified age groups were found. There were statistically significant differences in the length of the right and left foot, the width of the right and left foot, and the Clarke's angle of the right and left foot were noted separately in girls and boys. Sexual dimorphism in foot length, foot width, and Clarke's angle occurs in 3-year-old children. In each of the age groups, boys are characterized by longer and wider, and lower arched right and left foot. Characteristic features differentiating children in the 1st and 2nd age group are foot length, foot width and Clarke's angle. Girls and boys in the 2nd age group have longer and wider, and higher arched right and left feet. This indicates a high dynamic of increases in the value of these features.

Perception of footwear comfort and its relationship with the foot structure among youngest-old women and men.

BACKGROUND: Adequate footwear comfort and functionality are important regardless of age, but they become particularly important in the youngest-old women and men, mainly due to the fact that this age range is the initial period of old age with changes in shoe preferences. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of footwear comfort and its relationship with the feet structure in youngest-old women and men. METHODS: The cross-sectional study covered community dwellers living on their own aged 65-74 years (50 women; 50 men). The feet characteristics were measured using the CQ-ST podoscope (Electronic System, Ltd, EU), and the perception of footwear comfort was assessed with a visual analogue scale. The assessment took into account gender-specific footwear of a certain brand (Befado Dr orto). RESULTS: Statistically significant intergender differences were observed in the perception of footwear comfort with respect to the shoe heel width (p = 0.022), the arch height (p = 0.013), the overall comfort (p = 0.049) and the material properties of the footwear (p = 0.017). In women, there were statistically significant positive relationships among the heel angle (γ) and the perception of footwear comfort in terms of heel cushioning (p = 0.021), forefoot cushioning (p = 0.015), arch height (p = 0.029). In men, there was a statistically significant negative relationship of the left foot Clarke's angle with the heel height (p = 0.043), and a positive relationship between the right foot width and the arch height (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Youngest-old women, compared to men of the same age range, have a higher perception of shoe comfort in terms of the shoe heel width, the arch height, the overall comfort of the footwear and the material properties of the footwear. The appropriate profile and construction of the shoe allows for an increase in the contact surface of the foot with the shoe, hence the improvement in the perception of footwear comfort in people with lowered arch or widened forefoot.

The impact of functional excess of footwear on the foot shape of 7-year-old girls and boys.

BACKGROUND: Properly fitted shoes can support the development of growing feet and prevent problems and pathologies, not only in childhood, but also in adulthood. This points to the need to conduct research on the impact of shoe fitting on the structure of the foot in order to raise awareness and importance of this problem, to enable proper decisions regarding the purchase and use of shoes. The aim of this study was to analyze indoor footwear fit and its impact on foot structure in 7-year-old schoolchildren. METHODS: The CQ-ST podoscope and the Clevermess device were used for measurements. The analysis was carried out using the Mann Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Chi-square test, regression analysis. RESULTS: About 40% of girls and boys had shoes that were incorrectly fitted in length, while as many as 74% of girls and 66% of boys wore shoes that were incorrectly fitted in width. Regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant influence of the footwear length on longitudinal arch of the right and left foot and the transverse arch of the right foot. In boys, the length of the shoes shows associations with the right and left hallux valgus angle. CONCLUSION: A significant percentage of the studied 7-year-olds, regardless of gender, wears inappropriately fitted shoes. In both sexes, the length of the footwear influenced the longitudinal arch of the right and left foot and the transverse arch of the right foot. Due to the deformity of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, the boys with hallux valgus require footwear which is wider and therefore their shoes need to be bigger in size.

Postural stability at different heights as well as in natural standing position and during tandem stance in female athletes who practice artistic gymnastics.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was the assessment of postural stability at different heights as well as in natural standing position and during tandem stance in female athletes who practice artistic gymnastics. METHODS: The study comprised 34 athletes aged 8-12, practicing artistic gymnastics at a sports club "Korona Kraków". The research tool was CQ-Stab 2P two-platform posturograph. The elevation was achieved using the Light SPL platform. The data were analyzed based on Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS: The height at which the posturograph was set differentiated the path length of the statokinesiogram, both in the natural stance ( p = 0.035) and tandem stance ( p = 0.012). When the posturograph was placed on the floor, statistically significantly higher sway area delimited by the COP point ( p < 0.001), statokinesiogram path length ( p < 0.001), mean amplitude of COP displacement ( p < 0.001) and mean frequency of COP displacement ( p = 0.048) values were recorded in the tandem stance position. On the other hand, when the posturograph was placed on a landing, statistically significantly higher sway area delimited by the COP point ( p < 0.001), statokinesiogram path length ( p < 0.001) and mean frequency of COP displacement ( p < 0.001) values were recorded in the tandem stance position. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing height was accompanied by deterioration of stability indices. Postural stability improves with training experience.

Influence of footwear fitting on feet morphology in 9 year old girls.

BACKGROUND: The human foot is shaped throughout all life in a way that is individual for every human being. Footwear fitting in the process of foot development is the issue covered by a limited range of empirical studies. This prompted the authors to undertake this subject of the study aimed at the influence of fitting of regularly worn inside the school footwear on feet morphology in primary schoolgirls. METHODS: The study group comprised 100 girls aged 9. Feet characteristics were recorded by CQ-ST podoscope. The footwear fitting to the feet of the examined girls was tested using the Clevermess device. The data were analyzed based on the Student's t test, Wilcoxon test and regression analysis. RESULTS: Appropriately fitted right indoor footwear was worn by 48% of the subjects while the left one by 43% of the group. Appropriate fitting in relation to the left and right foot width was noted in 23% of the group. The statistically significant combined effect of predictors characterizing footwear on the value of Wejsflog index of the right (p < 0.001) and left (p < 0.001) foot and influence of the length excess on the heel angle of the left foot (p = 0.006) were found. CONCLUSIONS: Most examined girls wear poorly fitted indoor footwear. The length excess of the indoor footwear has connections with the Wejsflog index of the right and left foot and the heel angle of the left foot. The larger the length excess, the lower the transverse arch. In the production of indoor footwear the differences in the feet width should be taken into account.

Impact of footwear fitting on foot shape in primary schoolgirls.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to analyze the footwear fitting and its impact on foot construction features in primary schoolgirls. METHODS: The study group was comprised of 100 girls aged 9 years. The study relied on the CQ-ST podoscope and the Clevermess device for pertinent measurements. The data were analyzed based on the Mann-Whitney U-test, multiple regression analysis and simple regression. RESULTS: Too short right footwear had 37% of the girls and the left - 38% of the girls, while too long shoes were worn respectively by: 14% of the girls and 15% of the girls. Too wide footwear in relation to the right foot width had 45% of the group and in relation to the left foot: 41% of the group. Too narrow right shoes had 23% of the group and the left - 32% of the group. Statistically significant influence of the excess of outdoor footwear width was found on the Clarke's angle values ( p = 0.041), the fifth toe setting of the right foot ( p = 0.015) and Wejsflog index of the left foot ( p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Most 9-year-old girls wear poorly fitted outdoor footwear. Appropriately selected footwear in terms of the width facilitates the formation of foot architecture, but wearing too wide footwear increases the risk of hollow feet and the varus deformity of the fifth toe.

Physical Activity of Women After Radical Unilateral Mastectomy and Its Impact on Overall Quality of Life.

Radical unilateral mastectomy is an acknowledged source of traumatic experience for women, adversely affecting their behavioral and emotional paradigm. The present study aimed to assess the quality of life in physically active and inactive postmastectomy women. Population sample involved 100 women, aged 50 to 60 years, having undergone radical unilateral mastectomy, allocated into 2 groups, upon assumption of undertaking physical activity. The abbreviated version of WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was a research tool of choice. The data were analyzed with the aid of χ2 test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Statistically significant dependence was established between physical activity actually pursued and self-assessment of overall quality of life (P = .014) and overall the self-rated perception of health (P < .001). In the group of physically inactive women, physical health was a variable dependent upon individual level of education (P = .031). The highest scores in this domain were noted in the women boasting secondary education, whereas the lowest in the ones with vocational education. Social domain was the highest rated aspect of quality of life in both the physically active and inactive postmastectomy women, while the physical health domain was rated the lowest. Both in the case of physically active and inactive postmastectomy women, the quality of life in the respective domains, as listed in the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, was found independent of the living environment.

Inter-gender differences in the formation of anteroposterior spinal curvatures in people practicing ballroom dancing.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to assess the formation of the spinal anteroposterior curvatures in people practicing ballroom dancing. METHODS: The study group comprised 98 people practicing ballroom dancing (58 W, 40 M; aged 35-45 years). Digital inclinometer "Baseline" was used as primary research tool. The data were analyzed based on Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test and Pearson Chi-square test. RESULTS: Statistically significant inter-gender differences were in the values of angles determining inclination of lumbosacral section of the spine ( p < 0.001), the lumbar lordosis curvature ( p < 0.001) as well as the compensation ratio ( p = 0.002). Statistically significant dependences between the types body posture and gender ( p = 0.005) were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Women practicing ballroom dancing are distinguished with increased inclination of lumbosacral section of the spine and deeper lumbar lordosis, while men are characterized with shallowed lumbar lordosis. Women are more likely to have lordotic body posture while men are characterized by balanced body posture. The prevalence of body posture subtypes is not dependent on gender.

The level of body balance in standing position and handstand in seniors athletes practicing artistic gymnastics.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare the values of selected stability indices registered in the trials in standing with eyes open and without visual control, and in handstand in athletes practicing gymnastics at the highest level of advancement. METHODS: The study included 20 athletes practicing gymnastics. The research tool was posturograph CQ-Stab 2P. The results obtained in individual trials were compared using Friedman repeated measures analysis of variance by ranks and then subjected to Dunn post-hoc test with Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in the values of stability indices recorded in individual samples were found. Exceptions are the results obtained in the trials with eyes open and without visual control with regard to the size of the surface area delineated by the COP (p = 0.173) and the frequency of corrective reactions (p = 0.464), as well as the length of the statokinesiogram path in the mediolateral direction (p = 0.342), mean velocity of COP movement in the mediolateral direction (p = 0.246), maximal amplitude of the COP in the mediolateral direction (p = 0.342) and number of COP displacements in the mediolateral direction (p = 0.246). CONCLUSIONS: In seniors, disabling visual control during free standing as well as adopting a handstand position result in deterioration of the stability indices, which is a resultant of the COP displacement in both directions as well as in the anteroposterior direction. Lack of differences in the values of stability indices in the mediolateral direction suggest that in a free standing position, seniors practicing gymnastics control the movement of the center of foot pressure in the mediolateral direction and eye control is not important for the stability of the body in the frontal plane.

Foot Deformities in Women Are Associated with Wearing High-Heeled Shoes.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the association between foot deformities and type of shoe regularly worn at work. MATERIAL AND METHODS We studied 150 employed women ages 30-40 years and divided them into 3 groups according to type of footwear worn: women in Group I wore flat-soled shoes, women in Group II wore mid-heeled shoes (heels 4.0±0.5 cm), and women in Group III wore high-heeled shoes (heels 10.0±0.5 cm). We used the CQ-ST podoscope for measurements. RESULTS We found significant differences in right foot γ angle between Groups I and III (p=0.033) and between Groups II and III (p=0.040). For the left foot, differences were noted between Groups I and III (p=0.012). Group III subjects had higher values of alpha angle compared to Group I (p=0.000) and Group II (p=0.000). Significant correlations were also found between specific type of footwear worn and the incidence of hallux valgus of the right foot (p=0.010) and left foot (p=0.000), and the varus deformity of the fifth toe (ß) of the left foot (p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS The feet of women wearing high-heeled shoes were significantly flatter transversely, with a more laterally flexed hallux, as compared to those wearing low-heeled or flat-soled shoes. Wearing high-heeled shoes was associated with higher incidence of hallux valgus. The incidence of varus deformity of the fifth toe was associated with wearing high-heeled shoes.

Balance in handstand and postural stability in standing position in athletes practicing gymnastics.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare and analyse of relationships between stability indices registered in two positions: standing and handstand in athletes practicing gymnastics at various levels of advancement. METHODS: The study included 46 athletes practicing gymnastics. The research tool was posturograph CQ-Stab 2P. RESULTS: In both standing position and handstand in the seniors there were statistically significantly lower values of such indicators as: sway area delimited by the center of pressure ( p = 0.004, p = 0.014), mean amplitude of COP ( p = 0.021, p = 0.017), mean displacement of the center of feet/hands pressure in medio-lateral direction ( p = 0.011, p = 0.003) and maximal displacement of the center of feet/hands pressure in mediolateral direction ( p = 0.036, p = 0.036). In the standing position, seniors also had statistically significantly lower values of the statokinesiogram path length, both total ( p = 0.000) as well as in anteroposterior ( p = 0.001) and mediolateral ( p = 0.002) directions. In the seniors group there were statistically significant correlations between variables obtained in standing position and handstand. CONCLUSIONS: The level of sport advancement significantly differentiates the stability of a body in standing position and handstand. The seniors practicing gymnastics, compared to juniors, are characterized by a better ability to control the position of the body in both positions. The lack of relationships between stability indices registered in standing and handstand in juniors suggests that the analysis of the values of stability indices obtained in a standing position does not provide the possibility of predicting the ability to maintain balance in the handstand during the recruitment of candidates for gymnastics.

Prof. Eugeniusz Piasecki's Contribution to the Development of Polish Physiotherapy.

Based on source materials, this article presents the activity of Prof. Eugeniusz Piasecki towards the development of physiotherapy in Poland. After completing his studies at the Faculty of Medicine of Jagiellonian University and a pedagogical course in physical education for gymnastics teachers at secondary schools and teacher training centres, he went to Vienna to deepen his knowledge of medical gymnastics and hydrotherapy. During a scientific trip to Sweden, he became acquainted with Pehr Henrique Ling's method. In the years 1900-1916, E. Piasecki ran a healing gymnastics, orthopaedics and massage facility in Lviv. He was also active in the "Sokol" Gymnastic Society and worked in the gymnasiums owned by his father Wenanty Piasecki in Cracow and Zakopane. At the University of Lviv he taught school hygiene, theory of physical education as well as conducting research and teaching in the physiology of exercise. There he also obtained his habilitation in 1909. His overarching objective was to eliminate German gymnastics, which he considered harmful, from schools in Galicia. Instead, he advocated Swedish gymnastics, based on scientific evidence and anatomo-physiological analysis of each movement. His research focused, among others, on the effect of various physical exercises on the cardio-respiratory and osteo-articular systems in children. The results of E. Piasecki's studies were the basis for a critical evalu-ation of the irrational strength exercises of German gymnastics. He endeavoured to promote physical education as much as possible, adapting it to the specific needs of schools, hospitals and spas. As head of the Department of Theory of Physical Education and School Hygiene (since 1919) and then the Institute of Physical Education (since 1924) at Poznan University, together with Prof. Ireneusz Wierzejewski, Dr Wiktor Dega,Ph.D., and Dr Franciszek Raszej, Ph.D., he laid the foundations of rehabilitation in Poland. Thanks to him, the Poznan centre carried out research in medical gymnastics and massage, preparing specialists in the area of corrective exercises and, later, physiotherapy in Poland.

Inter-gender differences of balance indicators in persons 60-90 years of age.

INTRODUCTION: Precision of movements responsible for maintaining balance deteriorates with age due to natural involutionary processes, thus prompting a research question whether the values of gender-related stability indicators might differ significantly among the study subjects over 60 years of age. METHODS: The study group comprised 136 seniors (89 women, 47 men; aged 60-90 years). The CQ-Stab 2P 2-platform posturograph was used as the main research device, whereas the Mann-Whitney U-test was used to evaluate the gender-related differences in the average level of variables. RESULTS: In the open-eye test, significant gender-related differences were observed with regard to the statokinesiogram's path length in the mediolateral (ML) direction in the subjects aged 60-69 years (p=0.004), mean frequency of center of pressure (COP) displacement and number of COP displacements in the ML direction in the subjects aged 70-79 years (p=0.028, p=0.019), and mean COP displacement in the anteroposterior (AP) direction in the subjects aged 80-90 years (p=0.026). When the subjects were deprived of visual control, gender-related differences were observed with regard to the mean frequency of COP displacement, number of COP displacements in the ML direction in the subjects aged 60-69 years (p=0.045, p=0.049), and the statokinesiogram's path length in the AP direction in the subjects aged 70-79 years (p=0.015). In the oldest age group, the differences were noted in the statokinesiogram's path length in the AP direction (p=0.001), a sway area delimited by the COP point (p=0.003), range of AP stability (p<0.001), and range of ML stability (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: Gender-related differences affecting postural stability were found in the elderly. Men were characterized by a lower level of postural stability when compared with women. This highlights the need to have the gender-related differences taken into account, when developing various preventive and therapeutic programs specifically aimed at compensating certain involution-dependent deficits.

Foot Structure in Boys with Down Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Down syndrome (DS) is associated with numerous developmental abnormalities, some of which cause dysfunctions of the posture and the locomotor system. The analysis of selected features of the foot structure in boys with DS versus their peers without developmental disorders is done. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The podoscopic examination was performed on 30 boys with DS aged 14-15 years. A control group consisted of 30 age- and gender-matched peers without DS. RESULTS: The feet of boys with DS are flatter compared to their healthy peers. The hallux valgus angle is not the most important feature differentiating the shape of the foot in the boys with DS and their healthy peers. In terms of the V toe setting, healthy boys had poorer results. CONCLUSIONS: Specialized therapeutic treatment in individuals with DS should involve exercises to increase the muscle strength around the foot joints, enhancing the stabilization in the joints and proprioception. Introducing orthotics and proper footwear is also important. It is also necessary to monitor the state of the foot in order to modify undertaken therapies.