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Depression is one of the most frequent mental diseases, and has a detrimental impact on numerous areas of human life. The development of depression may be fostered by various factors: genetic, biochemical, biological, mental and social. A significant role when treating depressive disorders is played by pharmacological, psychotherapeutic or cognitive and behavioral impacts. There is also evidence proving high effectiveness of properly dosed physical activity, both in the prevention and in the treatment of depressive disorders. The article is aimed at presenting the influence of regular physical activity on the improvement in emotional intelligence, in the treatment of depressive disorders. The paper is a narrative review and has been written based on the documentation analysis method, using the quantitative and the qualitative technique. The tool used was the Polish and the international scientific literature from databases, i.e. Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and Europe PMC. The research material was constituted by groups of women and men, aged 9 to 80, varying in the numbers of group members. The research tools used were various psychological questionnaires, as well as magnetic resonance images. The study covered various forms of physical activity and the period of their use, while MRI was applied to assess morphological changes occurring in the brain as a result of undertaken physical activity. It was proven that regular physical training, regardless of its form, causes a reduction in stress and depression symptoms in all the respondents, notwithstanding their age and gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common chronic neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Its most common symptoms are motor disorders. So far, no effective forms of treatment have been found, nor have any diagnostic methods been identified that would allow for diagnosis at an early stage. For this reason, clinical trials have been conducted for many years in order to find new methods of therapy which would support pharmacological treatment -- and it seems that physical activity comes first here. Studies carried out on humans and animal models of PD have shown that increased physical activity improves the patterns of motor behavior and enhances the process of angiogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neurogenesis in the brain. It also increases the level of neurotrophic factors. The aim of the work was to conduct a literature review and to present the impact of physical activity on improving motor functioning in people with PD. Having people with PD take up physical activity is of preventive importance. It may also be considered an early stage of the rehabilitation process. This paper was based on the work of both Polish and foreign researchers in the following databases: Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In schizophrenia patients, metabolic syndrome occurs more often than in the general population, causing increased morbidity and mortality. In this paper, we review data concerning potential causes of metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this study is to highlight various arguments in the discussion about metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. The importance of the negative symptoms and physical activity as factors which have a significant impact on development of metabolic syndrome components is especially underlined. The scientific reports referring to already studied correlations between metabolic syndrome, its particular criteria (according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III) and its probable causes are presented. The potential role of antipsychotic medications and the pathogenesis of metabolic abnormalities in antipsychotic-naive first-episode schizophrenia patients are also discussed. Those issues are frequently mentioned in the debate about the explored phenomena. In previous studies, cross-sectional methodology has been applied and the authors used subjective tools, such as scales and questionnaires, to assess physical activity, which may raise doubts as to the value of such measurements. Results which have been published so far are contradictory and are not sufficient to create consistent guidelines of clinical management of metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. For better understanding of potential relationships, further multicenter research using objective methods of evaluating physical activity, such as accelerometry, is required. That might contribute to implementing therapeutic programs to decrease mortality among schizophrenia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important risk factor for premature death amongst the Polish population. In 2014, CVD accounted for 45.1% of all deaths. According to a World Health Organization expert analysis published in 2004, around 80% of cases of CVD, stroke and type 2 diabetes mellitus are preventable if the most important risk factors can be addressed. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) defines a constellation of risk factors, including obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, associated with the development of CVD. National cross-sectional research on the health of Poles indicates that over 90% of men and 89% of women have at least one risk factor. It is estimated that in the coming years the number of obese people will increase and the incidence of diabetes and arterial hypertension will increase. This paper presents the most important and effective methods for the treatment of MetS, which include a well-balanced diet, physical activity, vibrotherapy, and pharmacotherapy. Effective action taken early on can reduce not only mortality risk, but also decrease prevalence and disability and improve the quality of life of Polish citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human interaction with nature represents one of the basic pillars of healthy behavior. This can be strengthened by physical activity (PA) in nature, also called green exercise or outdoor PA. The aim of the work is to assess the impact of PA in nature on selected psychologically beneficial aspects of mental health. Subsequently, the paper discusses the following questions: 1) Are there any differences in the impact on mental health between outdoor and indoor PA?; 2) What are the recommendations for the minimum doses of PA in nature to improve or strengthen mental health? Despite large amounts of original research and many meta-analyses, as well as systemic reviews, we cannot clearly point to a convincing effect of PA in nature on mental health compared to indoor PA. Reviewed material points out the problem of heterogeneous study design, lack of quantitative findings and gaps in the evidence for long-term effects of PA in nature on mental health. Due to discrepancies in terminology, uniform conclusions could not be properly reached. There is a lack of meta-analytical studies specifying the type and intensity of PA in nature required to achieve an effect for a particular indicator of mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity has an unquestionable impact on human physical and mental health, which has been proven in numerous studies. Against this background, the impact of movement on cognitive functioning seems to be of particular interest. Studies show that regular workouts - especially moderate-intensity aerobic exercise - improve the cognitive functioning of adults and improve school abilities in the group of children and adolescents. Movement also promotes better cognitive functioning of people with mental disorders. In addition, physical activity is an important non-pharmacological method of treatment for mild cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this work is to present selected studies in the area of the impact of physical activity on human cognitive functioning. The article presents the influence of physical effort on selected neurophysiological factors and development of nervous system structures. In addition, the impact of physical activity on the cognitive processes of people of all ages is presented, with particular emphasis on papers published in recent years. Studies are cited in which it was proved that physical activity positively influences the functioning of memory and attention, and also improves the speed of decisions. The role of physical activity in the process of slowing development and alleviating the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases is also pointed out. Physical activity affects the cognitive functioning of people of all ages. In addition, physical activity has neuroprotective significance, and affects the control of neurodegenerative processes. There are important indications for future research into the relationship between physical activity and school achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of breast cancer requires intensive methods. Depending on the severity of the disease surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or endocrine therapy is applied. In most cases these methods are combined, thus increasing the chances of recovery, but also intensifying side effects. Until recently, physical activity was contraindicated in the treatment of malignant tumours. Currently, an increasing number of studies confirm the beneficial effect of physical activity on the physical and mental state of people after the treatment of malignant tumours. The paper presents selected studies showing the impact of physical activity on the physical fitness of women treated for breast cancer. The authors draw attention to the difficulty of comparing the results of physical activity due to the use of different questionnaires and different methods. Furthermore, the paper includes recommendations on forms of exercise indicated for cancer patients, as well as situations that require restrictions or constitute a contraindication for physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around 40% of post-mastectomy women meet the requirements of general guideline recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity as a sufficient minimum for adults. However, Kyu et al. disagree with this concept in their systematic review of literature on energy expenditure, claiming it to be insufficient in breast cancer prevention. The aim of the present study is to determine which specific type of physical activity is most commonly pursued among postmastectomy women, as well as which type of exercise proves the most beneficial for those patients. One hundred and ten original papers were identified in all 4 research databases, out of which 8 were subjected to final evaluation. The exercise programs under evaluation comprised aerobic exercise (n = 4), muscle strengthening exercise (n = 2), and mixed aerobic and muscle strengthening activities (n = 2). Aerobic exercises were established as the most frequently pursued type of physical activity in post-mastectomy women. Presently, the task of credibly evaluating overall effectiveness of rehabilitation programs featuring different types of physical activities proves rather challenging, as there is still no consensus as to the actual methods of designing a set of uniformly structured evaluation tools to be applied by all investigators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developed countries, we can observe an increasing number of people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and arteriosclerosis. The main reason for this phenomenon is the abnormal energy balance due to sedentary lifestyles. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in many countries around the world, nowadays. In this paper, the impact of physical activity on the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of metabolic diseases and cancer is considered. Exercise is one of the factors activating 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This enzyme is crucial in maintaining the energy balance of the cell and the entire organism, and its activation results in excluding the anabolic and switching on the catabolic processes. It is believed that the activation of AMPK is responsible for most of the positive effects resulting from physical exercise. Although there are pharmacological methods of activation of this enzyme, they seem to be not as effective as physical exercise. Therefore, physical activity should be the most important form of prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present the patterns of the health behaviour in adolescents from Visegrad countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia). The data concerning 5,588 15-year-old students were used, surveyed during the 2009/10 school year within HBSC study (Health Behaviour in School-aged Children). Five clusters with different behaviour patterns were found. The most positive model (high level of physical activity and a low level of risk behaviours) was found in 35.6% of adolescents from those countries. However, in 26.7%, relatively high physical activity coexists with a high or very high level of risk behaviours. In all the countries, more negative models can be found in poor families and students with poor academic achievements. Adolescents categorised into more positive behaviour patterns are more satisfied with their lives. Members of different clusters should be approached with different prevention programmes, taken into account the specifics of each country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year the number of patients who decide on total knee replacement surgery (because of the long-term and arduous pain and functional limitations caused by osteoarthritis) rises. This paper reviews the results of studies that describe the physical activity of patients several years after arthroplasty surgery. Many authors argue that knee endoprosthesis does not necessarily need to result in discontinuation of favorite sports activities. It is recommended to avoid activities that place excessive stress on the knee joint after surgery, i.e.: running, playing soccer, playing basketball, playing volleyball. However, there is no need to discontinue practicing sports such as dancing, cycling or hiking. If the patient is motivated to practice sports, it is important to prepare the patient and reasonably modify that activity in cooperation with physician or physiotherapist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2006 there the International Congress of Physical Activity and Public Health was held in Atlanta. Researchers and practitioners from around the world participating in that event agreed that there is the urgent need to undertake research on the role of physical activity in preventing diseases and there is a need to organize periodic congresses to present research results and exchange views in this area. The initiative met with great interest of researchers and the effect of that was a rapid progress in research in this field of science. During the Second International Congress of Physical Activity and Public Health in Amsterdam in 2008, there were presented the latest results related to the assessment of physical activity level, the recognition of sedentary behavior as distinct risk behaviors, as well as the role that various environments and policies play in forming human behavior. The same issues were major themes at the Third Congress of Physical Activity and Public Health in Toronto in 2010. The result of that congress was the adoption of the final document, which addresses the problem of lack of physical activity and the spread of sedentary lifestyle among all communities in the contemporary world. The papers discuss the essential bases and the process of ratification of that document as a basis for the promotion of physical activity in the different communities around the world. The document is called "The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity: A Global Call for Action". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]