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Background: determining the appropriate rehabilitation protocol is essential to influence the correction of flat feet, e.g., by activating the intrinsic muscles of the foot. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the impact of the exercises activating the intrinsic foot muscles for postural control in children with flat feet, with normal and excessive body weight. Methods: Fifty-four children aged 7 to 12 were enrolled in the research. Forty-five children were qualified for the final evaluation. Each child in the experimental group was demonstrated an appropriate technique for performing a short foot exercise without compensation by extrinsic muscle. The participants then performed a supervised short foot training session once a week and on other days of the week under the supervision of caregivers for 6 weeks. Flat feet were scored on the foot posture index scale. A postural test was evaluated with a Biodex balance system SD. Statistical significance in the foot posture index scale and postural test were evaluated using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post-hoc test. Results: according to the six indices of the foot posture index scale, five indicators showed statistically significant improvement after rehabilitation. At the 8–12 platform mobility level, it was revealed that the excessive body weight group had significant improvements in the overall stability index and medio-lateral stability index, with eyes closed. Conclusion: our results indicate that a 6-week rehabilitation program based on the activation of the intrinsic muscles of the foot resulted in an improvement in the foot position. This, in turn, affected balance control, especially in children with excess body weight in conditions of closed eyes.

11 Background: Real life observations suggest hospice caregiving may result in physical health deterioration of family caregivers; they are less likely to participate in health-related initiatives and frequently don’t benefit from the most optimal medical care. Data reporting caregivers’ medical needs are rather scarce. Methods: The estimation of needs for specialist medical care aimed at family caregivers was carried out based on the activity called Open Day of Health Prophylaxis (ODHP – free consultations with specialists, ultrasound examinations and mammography) held annually at Rev. Eugeniusz Dutkiewicz SAC Hospice, Gdańsk, Poland during three consecutive years (2014 - 2018). In total, 715 medical consultations (median: 3 per caregiver, range: 1 - 6), 172 ultrasound, and 31 mammogram examinations were provided). The level of satisfaction expressed by the ODHP participants was also analyzed. Demographic, medical data, and involvement in the caregiving were analyzed based on consultation cards and questionnaires presented to all ODHP participants (307 total participants). Results: In total, 186 persons replied (60.59%), 103 of them fulfilled study inclusion criteria (currently or within the last 6 months providing personal care of a chronically ill person for minimum 12 hours per week), 82 (79.61%) of responders were women, most of advanced age (median: 67 years; range: 29 - 91). The vast majority (95.31%) estimated ODHP as valuable initiative. According to 52.23% ODHP completely fulfilled caregivers’ needs and expectations, 45.57% were partly satisfied, and for 2.13% the activity did not meet their expectations. The most common reason for dissatisfaction in the response was both lack of communication and access to specialists, as well inability to initiate other diagnostic tests. All responders indicated the expedient nature of ODHP activity. Conclusions: Facilitated access to medical specialists care in is well received form of support for family hospice caregivers. There is indication of a need for systemic solutions to the problems of medical care for long-term caregivers.

Non-surgical treatment of forearm shaft fractures in adults is associated with a high incidence of non-union. Operator errors during surgery also often result in bone union complications. We attempted to identify the errors made during the treatment or other factors that might influence the development of forearm shaft union complications.We have analysed the causes of 67 cases of non-union in 53 patients (17 women and 36 men), aged 18 to 85 years. Thirty-five patients were treated by open repositioning and fixation with plates and screws, 11 patients were treated by closed or open reposition and stabilization with Kirschner wires, and 4 patients had closed reposition and immobilization in a plaster cast. Other methods were used in 3 patients.In the group treated by open reposition and plate fixation, we found the following complications that might impede bone union: plate fracture, technical errors, screw loosening, bone inflammation, and other complications. In the group treated by closed or open repositioning and stabilization with Kirschner wires, we found the following factors that might impede bone union: open fractures, inaccurate fracture repositioning and inappropriately inserted Kirschner wires.Using rigid fixation, for example with a plate and screws, and avoidance of technical errors seem to be the most appropriate measures helping to decrease the risk of non-union during treatment of a fracture of both forearm shafts.