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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, ...

In this paper, we study language used by suicidal users on Reddit social media platform. To do that, we firstly collect a large-scale dataset of Reddit posts and annotate it with highly trained and expert annotators under a rigorous annotation scheme. Next, we perform a multifaceted analysis of the dataset, including: (1) the analysis of user activity before and after posting a suicidal message, and (2) a pragmalinguistic study on the vocabulary used by suicidal users. In the second part of the analysis, we apply LIWC, a dictionary-based toolset widely used in psychology and linguistic research, which provides a wide range of linguistic category annotations on text. However, since raw LIWC scores are not sufficiently reliable, or informative, we propose a procedure to decrease the possibility of unreliable and misleading LIWC scores leading to misleading conclusions by analyzing not each category separately, but in pairs with other categories. The analysis of the results supported the validity of the proposed approach by revealing a number of valuable information on the vocabulary used by suicidal users and helped to pin-point false predictors. For example, we were able to specify that death-related words, typically associated with suicidal posts in the majority of the literature, become false predictors, when they co-occur with apostrophes, even in high-risk subreddits. On the other hand, the category-pair based disambiguation helped to specify that death becomes a predictor only when co-occurring with future-focused language, informal language, discrepancy, or 1st person pronouns. The promising applicability of the approach was additionally analyzed for its limitations, where we found out that although LIWC is a useful and easily applicable tool, the lack of any contextual processing makes it unsuitable for application in psychological and linguistic studies. We conclude that disadvantages of LIWC can be easily overcome by creating a number of high-performance AI-based classifiers trained for annotation of similar categories as LIWC, which we plan to pursue in future work.

Background. Low back pain (LBP) currently ranks among the most frequent musculoskeletal pathologies, and the average age of those affected is constantly decreasing. One of the causes of LBP is lumbar disc herniation (LDH). If untreated, it causes disability and leads to socio-economic problems. Traction techniques are a popular method of treating this condition. The stage of LDH (protrusion, extrusion) in young people appears to determine patients’ clinical status, necessitating diversification of treatment methods with regard to the type of damage. Material and methods. The study enrolled 37 people aged 22-35. The subjects underwent radiological evalu­ation (MRI), which constituted the basis for assigning them to one of two groups: a protrusion group (PRO) or an extrusion group (EXT). During the experiment, the patient was in the supine position while the therapist administered three-dimensional traction using a manual therapy belt. The Oswestry questionnaire, MRC scale, NRS, SLR test, PLE test and measurements of lumbar segment mobility were used for clinical evaluation. Statistica 12.5 was used to perform statistical calculations. Results. An analgesic effect was noted with regard to the following two parameters in both groups: ODI (PRO 28 → 14 and EXT 30 → 28, p

The aim of this study was to describe and update current knowledge of manual therapy accuracy in treating cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, to identify the limitations in current studies, and to suggest areas for future research. The study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science databases up to April 2020. The following inclusion criteria were used: (1) presence of radiculopathy; (2) treatment defined as manual therapy (i.e., traction, manipulation, mobilization); and (3) publication defined as a Randomized Controlled Trial. The electronic literature search resulted in 473 potentially relevant articles. Finally, 27 articles were accepted: 21 on cervical (CR) and 6 in lumbar radiculopathy (LR). The mean PEDro score for CR was 6.6 (SD 1.3), and for LR 6.7 (SD 1.6). Traction-oriented techniques are the most frequently chosen treatment form for CR and are efficient in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes. In LR, each of the included publications used a different form of manual therapy, which makes it challenging to summarize knowledge in this group. Of included publications, 93% were either of moderate or low quality, which indicates that quality improvement is necessary for this type of research.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to 30 daily whole body cryostimulation (WBC) on lipid metabolic parameters and serum HSP-70 concentration. The study involved 45 volunteers, homogeneous in terms of diet and daily physical activity. Blood samples were collected before and after the 10th, the 20th, and the 30th session and one month after the intervention. Total cholesterol, HDL, TG concentrations and Apolipoprotein A-I, ApoB and HSP-70 protein levels were determined in serum. Additionally, the LI (Lipid Index) and the LDL level were calculated. During exposure, positive changes in the lipid profile that included a decrease in the TCh, initiated after the 20th WBC session with a simultaneous decrease in TG and LDL levels, and an increase in the HDL concentration were observed. These changes were accompanied by a downward trend in the ApoB concentration and a decrease in the ApoB:ApoA-I ratio after 30 sessions. The nature of these changes persisted for a month after the exposure. The obtained results indicate metabolic benefits that result from prolonged exposure to cryogenic temperatures, confirming the postulate of using WBC in the regulation of lipid metabolism and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar vertebrae carry the greatest load from the spinal column, often leading to several pathologies, including degenerative disc disease (DDD), potentially disturbing spinal movement patterns. Mobilisation increases hypomobile segment mobility, however there is little evidence on mobilisation in patients suffering from different types of DDD. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of mobilisation in young patients with DDD, as diagnosed by MRI. METHODS: Thirty patients (24–35 years) participated in this study, and were divided into two groups, based on progression levels of DDD diagnosed by MRI (protrusion-PRO/extrusion-EXT). Twenty sessions of sustained stretch mobilisation (grade III) were applied to both groups over four weeks. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), straight leg raise (SLR), passive lumbar extension (PLE) and lumbar range of motion (ROM) assessed outcome variables. Three trial stages were investigated: pre-therapy (1), post-therapy (2) and follow-up (3). RESULTS: Age (p= 0.007) and NRS (p= 0.002) were significantly different before therapy. Patient outcomes were significantly improved for all parameters in both groups, except SLR which improved in the EXT group only (p= 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Applied treatments improved patient outcomes and were statistically significant in both groups, however, better outcomes were observed in the EXT group during follow-up. Mobilisation was a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of DDD.

Introduction. The onset of the menopause entails numerous changes, both physical and mental, in the functioning of the bodies of women. Moreover, the early menopause increases the risk of occurrence of many civilization-related diseases. Major factors contributing to health deficits include lowered bone mineral density and sarcopenia, which can result in serious functional limitations and the acceleration of ageing processes in the body. The aim of this study was to determine how the menopause onset age is linked with bone mineral density and the strength of selected muscles of the limbs and the trunk. Material and Methods. 756 women aged 50-80 years were subjected to tests. The subjects were divided into three groups: (I) from 50 to 59 years, (II) from 60 to 69 years, and (III) from 70 to 79 years. Each of the women specified the age when her final menstrual period occurred. On this basis, groups of women with (1) the early menopause—before the 50th year of life—and (2) with the late menopause—after the 50th year of life—were distinguished. Bone mineral density (BMD), dominant hand grip strength, knee extensor and flexor strength, and functional upper and lower body muscle strength were determined in each of the women. Results. The test results indicate differences in levels of muscle strength and BMD between the 50-year-old early- and late-menopausal women. The late-menopausal women score better motor ability test results and higher BMD values. The differences decrease in the groups of 60-year-old women, whereas the 70-year-old early- and late-menopausal women score similar results. Conclusions. A higher percentage of women with a lowered bone mass and a lower strength level was found in the group of early-menopausal subjects. The rate of decline in hand grip strength, the functional efficiency of the upper and lower limbs, and BMD is faster in the late-menopausal women, whereby the two groups of 70-year-old women score similar test results.

Aim: To assess the psychophysical sphere and functional status of women aged 75–90 living alone and in nursing homes. Methods: 23 women living in nursing homes (NH) and 20 living alone (HOME) underwent the following tests: Up and Go Test, Chair Stand Test, assessment of daily physical activity levels using pedometers, Mini-Mental State Examination, Groningen Activity Restriction Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, and WHOQOL-Bref. Results: It was shown that the subjects living by themselves performed a greater amount of daily physical activity, although there was not significant difference between the two groups in the Up and Go Test result. There were not statistically significant differences in the self-assessment of the mental sphere, but significant differences were found in the self-evaluation of the physical sphere. In the NH group, subjects with and without depression did not differ in terms of the amount of daily physical activity and functional test results. Women with depression from the HOME group were less physically active and had worse functional fitness. Conclusions: Women living alone performed a greater amount of daily physical activity, but the functional status of women in both groups did not differ in a statistically significant way. The groups didn’t differ statistically significantly in terms of psychological self-assessment.

The aim was to investigate the effects of age and sex on hand function and ascertain age-related changes (magnitude and rate) by assessing a broad range of functional tasks with the dominant and non-dominant hands. A representative sample of 635 adults (114 males and 491 females) aged 50 years and over completed motor performance series of the Vienna Test System Parametric and non-parametric analysis and simple linear regression was used to examine the relationships. Significant relationships were observed between task performance and age and sex, although the contributions of both factors differed by varying degree. Compared with males, the females performed significantly better than males in the majority of tests, particularly with the dominant hand, although greater age-related reductions were observed in performance. Among the skills quantifying hand function, age accounted for the most variance in hand and finger dexterity.

Frailty syndrome (FS) is one of the biggest problems faced by an ageing population. The aim of the study was to analyse selected parameters to assess the possibility of FS or symptoms related to this syndrome among independent and subjectively healthy people aged 60 + years and to select tests that may have a high level of diagnostic success while at the same time being easy to conduct, standardised and have a high level of reliability. The study group consisted of 1006 people aged 60 + years and the research protocol was very extensive, focusing on the broadly understood assessment of the functional biological markers of health in this group of people. The main outcome measures were hand-grip strength, 8-foot up-and-go test, and weekly physical activity (PA). In considering the three basic pre-frail criteria, we observed significant reductions in muscle strength, walking speed, and weekly PA in a healthy and independent-living population. The results of the analysis of variance and detailed comparisons with the LSD test confirmed intergroup disparities. In terms of somatic features, statistically significant differences occurred in groups based on age and sex in favour of men and younger people. However, the division into non-frail and pre-frail groups with reference to the risk of frailty syndrome showed no differentiation between groups in somatic features. There is a risk of frailty syndrome in a healthy and independent-living (non-community-dwelling) population of people aged 60 + years. The higher the age, the greater the risk is, with females being more vulnerable to FS than males. Furthermore, it should be noted that healthy and independent-living seniors may prefer dwelling in the community but are also at risk of FS. The hand-grip and 8-foot up-and-go tests may be good for diagnosing FS in all ageing populations from many different backgrounds. The hand-grip evaluation, as well as a test that assesses motion speed and dynamic balance, may be among the best methods to measure the risk of frailty syndrome in ageing populations of healthy and independent-living seniors. The lower the values on these tests were, the higher the risk of FS. The advantage of these tests may lie in their ease of implementation and lack of need for expensive clinical equipment to take measurements, as well as the possibility for a high level of standardisation and reliability.

The aim of the work was to evaluate changes in selected skin parameters under the influence of low temperature. The tests were conducted on a group of 20 women using whole-body cryotherapy. The average age of participants was 58.7 ± 7.54 years; the average body weight 77.84 ± 16.01 kg, the mean BMI 30.14 ± 5.81, and the average body height 160.7 ± 6.48 cm. The tested parameters included hydration, lubrication, temperature, and pH of the skin. The skin measurements were made on the first and tenth treatment days, before and after leaving the whole-body cryo-chamber. To assess the data collected before and after the experiment, the measurement taken at each time point were compared. After a series of ten treatment sessions, the greatest decrease was observed in skin hydration and skin temperature. No significant differences were noted for lubrication and skin pH. The analysis showed statistically significant differences in skin parameters between all measurement locations; the upper and lower limbs responded more significantly to cold than other parts of the body. It was also found that the facial skin was more lubricated and hydrated compared to other measuring locations. We conclude that varies skin parts respond differently to low temperature. Cryotherapy causes a significant decrease in temperature and hydration of the skin whereas differences in pH and lubrication of the skin remain insignificant.

European Society of Hypertension (ESH/ESC) and Polish Society of Hypertension (PTNT) guidelines do not recommend magnesium supplementation as an adjunctive therapy of patients with arterial hypertension. Nevertheless, Polish Institute of Food and Nutrition suggests increased supplementation of magnesium ions among hypertensive patients in everyday diet.The aim of the study was to assess a frequency of using magnesium supplements by hypertensive patients including demographic and clinical characteristics of the study group.From October 2015 to January 2016 data of 309 hypertensive patients from Outpatient Clinic were collected and analyzed. We assessed: demographic and medical therapy data, results of office blood pressure and heart rate measurements.We collected data of 309 patients aged between 19 and 84 (mean age 54.9±15.2 years) who were diagnosed with hypertension (HA). Mean time from diagnosis of HA was 12.8±9.9 years. The study group was represented in majority by subjects with secondary school level (40.8%) and university education (31.7%), retried (38.5%) or white-collars (26.9%). The proportion of patients using magnesium supplementation was 47.9% in the study group. Women more common than men were using magnesium supplements (68.2%, p=0.0001). Subjects preferred organic forms of magnesium supplements (85.1%) rather than inorganic (11.5%) or chelats (3.4%). There was no significant differences in SBP (142 vs 140 mmHg; p=0.93), DBP (80 vs 82 mmHg; p=0.42) and HR (71.5 vs 70.0 per min.; p=0.21) in group with and without magnesium supplementation. Pharmacological treatment and the proportion of patients that reach BP target (BP140/90 mmHg) were comparable in subgroup’s analysis.Nearly half of hypertensive patients, especially women, use magnesium supplements regularly. Organic forms are preferable. Supplemental doses of magnesium ions did not associate with SBP, DBP and HR values and reaching BP target in hypertensive patients.

The constantly rising percentage of the elderly (60+), who are particularly at risk of the dangerous consequence of falls, results not only in the loss of independence in daily life, but also in a serious threat to health and life. Therefore, many authors emphasize the necessity of conducting prophylaxis and prevention among senior citizens. The most important aspect of fall prophylaxis is care about the optimum level of agility. Exercise should focus on increasing muscular strength, balance and dexterity. The aim of the present study is to determine the relationship between functional fitness and the risk for falls of older people in the light of maintaining physical independence. The research group consisted of 522 persons: 142 males and 380 females aged 60-84 years from Wroclaw (a city in the south-west of Poland). All subjects provided written consent, and were measured and tested in 2009 through 2015, excluding the winter months. Body height and weight were measured. Body mass index was calculated. The Senior Fitness Test was used to assess functional capacity and efficiency. The results of the Senior Fitness Test were used to estimate Maintaining Physical Independence in Older Adults. The differences in the means of the results of all the tests between the age and sex-specific groups were assessed by means of a two-way analysis of variance, where sex and age were factors and results of appropriate test dependent variables. Logistic regression was used to estimate the risk for fall, based on the incidence of fall in the last year, for each test comparing the individuals met referenced criteria to maintain functionally dependence and independent, controlled for age and BMI. The risk for falls was more than twice greater in the case of the studied females, whose muscular strength of the upper part of the body was lower. The females in whose cases no fewer than two tests failed to ascertain functional independence, had a greater risk for falls. In the case of the males, no statistically-significant connections between functional independence and the risk for falls was found.

To characterise the functional capacities of Polish men and women aged 60-87 years and evaluate their status relative to criteria for functional independence.Four hundred and thirty-one women and 125 men, aged 60-87 years, who were residents of Wrocław, southwestern Poland, were recruited. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. The Fullerton Functional Fitness Test was administered to test upper and lower body strength, upper and lower body flexibility, agility-dynamic balance and aerobic endurance. The Paffenbarger physical activity questionnaire was completed. Characteristics of individuals classified by the number of tests which equalled or exceeded criterion-referenced standards for functional independence (excluding flexibility) were compared.Polish older adults compared favourably to American reference values. Percentages meeting the criteria for all four, for two or three and for one or no tests were, respectively, 21%, 54% and 25% in women and 37%, 45% and 18% in men. Adults meeting the criteria for all four tests were lighter, with a lower BMI and more physically active than those meeting the criteria on two or three tests and on one or no tests.The majority of Polish older adults were not at risk for loss of physical independence. The most functionally independent adults of both sexes had a lower BMI and less obesity, and were physically more active; the converse was true for those not meeting the criteria.

The evidence concerning the quality of secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Poland in recent years is scarce.To compare the implementation of secondary prevention guidelines into everyday clinical practice between 2006-2007 and 2011-2012 in patients after hospitalisation due to CAD.Five hospitals with departments of cardiology serving a city and its surrounding districts in the southern part of Poland participated in the study. Consecutive patients aged ≤ 80 years, hospitalised from April 1, 2005 to July 31, 2006 (first survey) and from April 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 (second survey) due to acute coronary syndrome or for a myocardial revascularisation procedure were recruited and interviewed 6-18 months after hospitalisation.Medical records of 640 patients were reviewed and included in the first survey and 466 in the second survey. The proportion of medical records with available information on smoking did not differ between the surveys, whereas the proportion of medical records with available information on blood pressure and total cholesterol was lower in patients hospitalised in 2010-2011. The prescription rate of β-blockers at discharge decreased from 90% to 84% (p0.05), whereas the prescription rates at discharge of other drug classes did not change significantly. The proportion of patients with high blood pressure (≥ 140/90 mm Hg) one year after hospitalisation decreased in 2011-2012 compared to 2006-2007 (from 48% to 35%, p0.05), whereas the proportion of subjects with high LDL cholesterol, high fasting glucose, and obesity did not change significantly. We did not note a significant difference in the smoking rate. The proportions of patients taking an antiplatelet agent (90% vs. 91%), a β-blocker (87% vs. 79%), an ACE inhibitor or a sartan (79% vs. 76%), a calcium antagonist (22% vs. 25%), a diuretic (35%vs. 45%), and a lipid-lowering drug (86% vs. 87%) one year after discharge did not change significantly (all p0.05).We noted a modest improvement in the implementation of CAD secondary prevention guidelines in everyday clinical practice: blood pressure was better controlled, although the control of all other main risk factors did not change significantly. Our data provides evidence that there is a considerable potential for further reduction of cardiovascular risk in CAD patients.

The aim of this study was to digitally evaluate the incidence and severity of postural asymmetry in infants with Central Coordination Disturbance (CCD) by using a computer-aided podoscope (PodoBaby) from CQ Elektronik System. A sample of 120 infants aged from 3 months (±1 week) to 6 months (±1 week) took part in the study, of which 60 were diagnosed with CCD by a neurologist using Vojta's method and the remaining half healthy, non-afflicted infants. The relationships between Vojta's method, as a subjective clinical diagnostic tool for assessing the functional performance of infants with CCD, and the postural asymmetry results recorded with the podoscope, were also defined. Each infant was placed on the podoscope and photographed underneath in two positions: first lying on their back and then on their stomach. A symmetry index was used to calculate body asymmetry, i.e., the percent difference of abnormal body posture by favoring one side of the body to the other. The results confirmed that postural asymmetry assessed by the PodoBaby was in line with the earlier clinical diagnosis using Vojta's method. Statistically significant differences in postural asymmetry were also found between the healthy infants and infants with CCD. In addition, significant relationships were demonstrated in the magnitude and direction of asymmetry in the stomach and back positions.

The aim of the study was to investigate fine motor performance and ascertain age-related changes in laterality between the dominant and non-dominant hand. A representative sample of 635 adults (144 males and 491 females) aged 50 years and over completed a test battery MLS (Motor Performance Series) to assess a broad range of hand functions. Functional asymmetry was observed in all four motor tests (postural tremor, aiming, tapping, and inserting long pins). Significant differences between the dominant and non-dominant hand were obtained in both sexes across all age groups, except in the oldest female group (age >70) for the aiming (number of hits and errors) and postural tremor (number of errors) tasks. These differences in age-related changes may be attributed to hemispheric asymmetry, environmental factors, or use-dependent plasticity. Conflicting evidence in the literature warrants additional research to better explain age-related alterations of hand dominance and manual performance in old age.

Zofia Ignasiak,1 Malgorzata Radwan-Oczko,2 Krystyna Rozek-Piechura,3 Marta Cholewa,4 Anna Skrzek,5 Tomasz Ignasiak,6 Teresa Slawinska1 1Department of Biostructure, University School of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland; 2Department of Periodontology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; 3Department of Physiotherapy and Occupation Therapy in Internal Diseases, University School of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland; 4DENTARAMA Dentistry Center, Walbrzych, Poland; 5Department of Physiotherapy and Ocupation Therapy in Motor-System Dysfunction, University School of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland; 6Karkonosze State Higher School in Jelenia Gora, Jelenia Gora, Poland Objective: The relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and tooth loss in conjunction with periodontal disease is not clear. The suggested effects include alteration in bone remodeling rates as well as the multifaceted etiology of edentulism. There is also a question if other body-related variables besides BMD, such as body composition, may be associated with tooth number and general periodontal health. The aim of this study was to evaluate if tooth number and marginal periodontal status are associated with body composition and BMD in a sample of elderly women. Materials and methods: The study involved 91 postmenopausal women. Data included basic anthropometric characteristics, body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis, and BMD analysis at the distal end of the radial bone of the nondominant arm via peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. A dental examination was performed to assess tooth number, periodontal pocket depth (PD), and gingival bleeding. Results: In nonosteoporotic women, a significant positive correlation was found between BMD and lean body mass, total body water, and muscle mass. The indicators of bone metabolism correlated negatively with PD. Such relationships did not appear in osteoporotic women. Inboth groups, basic anthropometric characteristics and body composition were significantly and positively correlated with PD and bleeding on probing. Conclusion: The results suggest that body composition and BMD are not significantly correlated with tooth number and gingival bleeding. Keywords: tooth number, bone mineral density, fat mass, lean body mass

The paper presents basic epidemiological, electrophysiological and therapeutical differences of cardiac arrhythmias depended on gender. Inadequate sinus tachycardia, orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia are more common in women as well as prolongation of QT interval and proarrhythmic phenomenon (especially torsade de pointes). Atrial fibrillation, although significantly less common in women, is more onerous, therapeutic aims are worse to achieve and outcomes are less favourable than in men. European guidelines do not recommend different pharmacological treatement of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias in relation to gender. Older antyarrhythmic drugs (beta-adrenolytics, amiodarone, sotalol) and as well as newer ones (dronedarone, ivabradine, vernakalant and ranolazine) seem to have the same influence on arrthythmias both in men and women, althouth their long-term safety may be different and depend on influence on QT interval. The paper presents the state of the art of antiarrhythmic drugs that might be prefered among woman in different clinical situations.

The aim of this paper is to establish the optimal values of the body mass index (BMI) which would indicate the most favourable preservation of the bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. The material consists of the data of 369 healthy women aged between 40 and 88 years (mean age 67.84, SD=6.70) inhabitants of Wroclaw, which were followed up between 2001 and 2006. The absolute measure of bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral neck was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), expressed in g/(100mm(2)) and was transformed to T-score values. According to the value of BMI, the women were divided into eight groups, the reference group with value between 18.0 and 21.9kg/m(2) and seven other groups beginning with the value 22.0 with a 2-point interval. Postmenopausal status was defined according to the occurrence of menstruation within the last 360 days. The women with osteopenia and osteoporosis were pooled together and comprised the risk group, whereas the other women comprised the normal group (T-score values above -1.0). The adjusted odds ratio showed the highest value for intervals between 24.0 and 25.9 units of BMI, and the lowest value for interval 26.0-27.9 units of BMI. The Youden index showed the lowest value in the 26.0-27.9BMI kg/m(2) interval. For our sample the optimal value of BMI, with the lowest risk of osteopenia and/or osteoporosis was the value of 26.9kg/m(2). A further increase of BMI does not result in a favourable effect on the bones, it rather intensifies negative phenomena in the body resulting in the onset of many diseases.

The aim of the study was to estimate the differences in bone mineral density (BMD) at three skeletal sites, with regard to age and menopausal status. The study was conducted between 2001 and 2006 in the Polish city of Wroclaw and the sample was comprised of 440 healthy female inhabitants aged 40-88years. The measurements of bone mineral density were taken at three sites: femoral neck, Ward's triangle and trochanter major. Two bone mineral density characteristics were used in further analysis: absolute measure of bone mineral density (BMD) expressed in g/(100mm)(2), and % of BMD of the peak value calculated for young adults (20-45, USA reference population). Pre- and postmenopausal status was defined according to occurrence of menstruation within the last 60days. The changes in bone mineral density with age showed significantly different patterns in different skeletal sites. While the decrease in bone mineral density in the femoral neck and Ward's triangle were parallel and gradual, the changes in trochanter major were very small and between the age groups 51-55 and 71-75, nearly unnoticeable. A comparison between pre- and postmenopausal women aged 46-55, showed a significant effect of menopausal status. The average bone mineral densities in the three skeletal sites were higher in premenopausal than in postmenopausal women. The highest value of bone mineral density was found in the femoral neck, significantly lower in Ward's triangle, and a little lower (non-significantly) in the trochanter major than in the Ward's triangle. Postmenopausal women had a little higher BMD value in the trochanter major than in the Ward's triangle site.

Knee injuries with interior cruciate ligament rupture or strain are one of more common and more complicate ones for diagnosis, operation and multistage rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was assessment of force - velocity parameters of knee flexors and extensors in patients 13 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.13 men, aged 18- 34 years participated in this research. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in 4 Polyclinic in Wrocław was carried out in each subjects. Assessment of force-velocity parameters of knee flexors and extensors both limbs in isokinetic conditions (in 180 degrees /s loads) was performed in all subjects. Each subject had to perform 5 flexion and extension movements in the knee in the sagittal plane. It was necessary for the subject to develop the peak torque in the shortest time possible, in each movement.Significant statistically deficits of peak torque, maximum work and average power was obtained in injury limb. The registered deficit exceeded the 30% for all measured values.After ACL reconstruction functional deficiency relates first of all to the quadriceps femoris what is confirmed by the higher H/Q ratio in peak torque compare to the healthy limb. Although low number of subjects participating in the study results of tests demonstrates reliable assessment of knee muscles' function in patients after ACL reconstruction allows calculation of deficit levels of force - velocity parameters and ipso facto possibility to select optimal rehabilitation program for each patient.

The aim of the paper was to analyze involutional changes and their dynamics in bone mineral density, functional parameters of muscles and to evaluate the body balance in standing position in women in various age groups.The desitometric and isokinetic tests were carried out in 288 women who were 40, 50, 60 and 70 years old. The balance test was performed in 101 of them. The women over 60 years old were students of The University of The Third Age in Wroclaw. The desitometric tests were carried out by means of DEXA method. The analysis covered the neck of the femur, Ward's triangle and the greater trochanter of the femur. The isokinetic tests of the trunk and knee joint muscles were carried out at the isokinetic test stand by Biodex Sysem 3 Multi Joint. The body's stability in standing position was tested by means of stabilographic method with the use of Posturograf by Pro-Med.A statistically significant decrease of mean BMD values in the successive age groups was found. Statistically significant changes were also observed in all the analysed force-speed parameters. The values of the force-speed parameters dropped, yet the values of the time parameters increased. Dynamics of the changes showed faster worsening of the mineral bone density in the Ward's triangle and a decrease of the functional parameters of muscles at the moment of force during the first 0,18 seconds of the maximal repetition. The body balance test showed statistically significant differences only between younger and older women during the test with eyes closed.1. The carried out tests showed worsening of age-related, structural and functional parameters. 2. Slight worsening of the body balance in standing position with eyes closed was observed in the examined elderly patients. 3. The analysed involutional changes of the motor system and their dynamics may be risk factors of falls and fractures.

The study aimed to compare characteristics of postural sway and shape of anteroposterior spinal curvatures in faller and non-faller elderly women.The study enrolled 265 women aged 51-82 years (mean: 66.2) who were physically fit and free from conditions affecting sensorimotor function. Balance was assessed by stabilographic method. Changes in the location of the centre of the force of foot pressure on the ground were registered over 20-second periods with the subjects standing still with eyes open and closed. Measures of variability in the COP signal were analysed together the viscoelastic parameters of the mathematical model in the standing position. Assessment of the shape of anteroposterior spinal curvatures was conducted by photogrammetric method. Indices of the degree of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were analysed.The group of women who had experienced at least one fall during the year displayed: a) with regard to body balance, a significantly larger range, variability and velocity of body sway in the sagittal plane and increased suppression of postural oscillations in the frontal plane; b) with regard to body posture, more pronounced forward inclination of the trunk, more marked thoracic kyphosis and a smaller degree of lumbar lordosis.Fallers demonstrate poorer body balance in the standing position and poorer body posture than non-fallers.

Anna Skrzek,1 Zofia Ignasiak,2 Teresa Sławińska,2 Jarosław Domaradzki,2 Jarosław Fugiel,2 Anna Sebastjan,2 Krystyna Rożek11Faculty of Physiotherapy, 2Faculty ofPhysical Education, University School of Physical Education inWroclaw, Wroclaw, PolandObjective: To comparatively analyze the rate and magnitude of age-related changes between two groups of elderly women with different lifestyles living in Poland: women attending a University of the Third Age (active lifestyle) and less-active peers not involved in any seniors association.Methods: The study was conducted in 2010–2012. The study design was approved by the Senate Ethics Committee for Scientific Research of the University School of Physical Education. In total, 417 women were recruited. Basic somatic characteristics, body composition, bone mineral density, physical fitness, respiratory function, postural stability, and body posture were measured. Regression analysis and Student’s t-tests for independent samples were calculated.Results and conclusion: The best results among the tests assessing functional biological markers of health were found in the group of elderly women attending a University of the Third Age. The rate of change was larger in the group of seniors leading a less-active lifestyle, indicating the important role of a preventive gerontological approach and the participation of seniors in programs that accentuate the need for physical activity. Keywords: age-related changes, bone mineral density, markers of health, lifestyle, elderly women

The effects of extreme cold on the human body are not fully understood, there are also no reports on the effect of cryogenic temperatures on the levels of erythropoietin (EPO) and interleukin 3 (IL-3), two important factors that regulate hematopoiesis. Aim: determination of changes in peripheral blood cell counts and EPO and IL-3 levels induced by a series of 10, 20 and 30 standard whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) treatments. The study involved 45 men, experimental group (EXP, n = 30) subjected to 30 WBC treatments (−130°C, treatment duration: 3 minutes) and a control group (CON, n = 15). Blood samples were collected before the series of treatments and after 10, 20 and 30 treatments. After 10 and 20 treatments we observed lower red blood cell counts and hematocrit and hemoglobin levels compared to baseline (p

Description of a case of reconstruction of the posterior crucial ligament in the 27 year-old patient according to the method given by Brückner with the use of a free graft from the proper ligament of the patella is presented. The knee joint was reconstructed from two incisions: anterior--medial of Payr and a short posterior--medial. The principles of pre- and postoperative physiotherapy are included.

The aim of the present study was an in-depth analysis of fine motor skills of the hands in elderly women from different socio-cultural backgrounds. The research also included analysis of the associations of age with the variables assessing right- and left-hand motor skills and its effect on hand performance asymmetry. The study examined 486 women over the age of 60. The study measured dominant and non-dominant hand performance using the motor performance series test battery (aiming, line tracking, inserting pins, tapping) from the Vienna test system. The best results in the tests assessing coordinated hand movements were achieved by the group of elderly women attending a University of the Third Age in Poland. This may be the result of a larger variety of physical activity programs offered at this type of institution. However, due to the cross-sectional design of the study, additional research of a longitudinal nature needs to be performed using the same sample of individuals to draw any definitive conclusions. Additionally, a decrease in the differences between dominant and non-dominant hand function with age was observed.

BackgroundIt’s really important to measure the actual functional physical fitness of elderly independent living persons from different environments to know the level and rate of decrease may inform about the threat of loss of functional independence, hence the need to monitor and assess the senior’s motor realm and adapt to it the appropriate programs and treatments in the care for the elderly person.MethodsThe study involved 5367 people (mean age 69,63 ± 7,06), including 4164 women (mean age 69,55 ± 7,11) and 1203 men (mean age 69,91 ± 6,86) aged 60 to 93 years old. We have measured basic anthropometric features and physical fitness (by using Senior Fitness Test).ResultsThe average values in individual SFT tests significantly decrease along with age. After age of 80 and 85 there were no sex differences in SFT. The largest deficits concern the dynamic balance and the decrease reaches 69% in men and 62% in women A significantly higher rate of decline in aerobic capacity concerns men (43%) than women (36.9%). A clearly lower rate of loss occurs in the muscular strength of the lower and upper body and does not exceed 30%.ConclusionsThe results are of great clinical importance for the development of effective prevention and gerontological education programs in terms of promoting active lifestyle and successful ageing, at the same time limiting the economic consequences of treatment and hospitalisation.