Comprehensive Group Therapy of Obesity and Its Impact on Selected Anthropometric and Postural Parameters.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a multifactorial disease. This non-infectious epidemic has reached pandemic proportions in the 21 century. Posture is a dynamic process referring to an active maintenance of body movement segments against the action of external forces. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of comprehensive group therapy for obese persons on selected anthropometric and postural parameters. METHODS: The study comprised 53 females with a mean age of 44.5 years (range 29­65 years, standard deviation 9.42 years, median 44 years), who completed a controlled weight loss programme. At the beginning and at the end of the programme, anthropometric parameters (Body Mass Index (BMI), weight and waist circumference) were measured and the posturography tests Limits of Stability (LOS) and Motor Control Test (MCT) were performed using the NeuroCom's SMART EquiTest system. The data were statistically analyzed using R software at a level of significance of 0.05. RESULTS: There were positive changes after the controlled weight loss programme in anthropometric parameters (BMI reduction, with p<0.001; waist circumference reduction, with p<0.001; and weight loss, with p<0.001), postural stability with statistically significant (p<0.05) improvements in both postural activity (LOS test parameters) and reactions (MCT parameters). CONCLUSION: The study showed a statistically significant effect of comprehensive group therapy for obesity in terms of reductions in waist circumference, body weight and BMI, and thus the overall reduction of both cardiovascular and metabolic risks, as well as improved postural skills (activity and reactions).

Effect of Physical Activity in Treatment of Paediatric Obesity.

The aim of the study was to compare the differences in anthropometric parameters, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and physical activity (PA) between groups of 146 obese boys and 128 obese girls. We tried to describe the relationships between changes in PA and changes in VO2max, body fat, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference. We found statistically significant changes in VO2max and waist circumference only in the group of boys and significant changes in VO2max in the group of girls.

Central facial paresis and its impact on mimicry, psyche and quality of life in patients after stroke.

AIM: Using functional scales and face video analysis, changes in central facial paresis are monitored in patients with stroke after orofacial therapy and correlations between changes in mimicry, mental function and overall quality of life of patients after stroke are made. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized study of patients after stroke with facial paresis. The functional status of the experimental group of 50 cases with orofacial regulation therapy and 49 control cases without mimicry therapy is observed after four weeks of rehabilitation. RESULTS: Changes in mimicry functions evaluated by the House-Brackmann Grading System (HBGS) clinical range and using 2D video analysis of the distance between the paretic corner of the mouth and earlobe at rest and during smiling were statistically better in the experimental group than in controls. Changes in mental function - depression using Beck Depression Inventory and changes in the quality of life using Bartle index and modified Rankin score (scale) were significantly greater in the experimental group. There was a very close relationship between the changes in mimicry, mental state and overall quality of life according to the Spearman correlative coefficient. CONCLUSION: Orofacial rehabilitation therapy for patients with paresis after stroke has a significant influence on the adjustment of mimicry, mental functions and overall quality of life after 4 weeks of treatment.