Psychometric Features of the Polish Version of TSK Heart in Elderly Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

Background and objectives: Recommendations for the control of stable patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) related to an adequate level of physical activity (PA). Practical experience shows that the PA level in most people with CAD is definitely too low in relation to the guidelines. The cause may be psychological factors and among them the fear of movement-kinesiophobia. The aim of this project was to examine the evaluation of psychometric features of the Polish version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Heart (TSK Heart), used in people with CAD. Materials and methods: The study involved 287 patients with stable CAD: 112 women and 175 men. Age: 63.50 (SD = 11.49) years. Kinesiophobia was assessed using TSK Heart, physical activity (PA)-using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and anxiety and depression was examined using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The structure of TSK was examined using principal component analysis (PCA), internal cohesion (Cronbach's alpha, AC), and content validity was calculated by linear regression. Results: PCA showed a three-factor TSK structure. One-dimensionality and satisfactory reliability were found: TSK Heart: AC = 0.878. Kinesiophobia as a predictor of PA: R2 = 0.162 (p = 0.000000). Anxiety and depression-TSK: R2 = 0.093 (p = 0.00000). Conclusions: The Polish version of TSK Heart for cardiac patients is characterized by good psychometric features. The use of it can improve the cooperation of rehabilitation teams for patients with CAD.

Affective Disorder and Functional Status as well as Selected Sociodemographic Characteristics in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease and History of Stroke.

The main arguments in support of researching anxiety and depression in patients with chronic somatic diseases are the prevalence of affective disorders in the population, somatic conditions as risk factors of affective disorders and the search for effective preventative and therapeutic strategies. The aim of the study was to determine the association between the functional status, selected sociodemographic characteristics and prevalence as well as severity of anxiety and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD) and history of stroke (S). Material and methods: Eighty participants (44 women and 36 men) with MS (n = 22), PD (n = 31) and history of stroke (n = 27) were enrolled. All participants completed a questionnaire consisting of metrics, the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Fifty-five per cent of all participants did not present with anxiety or depression, 20% scored above the diagnostic threshold on the anxiety scale and 26% scored above the diagnostic threshold on the depression scale. Subgroup analysis revealed that anxiety and depression sufferers were 13.64% and 13.64% of MS patients, respectively; 22.58% and 35.48% of PD patients, respectively; and 22.22% and 25.93% of stroke survivors, respectively. There was a significant correlation between depression and independence level in the entire group and between depression and marital status in stroke survivors. Conclusions: Although depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in patients with neurological conditions, the disorder has a very individual nature and is not associated with the patient's age, duration of a condition or concomitant diseases. Screening for depression and anxiety as a part of comprehensive approach may increase treatment efficacy in neurological patients.

High Physical Activity Level May Reduce Menopausal Symptoms.

Background and Objectives: Menopause is a normal physiological change occurring at a woman's mid-life. During this time, women experience vasomotor, physical and physiological problems, which reduce their quality of life. Many women are searching for different, alternative methods to reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms. Physical activity (PA) is one of the recommended methods to reduce menopausal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between specific domains (physical activity during leisure time, at work, during transportation and household activities) and the menopausal symptoms. Materials and Methods: We included 305 women aged 40-65 in the study. All participants were divided into three groups according to menopausal status. The research tools used were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess physical activity level in four domains and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms. The data analysis was performed by Chi-square test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tuckey test. Results: Menopausal stage was significantly associated with the total MRS score (p < 0.001) and specifically the urogenital and somato-vegetative subscores (p < 0.001). Physical activity was significantly associated (p < 0.001) with leisure time (according to IPAQ domains). Most postmenopausal women had high PA level (59.66%). Significantly less women with high PA levels had severe urogenital symptoms: 10.82% of participant with a low PA level, 11.15% with a moderate PA level and 4.26% with a high PA level (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Physical activity during leisure time is associated to menopausal symptoms in Polish women. Women with high and moderate PA levels have less severe menopausal symptoms compared to inactive women. Middle-aged women with low PA levels at work suffer from more severe somato-vegetative symptoms.

Efficiency of lung ventilation for people performing wind instruments.

BACKGROUND: Wind instruments musicians are particularly prone to excessive respiratory efforts. Prolonged wind instruments performing may lead to changes in respiratory tracts and thus to respiratory muscles overload. It may result in decreasing lung tissue pliability and, as a consequence, in emphysema. Aim of the research has been to describe basic spirometric parameters for wind players and causes of potential changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Slow and forced spirometry with the use of Micro Lab Viasys (Micro Medical, Great Britain) was conducted on 31 wind musicians (group A). A survey concerning playing time and frequency, weight of instruments, and education on diaphragmatic breathing was conducted. The control group included 34 healthy persons at similar age (group B). The results were statistically described using Excel and Statistica programmes. RESULTS: The respiratory parameters were within the range of physiological norms and forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) exceeded in both groups the values of 100%. Forced vital capacity and expiratory vital capacity (EVC) values were significantly lower in the group of musicians than in the control group (p < 0.001). In 45% the group A used diaphragmatic breathing, in 31% of examinees mixed respiratory tract was observed. The significant discrepancy of individual parameters was obtained regarding age and the length of time when performing wind instrument. CONCLUSIONS: Spirometric parameters relative to standards may prove a good respiratory capacity. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) and FEV1 may indicate that a proper technique of respiration during performance was acquired. The length of time when performing wind instrument may influence parameters of dynamic spirometry. Med Pr 2016;67(4):427-433.

The role of physical activity in preventing obesity in midlife women.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is one of the most common nutrition-related disorders worldwide and one of the major health problems in menopausal women, which significantly worsens the quality of life and can lead to severe diseases or even premature death. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between physical activity in different domains undertaken by menopausal women while performing daily activities and their body mass index (BMI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on a random sample of 400 healthy Polish women aged 45-55. The questionnaire contained questions concerning the respondents' socio-economic status, medical history and the long format of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. RESULTS: Fifty-one percent (50.6%) of women had normal body mass, 43.75% of respondents were overweighed and 5.65% of women were obese. A moderate physical activity level was presented by most midlife women in domestic and garden domain, active transportation and leisure time. Pearson's correlation showed that such factors as age, education and physical activity level in different domains have a significant correlation with BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Most respondents presented a moderate physical activity level in all domains except work, where the respondents had a high physical activity (PA) level. A high PA level especially at work (r = -0.5788) and during leisure time (r = -0.5175) strongly correlate with lower BMI.

[Sports training and circulating adipokine levels]. / Trening sportowy a stezenia krazacych adipokin.

The beneficial effect of regular moderate physical activity on metabolic profile is well documented. Sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor of excessive visceral fat accumulation, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease development. However, intensive training in athletes may be related to unfavorable changes in secretion of adipose tissue hormones and constitute a link in the pathogenesis of hormonal disturbances observed in athletes. In this paper we review the recently published data concerning the impact of sports training on circulating adipokine levels in athletes.

The effect of regular fitness training, sex hormones, and turnover of selected bone markers on sclerostin levels in young women.

Introduction: Regular physical activity (PA) is a recognized factor stimulating bone formation. In recent years, osteocytes have been shown to be involved in the metabolism of bone tissue in addition to osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of regular fitness training, sex hormones, and selected bone turnover markers on sclerostin levels in young women. Material and methods: The cross-sectional study involved 78 women including 39 who regularly engaged in fitness training (for 1 h three times a week for 3 months) and 39 leading a sedentary lifestyle. Anthropometric measurements and glucose, lipids, insulin, estradiol, testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), vitamin D, osteocalcin, ß isomer of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ß-CTx) and sclerostin levels were measured. Results: Activity of women (study group) who were on a high level of PA ranged between 2262 and 6606 MET/min/week (mean, 3843.16; SD = 1230). All of the control group were on low level of PA (198-1617 MET/min/week; mean, 841.06; SD = 302.01). Significantly higher levels of iPTH and ß-CTx were observed in the study than in the control group (p < 0.01). We did not observe differences in vitamin D (p > 0.12), osteocalcin (p > 0.23), or sclerostin levels (p > 0.37) between groups. There were significant negative correlations between log10 sclerostin and log10 DHEA levels (r = -0.24; p < 0.05). A multivariate stepwise backward linear regression model for sclerostin as an independent variable, with the explanatory variables physical activity, estradiol, testosterone, and DHEA levels, did not reveal any effect on changes of sclerostin levels. The model with the explanatory variables vitamin D, iPTH, ß-CTx, and osteocalcin also did not show effects on changes of sclerostin levels. Conclusions: Our results show that regular fitness training, sex hormones, vitamin D, iPTH, ß-CTx, and osteocalcin did not influence circulating sclerostin levels in young women.

[State of nutrition and diet habits versus estradiol level and its changes in the pre-season preparatory period for the league contest match in female handball and basketball players]. / Stan odzywienia i zwyczaje zywieniowe a stezenie estradiolu w surowicy i jego zmiany w czasie okresu przygotowawczego do sezonu rozgrywek ligowych u pilkarek recznych i koszykarek.

BACKGROUND: Intense exercise is known to induce menstrual disturbances--irregular menstrual cycles, oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea in female athletes. Menstrual disturbances, followed by hypoestrogenism, are associated with infertility decreased bone mineral density high prevalence of stress fractures, and endothelial dysfunction. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of nutrition and diet habits on the estradiol level and its changes in the pre-season preparatory period for the league contest match in female handball and basketball players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty healthy young female handball and basketball players were enrolled into the study before the opening of the season, after a 2-month holiday period, without regular physical activity and diet restrictions. Serum estradiol was determined at the beginning and after 3 months of moderate aerobic training. Each woman was studied between the 3rd and 5th day of her menstrual cycle. In all subjects, medical history was obtained, together with the anthropometric measurements (body mass and height). The body mass index was calculated according to the standard formula. The use of hormonal contraception in the last 3 months, low-caloric diet in the last 6 months, body mass changes of more than 3 kilograms in the last 6 months, secondary amenorrhea and stress fractures in medical history constituted the exclusion criteria. Informed consent was obtained from each participant and the study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical University of Silesia. Venous blood samples (2 ml) for estradiol levels measurements were taken twice: at the beginning of the preparatory period and after three months of moderate aerobic exercise training (20 hours per week). Blood samples were collected according to the kit manufacturer's recommendations. Serum and plasma samples were stored frozen at -80 degrees C. Serum estradiol was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (DRG Instruments GmbH, Marburg, Germany) with a lower limit of sensitivity of 9.714 pg/mL; the intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 4.7% and 7.8%. All statistical analyses were performed with the use of Statistica 8.0 software. The results are presented as means +/- SD. The Wilcoxon rank test was used to compare the before and after exercise measurements. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for subgroups comparisons. The results were considered statistically significant when the p value was less than 0.05. RESULTS: After a 2-month holiday period, without regular physical exercise, p < 0.01) serum estradiol level was significantly lower in the basketball than handball players (48.7 +/- 19.6 vs. 62.3 +/- 18.9 pg/ml, p < 0.01). Although, no body mass changes were noticed (delta = - 0.3 +/- 0.3 kg), after 3 months of moderate aerobic training estradiol level was significantly decreased in the whole study population (58.0 +/- 20.0 vs. 41.4 +/- 18.9 pg/ml, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Diet habits and nutrition did not correlate with estradiol plasma levels in female handball and basketball players after a 2-month holiday period. Regular exercises correlate with the decrease of serum estradiol level even without body mass changes.

Evaluation of Posturometric Parameters in Children and Youth Who Practice Karate: Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Reduced physical activity or inappropriate training can cause the development of postural abnormalities. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between intensive, controlled physical activity, such as karate, and postural parameters. The study group consisted of 57 young karate competitors aged 9-12 years. The control group included 76 healthy, active children in similar age. The children's posture, activity level, and time in front of electronic devices were evaluated. The following body posture assessments were carried out: Adams' test, evaluation of the plumb line, evaluation of the kyphosis, and lordosis angles using a digital inclinometer and shoulder blade position measurements using a pediscoliometer. In the majority of cases, despite evidence of an increase or decrease in the values of the plumb line and scapulae level, the results were still within the normal ranges. In 71.93% of the examined karate-training children, a decrease in torso rotation was noted. The study revealed a visible difference in postural muscle strength by the Mathiass screening test (P < 0.00001). The children in the control group spent more time in front electronic devices than the karate-training children did (P < 0.007). Postural defects regression was more often observed in the study group than in the controls (P < 10-8). The frequency of postural defects stabilization was also significantly higher in the study group than in the control children (P = 0.001). Conversely, postural defects progression was significantly more frequent in the control group than in young karate competitors (P < 10-8). These differences remained significant in subgroups of girls and boys. Physical activity performed regularly and under the direction of a professional trainer can prevent postural disorders.

Premenstrual disorders in Polish adolescent girls: prevalence and risk factors.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of premenstrual disorders among Polish adolescent girls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 2500 females from the Upper Silesian region of Poland, aged 16 to 45 years, were eligible for a prospective population-based study. The subjects were recruited randomly by the regional public opinion research centre. The preliminary study population consisted of 1540 females. Seventy-two adolescent girls, aged 16 to 19 years, were included in the final analysis. The research was based on a self-prepared questionnaire containing socio-economic status, general health, medical and reproductive history, premenstrual symptoms based on American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria for diagnosing premenstrual syndrome as well as American Psychiatric Association criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and patient prospective daily ratings of symptoms. RESULTS: The mean age of the studied population was 17.27±0.97 years. In the studied population the majority of the adolescent girls lived in large cities of over 50,000 citizens (54.29%), were physically active declaring daily physical exercise (55.22%) and sexually active (54.17%). Study results indicated that the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder was 76.39% and 4.17%, respectively. The final statistical analysis revealed that only place of residence (large cities) increased the risk of premenstrual syndrome (OR=3.58; P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Adolescent females living in urban areas are more vulnerable to premenstrual syndrome. Reproductive, sexual and socio-economic factors are not significant risk factors for premenstrual syndrome.

Past physical activity and its influence on female functioning during perimenopause.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to assess correlations between practising sports at an elite level at a young age, and the current physical activity level, selected sociometric features and the severity of menopausal symptoms in women during perimenopause, which will contribute to the knowledge about undertaking sports activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved a total of 334 females aged 45-65. They were purposefully assigned to both a study and control group. The study group included 148 women - former elite athletes qualified based on the presumed criteria. The control group consisted of 154 women who did not meet the criterion of practising sports activity earlier in life. In order to conduct the study, we applied the method of a diagnostic survey. The outcome measure was a survey questionnaire and contained questions concerning sociometric features, some elements of gynaecological history, and physical activity undertaken in the past. The second part used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index. RESULTS: The groups were homogenous in terms of age and BMI. The former athletes most frequently used to practise athletics, team games and swimming. Both groups displayed no differences regarding the age at menarche, the onset of sexual activity, and the presence and regularity of menstruation. The former athletes had fewer children compared to the controls. They manifested a higher level of physical activity in particular areas and intensity categories. The comparison between the two groups did not show statistically significant differences in the severity of menopausal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Sports training in the past differentiates selected sociometric features such as economic activity and a numerous pregnancies and births. Sports training in the past has an impact on the current level of physical activity - the females who used to train present its higher level. Sports training in the past does not differentiate the severity of menopausal symptoms.

Knowledge and opinions of patients and medical staff about patients' rights.

OBJECTIVES: The awareness of patients' rights among medical personnel and patients themselves, together with their opinions concerning these rights, is a challenging issue for health professionals. Patients' rights are very specific legal regulations that have been drafted to protect patients' dignity and autonomy. The main objective of this research was to assess the knowledge of patients' rights among medical personnel of health care institutions and among patients themselves. Specific objectives were also adopted, such as: assessment of the impact of the mode of hospital admissions on the knowledge of patients' rights, analysis of factors influencing the knowledge of patients' rights and the analysis of sources of knowledge concerning patients' rights. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among two groups: patients and medical personnel. A group of 618 patients (including 411 women and 207 men) and 901 medical professionals (doctors, nurses, midwives) was examined via a questionnaire designed to verify their knowledge of patients' rights and to collect their opinions on the applicable laws. An integral part of the questionnaire for patients was The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: The research showed a high knowledge of patient's rights demonstrated by the surveyed doctors, nurses and midwives. Good knowledge of patients' rights among healthcare professionals was reflected in good level of informing patients about their rights, which correlates with their high level of awareness. CONCLUSIONS: The following conclusions were drawn based on the research: education, seniority and profession determine the knowledge and respecting patients' rights, the mode of admission to hospital is a factor determining the knowledge of applicable patients' rights, medical staff's lack of knowledge about existing patients' rights has a significant impact on exercising these rights or their violation.

The complexity of premenstrual dysphoric disorder--risk factors in the population of Polish women.

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder has multiple determinants in the biological, psychological and socio-cultural domains. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk factors for premenstrual dysphoric disorder in Polish women, considering their reproductive history, socio-economic factors, as well as lifestyle and health-related factors. METHODS: 2,500 females, aged 18 to 45, from the Upper Silesian region of Poland were eligible for the prospective population study. The final study sample was 1,540 individuals. The research was based on a questionnaire containing socio-economic status, general health, lifestyle, medical and reproductive history, premenstrual symptoms based on the American Psychiatric Association's criteria for diagnosing premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and patient prospective daily ratings of symptoms. The Statistica 8.0 computer software was used for statistical analysis. The value of p < 0.05 was adopted as the level of statistical significance. RESULTS: The mean age of the studied population was 31.9 +/- 7.3 years. The majority of the studied women were married (57.9%), lived in large cities (42.0%) and had tertiary education (43.2%). The results of the study indicated that the prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder was 2.1%. The final statistical analysis revealed that only tertiary education decreased the risk of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (OR = 0.08; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our research showed that women with tertiary education are less vulnerable to premenstrual dysphoric disorder than women with a lower level of education. Reproductive and lifestyle factors seem to be play a lesser role.

Sexual satisfaction in females with premenstrual symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of premenstrual symptoms, such as the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), on sexual satisfaction, sexual distress, and sexual behaviors has not yet been established. AIMS: To assess the correlates and risk factors of sexual satisfaction and to evaluate sexual behaviors among Polish women with premenstrual symptoms. METHODS: 2,500 females, aged 18 to 45 years, from the Upper Silesian region of Poland were eligible for the questionnaire-based, prospective population study. All the inclusion criteria were met by 1,540 women who constituted the final study group. The participants were further divided into two subgroups: PMS+ (749 females) and PMS- (791 healthy subjects). Two additional subgroups were created: PMDD+ encompassing 32 subjects diagnosed with PMDD, and PMDD- comprising 32 healthy women, matched to the PMDD+ females for age, marital status, education level, employment status, place of living, and body mass index. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of PMS on sexual satisfaction and adjust for potential confounders. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: To evaluate risk factors for sexual dissatisfaction in a population of Polish females of reproductive age, diagnosed with PMS and PMDD. RESULTS: Women from the PMS+ group were less sexually satisfied than PMS- (77.73% vs. 88.66%, P=0.001) and reported more sexual distress (28.65% vs. 15.24%, P=0.001). There were no significant differences in sexual satisfaction between PMDD- and PMDD+. Sexual satisfaction correlated positively with a higher frequency of sexual intercourses and a higher level of education. The presence of PMS correlated negatively with sexual satisfaction, even after adjusting for potential confounders in the multivariate logistic regression model (odds ratio=0.48; confidence interval: 0.26-0.89; P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of PMS is a risk factor for sexual dissatisfaction in Polish women of reproductive age.

Physical activity and sexuality in perimenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if there is a link between physical activity and sexual functioning in perimenopausal women, by comparing groups of women with low, moderate and high physical activity levels with regard to selected domains of their sexual functioning. METHODS: The research involved 400 healthy Polish women, aged 45-55 years. The final analysis encompassed 336 women who fulfilled all the inclusion criteria. The research tool was a two-part questionnaire. The first part covered the socio-economic status, patient history, and gynaecological-obstetric history. Part two consisted of an extended version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire long form, evaluating the level of physical activity over the last seven days, and the Female Sexual Function Index. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 50.56 ±â€Š2.33 years. The analysis showed statistically significant differences between all the domains of physical activity and the FSFI of the studied women. In the group of women without sexual disorders, respondents with a low physical activity level in all questionnaire domains were the least numerous. CONCLUSIONS: In perimenopausal women an association is seen between high levels of general physical activity and better sexual functioning.

Circulating omentin-1 levels and inflammation in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze interrelation between plasma omentin-1 levels and nutritional status and inflammation in PCOS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 86 PCOS (47 obese) and 72 Non-PCOS women (41 obese) determined anthropometric parameters and body composition. Serum glucose, insulin and omentin-1, TNF-α, sTNFRs, IL-6 and sR-IL6 were measured in the fasting state. RESULTS: Plasma omentin-1 levels were significantly lower in the PCOS than in the Non-PCOS group and both corresponding normal weight and obese subgroups. In three analyzed least-angle regression (LARS) models the lower plasma omentin- 1 levels was associated with PCOS occurrence, higher circulating TNF-α and lower IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Suppressed omentin-1 levels in PCOS are characteristic for this disturbance and proinflammatory cytokines are factors modifying secretion of this adipokine.

Circulating vaspin levels and nutritional status and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the associations between circulating vaspin levels and nutritional status (assessed on tha basis of BMI) as well as insulin resistance in PCOS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-seven PCOS women, 48 obese and 39 normal weight, were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Seventy-two Non-PCOS women, 41 obese and 31 normal weight, constituted a control group. Body mass, height and waist circumference as well as body composition by bioimpedance were measured. In the morning (16h after the last meal) we determined: serum glucose, insulin, androgens, gonadotropin (LH, FSH) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) as well as plasma vaspin levels. Standard HOMA-IR formula was used to assess insulin resistance (IR). RESULTS: Plasma vaspin levels were significantly lower in PCOS, both normal weight and obese, than in Non-PCOS groups. Vaspin levels were similar in normal weight and obese PCOS subgroups. There was no association between plasma vaspin levels and anthropometric parameters in PCOS group. While in Non-PCOS group a negative correlation between plasma vaspin levels and body mass (r = -0.26; p < 0.05) was found. We did not observe correlations between plasma vaspin levels and serum glucose and insulin concentrations as well as HOMA-IR values, however, in multivariable, stepwise backward regression waist circumference and HOMA-IR values explained 18.0% of plasma vaspin levels variability in the study subjects. CONCLUSIONS: PCOS occurrence is associated with decreased vaspin levels. The influence of nutritional status on vaspin level observed in Non-PCOS is abolished in PCOS women, possibly by more severe insulin resistance.

Body posture and physical activity in children diagnosed with asthma and allergies symptoms: A report from randomized observational studies.

Asthma and body posture abnormalities in children and young people are major epidemiological problems worldwide. Asthma among children and adolescents, its relations with physical activity (PA) and PA relations with body posture were and are still being investigated.The aim of this study was to investigate how body posture is shaped in children diagnosed with asthma symptoms and whether body posture is associated with PA. The study involved 192 children. The main group consisted of 90 children diagnosed with asthma and allergies symptoms age 9 to 12 years old (x = 10.75 ±â€Š1.08). The control group included 102 healthy children at the similar age (x = 10.64 ±â€Š1.1). The level of activity has been assessed on the basis of a questionnaire and body posture assessments were done using a plumb line, pediscoliometer, digital inclinometer.Comparison of percentage of respondents fitting into body posture norms clearly indicates higher value in the group classified as active. In the group of participants diagnosed with asthma, percentage differences of participants with good body posture (without postural defects) were statistically significant. Among healthy children, percentages of the participants were higher in active children than in inactive children.Body posture is directly related to PA and the lack of activity affects disturbances within posturometric parameters. Prevention of body posture abnormalities is worth promoting in groups of children, also with various diseases including asthma and allergies symptoms.

Circulating sclerostin levels in relation to nutritional status, sex hormones and selected bone turnover biochemical markers levels in peri- and postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES: Hormonal changes during the peri- and postmenopausal age, especially decreasing estradiol levels as the result of the expired ovarian function, are an established link of the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The objective of the study was to examine the association between the circulating sclerostin levels and nutritional status, sex hormones and selected bone markers turnover levels in peri- and postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study enrolled 84 stable-body mass women (31 perimenopausal and 54 postmenopausal). Anthropometric measurements and serum estrone, testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA-S, osteocalcin, ß-CTx, 25-OHVitamin D and sclerostin levels were obtained. RESULTS: There were not any differences between body mass, BMI, body fat and waist circumference between the study groups. The serum androstenedione and DHEA-S levels were similar in both study groups. However, estrone and total testosterone levels were observed to be notably higher in the perimenopausal group, unlike in the postmenopausal group (124.1 pg/mL vs. 98.3 pg/mL, p < 0.01 and 0.3 pg/mL vs. 0.22 pg/mL, p < 0.01, respectively). Higher plasma osteocalcin and ß-CTx levels were shown in the postmenopausal rather than in the perimenopausal group (19.8 ng/mL vs. 16.8 ng/mL, p < 0.001 and 0.35 ng/mL vs. 0.29 ng/mL, p < 0.05, respectively). Plasma sclerostin and 25-OH-Vitamin D levels were similar. There was not any correlation between plasma sclerostin levels and the other studied parameters. In the multivariate regression analyses, sclerostin levels were proportional to the androstenedione ones (b = 0.06; p < 0.05) but inversely related to the log10(testosterone) levels (b = -0.18; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Circulating sclerostin levels are similar in peri- and postmenopausal women and are related to the androstenedione and testosterone levels regardless of the nutritional status.

Polish Paralympic Sports in the Opinion of Athletes and Coaches in Retrospective Studies.

The study aimed to identify the limitations observed in Polish Paralympic sport depending on the environment in which athletes train on a daily basis. The study included 581 persons divided into two basic groups. The first group consists of athletes (n = 324) and coaches (n = 88) appointed to the national team by associations and unions providing sports training exclusively for athletes with disabilities. The second group consisted of athletes with disabilities (n = 146) and their coaches (n = 23), who work in national sports associations working for both able-bodied and disabled people. The study used the diagnostic survey method with a questionnaire developed by Sobiecka. The difficulties indicated by the respondents referred to various aspects related to the activity in professional sport. Particularly emphasised difficulties were related to organizational and financial limitations as well as the management and coaching staff. At the same time, it was demonstrated that the environment was a differentiating factor between the studied groups of athletes and coaches.