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The aim of the study was to analytically evaluate the total content of vitamin C and polyphenols as well as the antioxidant potential of daily food rations planned for athletes. Chemical analyses showed that an average food ration for women (2,120.1 kcal, 90.8 g protein, 53.1 g fat and 354.0 g carbohydrates) contained 5.5±2.6 mg vitamin C and 20.1±4.1 mg polyphenols in 100 g fresh mass. An average food ration for men (2,648.8 kcal, 112.5 g protein, 63.1 g fat and 447.4 g carbohydrates) contained 5.6±1.4 mg vitamin C and 22.9±8.1 mg polyphenols in 100 g fresh mass. The antioxidant potential of an average ration for women expressed as reducing power (FRAP index) in 100 g fresh mass was 8.2±0.7 mmol Fe+2, and for men, 8.9 ±0.9 mmol Fe+2 . The antioxidant potential of an average ration prepared for women and men expressed as antiradical activity against DPPH in 100 g fresh mass was respectively: 2.7±02 mmol and 2.7±0.4 mmol Trolox equivalent. Balanced food rations rich in products with high nutrient density can ensure the appropriate intake of vitamin C and polyphenols and high antioxidant potential of the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim/purpose – The paper examines the level of investment activity among the last semester master’s degree students of economics fields, including investment in stocks and in forex (FX) in comparison to a poker game.

Abstract Background The concept of virtual patients (VPs) encompasses a great variety of predominantly case-based e-learning modules with different complexity and fidelity levels. Methods for effective placement of VPs in the process of medical education are sought. The aim of this study was to determine whether the introduction of a voluntary virtual patients module into a basic life support with an automated external defibrillator (BLS-AED) course improved the knowledge and skills of students taking the course. Methods Half of the students were randomly assigned to an experimental group and given voluntary access to a virtual patient module consisting of six cases presenting BLS-AED knowledge and skills. Pre- and post-course knowledge tests and skills assessments were performed, as well as a survey of students' satisfaction with the VP usage. In addition, time spent using the virtual patient system, percentage of screen cards viewed and scores in the formative questions in the VP system throughout the course were traced and recorded. Results The study was conducted over a six week period and involved 226 first year medical students. The voluntary module was used by 61 (54%) of the 114 entitled study participants. The group that used VPs demonstrated better results in knowledge acquisition and in some key BLS-AED action skills than the group without access, or those students from the experimental group deliberately not using virtual patients. Most of the students rated the combination of VPs and corresponding teaching events positively. Conclusions The overall positive reaction of students and encouraging results in knowledge and skills acquisition suggest that the usage of virtual patients in a BLS-AED course on a voluntary basis is feasible and should be further investigated.

Staying and climbing in high mountains (>2,500 m) involves changes in diet due to poor access to fresh food, lack of appetite, food poisoning, environmental conditions and physiological changes. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the principles of nutrition, hydration and supplementation in high-altitude conditions and to propose practical recommendations/solutions based on scientific literature data. Databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar were searched to find studies published from 2000 to 2023 considering articles that were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, narrative review articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The manuscript provides recommendations for energy supply, dietary macronutrients and micronutrients, hydration, as well as supplementation recommendations and practical tips for mountaineers. In view of the difficulties of being in high mountains and practicing alpine climbing, as described in the review, it is important to increase athletes' awareness of nutrition and supplementation in order to improve well-being, physical performance and increase the chance of achieving a mountain goal, and to provide the appropriate dietary care necessary to educate mountaineers and personalize recommendations to the needs of the individual., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2024 Karpęcka-Gałka and Frączek.)

The influence of human gut microbiota on health and disease is now commonly appreciated. Therefore, it is not surprising that microbiome research has found interest in the sports community, hoping to improve health and optimize performance. Comparative studies found new species or pathways that were more enriched in elites than sedentary controls. In addition, sport-specific and performance-level-specific microbiome features have been identified. However, the results remain inconclusive and indicate the need for further assessment. In this case-control study, we tested two athletic populations (i.e. strength athletes, endurance athletes) and a non-athletic, but physically active, control group across two acute exercise bouts, separated by a 2-week period, that measured explosive and high intensity fitness level (repeated 30-s all-out Wingate test (WT)) and cardiorespiratory fitness level (Bruce Treadmill Test). While we did not identify any group differences in alpha and beta diversity or significant differential abundance of microbiome components at baseline, one-third of the species identified were unique to each group. Longitudinal sample (pre- and post-exercise) analysis revealed an abundance of Alistipes communis in the strength group during the WT and 88 species with notable between-group differences during the Bruce Test. SparCC recognized Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, short-chain fatty acid producers with probiotic properties, species strongly associated with VO2max. Ultimately, we identified several taxa with different baseline abundances and longitudinal changes when comparing individuals based on their VO2max, average power, and maximal power parameters. Our results confirmed that the health status of individuals are consistent with assumptions about microbiome health. Furthermore, our findings indicate that microbiome features are associated with better performance previously identified in elite athletes., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Humińska-Lisowska et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of an eight-week Paleo diet on the health status (body composition, haematology and biochemistry of blood and urine) and the level of physical capacity (aerobic and anaerobic) of professional handball players. Fifteen athletes were assigned to two groups: 9 in the experimental group (PD) and 6 in the control group (CD). Significant decreases in body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), and fat mass (FM) as well as an increase in the fat-free mass (FFM) (%) in both groups were observed. There were no significant differences between groups in particular series during the experiment in all haematological and biochemical indicators of blood and urine. Only HDL-C was significantly higher in the last series in the PD compared to the CD (1.63 mmol/l vs. 1.23 mmol/l). In the Wingate test, there were only single intragroup changes, consisting of a significant decrease in the Wt, MAP and Pmean in the experimental group. There were no significant differences between the groups in individual series or intragroup differences during the experiment, determined by the VO 2 max, VEmax, VE ∙ VCO 2 -1 , RER, and the time of the test with a gradually increasing load on a treadmill, except for a significant decrease of maximum tidal volume (TVmax) in the PD. No adverse effect of the Paleo diet on the health status was found. The use of the Paleo diet slightly adversely affects anaerobic capacity and does not affect the level of aerobic capacity., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © Biology of Sport 2023.)

Appropriate nutritional preparation for a high-mountain expedition can contribute to the prevention of nutritional deficiencies affecting the deterioration of health and performance. The aim of the study was to analyze the dietary habits, supplementation and nutritional value of diets of high mountain climbers. The study group consisted of 28 men (average age 33.12 ± 5.96 years), taking part in summer mountaineering expeditions at an altitude above 3000 m above sea level, lasting at least 3 weeks. Food groups consumed with low frequency during the expedition include vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk and milk products, butter and cream, fish and meat. The energy demand of the study participants was 4559.5 ± 425 kcal, and the energy supply was 2776.8 ± 878 kcal. The participants provided 79.6 ± 18.5 g of protein (1.1 ± 0.3 g protein/kg bw), 374.0 ± 164.5 g of carbohydrates (5.3 ± 2.5 g/kg bw) and 110.7 ± 31.7 g of fat (1.6 ± 0.5 g/kg bw) in the diet. The climbers' diet was low in calories, the protein supply was too low, and the fat supply was too high. There is a need to develop nutritional and supplementation recommendations that would serve as guidelines for climbers, improving their well-being and exercise capacity in severe high-mountain conditions, which would take their individual taste preferences into account.

The Paleo diet (PD) involves a restriction of carbohydrates and increased fat content (35% energy from carbohydrates, 35% energy from fats and 30% energy from protein). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the PD on body composition, concentration of carbohydrates and lipids, as well as insulin, irisin, adiponectin and leptin in the blood. A total of 25 handball players were assigned to two groups: 14 in the experimental group (PD) and 11 in the control group (CD), using a PD and a rational diet, respectively. Analysis of body mass and body composition (body mass index, fat mass, lean body mass, fat-free mass, muscle mass, bone mineral content and bone mineral density), as well as blood concentration of metabolism markers (glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, irisin, adiponectin and leptin), were determined at the beginning and after 4 and 8 weeks of nutritional intervention. Body mass was lower ( p < 0.01), and adiponectin blood concentration was higher ( p = 0.03) in the PD group at the end of the intervention. There were no changes ( p ≥ 0.05) in body composition and blood levels of other biochemical markers in either group.

The aim of this study was to quantify the dietary patterns (DPs) of Polish esports players aged 18-26 years. Data were obtained via questionnaires that assessed dietary habits and frequency of food consumption. Dietary patterns were derived using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Factor Analysis (FA). In total, nine distinct DPs were identified. Eight DPs were considered unhealthy; 'fast food', 'High-processed food, meat and confectionery', 'Sweet', 'Fat-diary products', 'Vegetable-fruit', 'Spices and additives', 'Fats' and 'Cereal'; and only one was deemed healthy. E-athletes presented mostly poor dietary habits, which included: irregular eating of meals, frequent snacking, at least three meals a day and composition of snacks, frying of meat dishes and sweetening of hot drinks. Healthy dietary habits included proper hydration during the day and consumption of mainly non-sparkling water. The unbalanced and largely unhealthy dietary habits of esports players raise health concerns for these e-athletes, particularly when combined with a sedentary lifestyle. Future research could assess the nutritional knowledge of this group as it relates to national guidelines, investigate interventions designed to introduce healthier eating options into their lifestyle and examine the relationship between DPs and health or cognitive performance., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest in the study.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of multi-strain probiotic supplementation on the physical capacity and selected health indicators related to the exercise capacity of competitive road cyclists such as body composition, markers of intestinal permeability, pro- and anti-inflammatory markers, and anti-/pro-oxidant potential. (2) Methods: The group comprised 26 competitive road cyclists aged between 18 and 26. The study was a 4-month double-blind, random-assignment, parallel-group, and placebo-controlled trial. The measurements of physical capacity in the exercise tests of the anaerobic Wingate test (the level of total work volume, maximal anaerobic power, average power per revolution, mean time to achieve maximal anaerobic power, and time to maintain maximal anaerobic power) and the aerobic test using a cycle ergometer (maximum oxygen uptake, exercise duration, maximum load power, and maximal heart rate) were repeated after one, three, and four months. (3) Results: The probiotic supplementation resulted in increased levels of the relative magnitude of maximal oxygen uptake (65.28 vs. 69.18), the duration of training until failure (14.35 vs. 15.65), the load on the ergometer (5.11 vs. 5.36), and the degree of decrease in heart rate (193.3 vs. 188.6) together with a feeling of less discomfort during the exercise test (Borg scale) (19.38 vs. 18.43), confirming the beneficial effect of probiotics on the cyclists' aerobic capacity during exercise. The probiotic supplementation produces no effects on the anaerobic capacity and body composition of the athletes, except for an observed increase in muscle mass. The concentration of zonulin in the stool mass decreased as a result of the probiotic therapy (81.2 vs. 25.21), and α1-atitrypsin was maintained at a similar level during the experiment (0.95 vs. 1.05), indicating a sealing of the intestinal barrier and beneficial changes in the cyclists' intestinal function. The supplementation resulted in a reduction in the concentrations of: tumor necrosis factor TNF-α after the aerobic (13.88 vs. 9.75) and anaerobic tests (8.54 vs. 6.8), IL-6 before (1.2 vs. 0.86) and after the anaerobic test (1.47 vs. 0.97), IL-10 before the anaerobic test (0.70 vs. 0.44), and the total oxidative status (TOS) of the blood plasma before (663.7 vs. 484.6) and after the anaerobic test (643.1 vs. 435.9). (4) Conclusions: The probiotic supplementation resulted in increased levels of the cyclists' aerobic capacity and their maintenance of anaerobic capacity and positively affected selected health indicators related to the exercise capacity of competitive road cyclists., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background: As foot constitutes the base of support for the whole body, the pregnancy-related anthropometric changes can result in adaptive plantar pressure alterations. The present study aimed to investigate how pregnancy affects foot loading pattern in gait, and if it is related to body adjustments to growing foetus that occur in the course of pregnancy., Methods: A prospective longitudinal study included 30 women. Three experimental sessions in accordance with the same procedure were carried out in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy. First, the anthropometric measures of the body mass and waist circumference were taken. Then walking trials at a self-selected speed along a ~6-m walkway were registered with the FreeMED force platform (Sensor Medica, Italy). Vertical foot pressure was recorded by the force plate located in the middle of the walkway., Findings: The correlation of individual foot loading parameters across different trimesters was relatively high. Nevertheless, our results revealed a longitudinal foot arch flattening with the strongest effect in late pregnancy (P = 0.01). The anthropometric characteristics also influenced the foot loading pattern depending on the phase of pregnancy. In particular, arch flattening correlated with the body mass in all trimesters (r≥0.44, P≤0.006) while the medial-lateral loading index correlated only in the first (r = 0.45, P = 0.005) and second (r = 0.36, P = 0.03) trimesters. Waist circumference changes significantly influenced dynamic arch flattening but only in the late pregnancy (r≥0.46, P≤0.004). In the third trimester, a small though significant increase in the right foot angle was observed (P = 0.01)., Interpretation: The findings provided the characteristics of the relative foot areas loading throughout pregnancy. Growing abdominal size increases the risk of medial arch flattening, which can result in less stable gait. The observed increase in foot angle in late pregnancy may constitute a strategy to enhance gait stability., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

Factors influencing brain function and cognitive performance can be critical to athletic performance of esports athletes. This review aims to discuss the potential beneficial effects of micronutrients, i.e., vitamins, minerals and biologically active substances on cognitive functions of e-athletes. Minerals (iodine, zinc, iron, magnesium) and vitamins (B vitamins, vitamins E, D, and C) are significant factors that positively influence cognitive functions. Prevention of deficiencies of the listed ingredients and regular examinations can support cognitive processes. The beneficial effects of caffeine, creatine, and probiotics have been documented so far. There are many plant products, herbal extracts, or phytonutrients that have been shown to affect precognitive activity, but more research is needed. Beetroot juice and nootropics can also be essential nutrients for cognitive performance. For the sake of players' eyesight, it would be useful to use lutein, which, in addition to improving vision and protecting against eye diseases, can also affect cognitive functions. In supporting the physical and mental abilities of e-athletes the base is a well-balanced diet with adequate hydration. There is a lack of sufficient evidence that has investigated the relationship between dietary effects and improved performance in esports. Therefore, there is a need for randomized controlled trials involving esports players.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to review the impact of a Paleolithic diet (PD) on selected health indicators (body composition, lipid profile, blood pressure, and carbohydrate metabolism) in the short and long term of nutrition intervention in healthy and unhealthy adults. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of 21 full-text original human studies was conducted. Both the PD and a variety of healthy diets (control diets (CDs)) caused reduction in anthropometric parameters, both in the short and long term. For many indicators, such as weight (body mass (BM)), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC), impact was stronger and especially found in the short term. All diets caused a decrease in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), albeit the impact of PD was stronger. Among long-term studies, only PD cased a decline in TC and LDL-C. Impact on blood pressure was observed mainly in the short term. PD caused a decrease in fasting plasma (fP) glucose, fP insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the short run, contrary to CD. In the long term, only PD caused a decrease in fP glucose and fP insulin. Lower positive impact of PD on performance was observed in the group without exercise. Positive effects of the PD on health and the lack of experiments among professional athletes require longer-term interventions to determine the effect of the Paleo diet on athletic performance.

Background: Athletes and coaches believe in the ergogenic effect of vitamin B 12 (which results from enhanced erythropoiesis) and they often insist on its unjustified supplementation. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the vitamin B 12 status in Polish elite athletes and its influence on red blood cell parameters., Methods: In total, 1131 blood samples were collected during six years from 243 track and field athletes divided into strength and endurance groups, as well as according to the declared use of vitamin B 12 injections., Results: An average vitamin B 12 concentration in all subjects was 739 ± 13 pg/mL, with no cases of deficiency. A weak but significant relationship was found between vitamin B 12 and hemoglobin concentrations. A significant increase in hemoglobin appeared from very low vitamin B 12 concentration and up to approx. 400 pg/mL, while hemoglobin did not significantly change from 700 pg/mL and onwards. Vitamin B 12 injections were used by 34% of athletes, significantly more often by endurance than by strength athletes. In athletes who declared no use of injections, a higher concentration of vitamin B 12 was observed in the endurance group., Conclusion: The main finding of the present study is the determination of the range of vitamin B 12 concentration which may favor better hemoglobin synthesis in athletes. They should regularly monitor vitamin B 12 concentration and maintain the range of 400-700 pg/mL as it may improve red blood cell parameters. We might suggest application of a supplementation if necessary. Special attention is required in athletes with a vitamin B 12 concentration below 400 pg/mL.

Background: Mistakes in dietary choices and an unbalanced diet reduce the exercise capacity of athletes. Nutritional behaviours are conditioned by environmental and individual factors., Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the scale of improper eating behaviours among high-performance Polish athletes depending on gender, sports level and type of discipline., Material and Methods: The study was conducted among 610 athletes (391 men and 219 women). The group consisted of 289 athletes of individual disciplines and 321 team sports athletes representing the championship sports class (282 individuals) as well as the first and second classes (328 subjects). The authors’ validated nutritional behaviour questionnaire was used, referring to the recommendation of the Swiss nutrition pyramid for athletes. In statistical analysis, the Chi2 test was applied (α=0.05)., Results: Athletes most often demonstrated improper behaviours regarding: insufficient frequency of consuming vegetable fats (61.78%), fruits (59.89%), wholegrain products (59.90%), vegetables (53.62%) and dairy products (52.09%), and not limiting the intake of energy drinks (59.89%). Compared to women, men, to a larger extent, did not include the following in their daily diet: raw vegetables (p<0.001), wholegrain products (p<0.05) and vegetable fats (p<0.01). Significantly more often, they also did not limit the consumption of: animal fats (p<0.001), sweetened carbonated beverages (p<0.001), energy drinks (p<0.05) or fast food products (p<0.001). Women consumed meals less regularly (p<0.01), rarely ate fish (p<0.01), and were more likely to be inadequately hydrated (p<0.05). Athletes training individual sports disciplines compared to those training team sports consumed hydrating beverages (p<0.001) less often, but included fruit in their daily diet more frequently (p<0.05). Athletes from the master class consumed meals irregularly (p<0.01) in a smaller percentage than athletes with a lower sports class, not limiting animal fats (p<0.05) and implementing inadequate hydration (p<0.05)., Conclusions: The scale of incorrect nutrition choices among athletes indicated variations depending on gender, sports level and type of sport practiced, with incorrect behaviours more often presented by men than women and competitors with a lower sports level (non-master class). The nature of the performed discipline was a factor less differentiating the nutritional choices of athletes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© Copyright by the National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene)

The purpose of this study was to estimate the daily energy expenditure (DEE) of 30 Polish elite athletes (15 women and 15 men aged 20 to 34 years) representing aerobic-endurance sports and speed-strength sports and to compare the obtained values with energy requirement norms recommended for athletes. Participants' DEE was measured for seven days using a chronometric-tabular method and a kinematic method. The kinematic method provided significantly lower values of DEE, by 25%. Mean DEEs obtained for female aerobic-endurance and speed-strength athletes were 3042.6 ± 389 and 3255.7 ± 359 kcal/24h (a chronometric-tabular method) and 2230.9 ± 209 and 2346.3 ± 355 (the kinematic method), respectively. The differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Male athletes' mean DEEs were significantly higher (p < 0.05): 3778.0 ± 657 and 4036.7 ± 532 kcal/24h (a chronometric-tabular method) for aerobic-endurance athletes and 2983.3 ± 545 and 2970.4 ± 345 (the kinematic analysis) for speed-strength athletes. As in the case of female athletes, the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). While no evidence was found that the type of sport alone could cause significant differences in the overall mean DEE between aerobic endurance athletes and speed-strength athletes, athletes' sex significantly differentiated women from men in that respect (the latter's DEE was significantly greater). Such differences were not noted, though, when athletes' relative DEE (adjusted for body mass and body composition) were compared. The study revealed that the actual energy requirements of individual athletes can vary in a wide range and that they can be different from recommended energy intake., (© 2019 Barbara Frączek, Andrzej Grzelak, Andrzej Tadeusz Klimek, published by Sciendo.)

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to estimate training energy expenditure (TEE) and daily energy expenditure (DEE) in the Polish elite athletes engaged in endurance sports and power sports, and to compare their levels with the Polish energy intake standards., Material and Methods: The study sample consisted of 30 athletes (15 women and 15 men) whose energy expenditure was estimated based on heart rate monitoring., Results: The mean values of DEE obtained for women engaged in endurance sports (WE - women endurance) and power sports (WP - women power) were 3201±533 kcal and 3217±554 kcal, respectively. In the group of male athletes, the respective values were 4518±717 kcal for endurance athletes (ME - men endurance) and 4459±837 kcal for power athletes (MP - men power). The mean values of TEE for female athletes were 819±240 kcal (WE) and 1047±248 kcal (WP). Those obtained for male athletes were significantly higher: 1440±675 kcal (ME) and 1337±331 kcal (MP)., Conclusions: Unlike the demands of particular sport disciplines, an athlete's sex proved to be a factor causing significant differences between the TEE and DEE of athletes representing different sport disciplines. Individual athletes were found to differ significantly in their demand for energy, which in some cases was considerably different from what energy intake standards propose. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(1):1-13., (This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.)

Introduction: From among many studies observing the walking pattern throughout pregnancy, only two items monitor the influence of pregnancy on the movement system during gait considering the period before gestation., Research Question: Does the women's gait pattern at the end of the first trimester undergo changes in comparison to body movement pattern before pregnancy?, Methods: All subjects who met the inclusion criteria gave signed and informed consent before the study. Two experimental sessions were arranged according to the same protocol: (P0) before pregnancy and (P1) at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy (12th week of gestation). At first the anthropometric measures were taken. Then, walking trials at a self-selected speed along a walkway were registered with Vicon 250 (Oxford Metrics Ltd.; Oxford, UK) and FreeMED force platform (Sensor Medica, Italy)., Results: An analysis of anthropometric parameters in 12th pregnancy week demonstrated significant changes in mean values of waist circumference and waist to hip ratio as well as waist to height ratio indexes compared to the results before pregnancy. No significant differences were found in the basic kinematic gait parameters between experimental conditions. Significant increase of mean inter-ankle distance during double support phase occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy. Also, the ratio of the ankle separation width to the pelvic width was noticeably higher in gestation. Then, angular changes of the pelvis in coronal and transverse planes throughout gait cycle during pregnancy demonstrated significant differences compared to those measured before pregnancy. At the same time in the first trimester of pregnancy no adaptive changes in the pattern of feet loading take place., Significance: Since our study is of longitudinal character, in the course of pregnancy we expect compensatory mechanisms more clearly demonstrated. Therefore, we hope to identify a strategy of the gravid body progression in space., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Objectives: This study examined the effects of 6-week Nordic walking (NW) workout with individually customized intensity, on the body composition, and oxidative stress biomarkers for women > 55 years of age., Material and Methods: Sixteen sedentary women (age 58.1±2.02 years old, body mass index (BMI) 26.74±2.72 kg/m2) worked out the NW 3 times/week over the 6-week period. Training intensity, which reflected the dominance of oxygen metabolism, was determined based on changes in physiological indicators during graded exercise on a treadmill (walking with poles). The body composition and oxidative stress biomarkers in blood were measured before and after the exercise routine., Results: After the training period, body weight, body fat percentage, body mass index and uric acid levels in serum decreased significantly (p < 0.05). At the same time the plasma total antioxidant status increased considerably (p < 0.05), while the total oxidative status and the oxidized low-density lipoproteins concentration levels did not change significantly (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: Within a relatively short time, the Nordic walking with the customized intensity level focused on the dominance of fat metabolism, decreased body fat and improved the blood antioxidant defense system for previously sedentary women. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(3):445-454., (This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.)

Background: Athletic performance can be substantially enhanced with supplements and functional food which are considered by scientists as efficient, safe and legal, such as protein, carbohydrate and protein-carbohydrate supplements, isotonic sports drinks, carbohydrate-protein bars, carbohydrate bars, creatine and caffeine., Objective: The study is aimed at an analysis and evaluation of the prevalence of using effective ergogenic aids (creatine, caffeine, isotonic drinks, carbohydrates, and proteins) in a group of Polish professional athletes., Material and Methods: The research was conducted on 600 athletes (216 women, 384 men) practicing various sports disciplines; the younger group (18-23 years old) consisted of 307 people, while the older one (24-35 years old) was comprised of 293 subjects. A questionnaire was used with questions concerning the frequency and types of consumed supplements., Results: Nearly half of the athletes (48,2%) admitted to taking supplementation, of which 36.7% consumed the supplements occasionally and 11.5% continually. The majority of the group (75.4%) claimed to be consuming isotonic drinks, which were the most commonly chosen nutritional aid enhancing physical performance, most frequently supplementing the diet in a continuous manner (41.2%). The least frequently used supplement was creatine, chosen by only one in three interviewees (34,5%). The ergogenic aids were used more often by men than women (50.5% vs. 44.1%), and so were nutrients based on proteins (51.8% vs. 32.0%), carbohydrates (60.7% vs. 46.8%), protein-carbohydrates (45.6% vs. 32.9%), as well as creatine (39.8% vs. 25.0%). The studies showed the inessential difference in the frequency of taking supplementation based on the interviewees' age (0.4%)., Conclusions: Competitors who use supplements over those who choose not to, seems to reflect the continuous lack of the athletes' sufficient awareness of the effectiveness, safety, and health benefits of dietary supplementation that enhances physical performance., Key Words: supplements, dietary supplementation, sport, performance-enhancing substances, athletes.

Objectives: The objective of this work was to determine the dynamics of maximal anaerobic power (MAP) of the lower limbs, following a single whole body cryostimulation treatment (WBC), in relation to the temperature of thigh muscles., Materials and Methods: The subjects included 15 men and 15 women with an average age (± SD) of 21.6 ± 1.2 years. To evaluate the level of anaerobic power, the Wingate test was applied. The subjects were submitted to 6 WBC treatments at -130°C once a day. After each session they performed a single Wingate test in the 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90th min after leaving the cryogenic chamber. The order of the test was randomized. All Wingate tests were preceded by an evaluation of thigh surface temperature with the use of a thermovisual camera., Results: The average thigh surface temperature (T(av)) in both men and women dropped significantly after the whole body cryostimulation treatment, and next increased gradually. In women T(av) remained decreased for 75 min, whereas in men it did not return to the basal level until 90th min. A statistically insignificant decrease in MAP was observed in women after WBC. On the contrary, a non-significant increase in MAP was observed in men. The course of changes in MAP following the treatment was similar in both sexes to the changes in thigh surface temperature, with the exception of the period between 15th and 30th min. The shorter time to obtain MAP was observed in women till 90th min and in men till 45 min after WBC compared to the initial level., Conclusions: A single whole body cryostimulation may have a minor influence on short-term physical performance of supramaximal intensity, but it leads to improvement of velocity during the start as evidenced by shorter time required to obtain MAP.