Exploring the Participant-Related Determinants of Simulator Sickness in a Physical Motion Car Rollover Simulation as Measured by the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire.

Physical motion driving simulators serve as a valuable research and training tool. Since many simulator participants suffer from simulator sickness (SS), we aimed to gain a better understanding of participant-related variables that may influence its incidence and severity. The study involved a 2-min mobile-platform car rollover simulation conducted in a group of 100 healthy adult participants. SS was measured with the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire immediately before and after the simulation. We investigated how the symptomatology of SS varies with gender, as well as with participants' previous experiences such as extra driving training or car accidents. Although many SS symptoms occurred already before the simulation, all the symptoms except burping had a significantly greater incidence and severity after the simulation. Before the simulation, men reported disorientation symptoms more often than women, while participants with prior experiences of extra driving training or car accidents scored significantly higher in three out of four Questionnaire components: nausea symptoms, oculomotor symptoms, and the total score. The study offers interesting insights into associations between SS and prior experiences observed by means of high-fidelity real-motion simulations. More research is needed to determine the nature of these associations and their potential usefulness, for example, in helping accident survivors to cope with the distressing or even potentially disabling psychological consequences of accidents.

[The phenomenon of job stress and burnout syndrome in palliative care]. / Zjawiska stresu i wypalenia zawodowego w opiece paliatywnej.

This paper is focused on the analysis of the phenomenon of occupational burnout from the perspectives of the sick person, his/her family and the helper. Practical principles of effective care for dying people and their families were also indicated in order to make the therapeutic team free from the symptoms of occupational burnout. Med. Pr. 2020;71(1):69-78.

[Simulator sickness and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire in Polish practice. A study involving professional drivers subject to compulsory initial and periodic qualification courses]. / Choroba symulatorowa i Simulator Sickness Questionnaire w polskiej praktyce. Badania kierowców zawodowych podlegajacych obowiazkowym kursom kwalifikacji wstepnej i okresowej.

BACKGROUND: A phenomenon of simulator sickness is measurable in terms of physiological symptoms. The article presents the practical use of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) in post-exposure research, together with feedback given by the examined drivers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on the AutoSim AS 1600 simulator, and involved 130 drivers attending preliminary and periodic qualification courses in road transportation. The following tools were used throughout the research: the SSQ by Kennedy et al., translated into Polish by Biernacki et al. (with symptoms including nausea, oculomotor disturbances & disorientation symptoms, and the SSQ total), and a tool evaluating the SSQ (comprehensibility and time consumption on a 1-6 scale). RESULTS: In the study group (N = 130), some statistically significant differences in the SSQ results were observed. Among younger drivers (<29.5 years old) an increased intensity of the simulator sickness symptoms after simulation was recorded (nausea and the SSQ total), and among older drivers (>29.5 years old) - the disorientation symptoms after simulation. The length of sleep and the quality assessment of the conducted task were higher in the asymptomatic groups. Also, the results indicate a positive reception of the tool by the examined individuals (N = 113), with time consumption marked as low (M = 2.44 on a 1-6 scale) and comprehensibility as high (M = 5.62 on a 1-6 scale). CONCLUSIONS: The research indicates the occurrence of simulator sickness symptoms even in simulators, which accurately reflect vehicle movements. The feedback given by the examined individuals, together with the level of involvement in the SSQ use, indicates a positive reception of the tool. Med Pr. 2020;71(1):47-58.

How paramedics perceive internal noise in ambulance? sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) and Subjective Noise Assessment.

INTRODUCTION: This article discusses the correlation between sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) as a feature of personality and temperament and paramedics' subjective perception of noise inside an ambulance. Description of the theoretical basis of SPS has been strongly depicted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: : Polish translation of SPS 12-item short scale and a survey concerning the subjective perception of noise inside an ambulance have been used in this research. Assessment of noise included its three sources: emergency vehicle siren, resistance of rolling tires and noise produced by diesel engines. 46 paramedics from mobile emergency care units working in Poznan and the Poznan's district have taken part in the research. Paramedics with higher SPS results were selected, creating a highly sensitive people (HSP) group. RESULTS: : When non-HSP people were compared to paramedics from the HSP group, an emergency signal was considered more burdensome for HSP paramedics. The intensity of noise generated by the vehicle's suspension elements and tires was significantly higher in cars more than 3 years old. Older paramedics (≥30 years old) evaluated the intensity as well as burdensomeness of noise generated by suspension's elements and tires, higher than the younger (<30 years old) ones. CONCLUSIONS: : Both paramedics and drivers as occupational groups are liable to noise, which seems to be particularly harmful and burdensome to the HSP group. Further studies should be provided in this area. This may lead to an increase not only in their productivity but also in their quality of life.

Exposure to infrasonic noise in agriculture.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Although exposure to audible noise has been examined in many publications, the sources of infrasound in agriculture have not been fully examined and presented. The study presents the assessment of exposure to infrasound from many sources at workplaces in agriculture with examples of possible ergonomic and health consequences caused by such exposure. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Workers'-perceived infrasonic noise levels were examined for 118 examples of moving and stationary agricultural machines (modern and old cab-type tractors, old tractors without cabins, small tractors, grinders, chargers, forage mixers, grain cleaners, conveyors, bark sorters and combine-harvesters). Measurements of infrasound were taken with the use of class 1 instruments (digital sound analyzer DSA-50 digital and acoustic calibrator). Noise level measurements were performed in accordance with PN-Z-01338:2010, PN-EN ISO 9612:2011 and ISO 9612:2009. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The most intense sources of infrasound in the study were modern and old large size types agricultural machinery (tractors, chargers and combined-harvesters, and stationary forage mixers with ventilation). The G-weighted infrasound levels were significant and at many analyzed workplaces stayed within or exceeded the occupational exposure limit (LG eq, 8h = 102 dB) when the duration of exposure is longer than 22 min./8-hours working day (most noisy - modern cab-type tractors), 46 min./8 hours working day (most noisy - old type cab-tractors), 73 min./8 hours working day (most noisy - old tractors without cabins), 86 min./8-hours working day (most noisy - combine-harvesters) and 156 min./8 hours working day (most noisy - stationary forage mixers with ventilation). All measured machines generated infrasonic noise exceeded the value LG eq, Te = 86 dB (occupational exposure limit for workplaces requiring maintained mental concentration). A very important harmful factor is infrasound exposure for pregnant women and adolescents at workplaces in agriculture. Very valuable work can be technical limiting exposure to infrasound from new and used agricultural machinery. The technical limitation of infrasound caused by both old and new agricultural machinery can be invaluable from the work point of view.

Audible and infrasonic noise levels in the cabins of modern agricultural tractors--does the risk of adverse, exposure-dependent effects still exist?

INTRODUCTION: The agricultural tractor is one of the most commonly used vehicles on farms and one of the most prominent sources of noise. This article presents an exemplary assessment of the audible and infrasonic noise levels in the cabins of selected modern wheeled agricultural tractors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Operator-perceived audible and infrasonic noise levels in the cabins were examined for 20 types of modern tractors during typical conditions of work. The tractors had been in use for no longer than 3 years, with rated power between 96 kW and 227 kW, designed and produced by world-renowned companies. Noise level measurements were performed in accordance with PN-EN ISO 9612:2011 (ISO 9612:2009). RESULTS: Audible noise levels (A-weighted) ranged from 62.1 to 87.4 dB-A (average: 68.2 to 83.8 dB-A) for different work tasks. The factors influencing noise levels include performed tasks, soil, weather conditions and the skills of individual drivers. In spectrum analysis, the highest noise levels occurred at frequencies 250 Hz, 1 and 2 kHz. Infrasound noise levels (G-weighted) ranged from 87.3 to 111.3 dB-G. The driver-experienced exposure to infrasound was found to increase significantly when the vehicle was in motion. CONCLUSIONS: Average audible noise levels have no potential to adversely affect the hearing organ during tasks performed inside the closed cabins of the analysed modern agricultural tractors. Due to the relatively low audible noise levels inside the cabins of modern agricultural tractors, non-auditory effects are the only adverse symptoms that can develop. Modern agricultural tractors emit considerable infrasonic noise levels. All tractors introduced into the market should be subjected to tests with regard to infrasonic noise levels.

Exposure to audible and infrasonic noise by modern agricultural tractors operators.

The wheeled agricultural tractor is one of the most prominent sources of noise in agriculture. This paper presents the assessment of the operator's exposure to audible and infrasonic noise in 32 selected modern wheeled agricultural tractors designed and produced by world-renowned companies in normal working conditions. The tractors have been in use for no longer than 4 years, with rated power of 51 kW to up to 228 kW (as per 97/68 EC). Audible and infrasonic noise level measurements and occupational exposure analysis to noise were performed according to ISO 9612:2009 (strategy 1 - task-based measurements). The measurements were made in different typical work conditions inside and outside of tractors cabs. The results indicated that exposure levels to noise perceived by the operators (L(ex,Te) between 62,3 and 84,7 dB-A) and can make a small risk of potential adversely effects on hearing during tasks performed inside the closed cab. It should be remarked that uncertainty interval is wider and in in some conditions can occur transgression of audible noise occupational exposure limits. The measured audible noise levels can potentially develop the non-auditory effects. Analysed tractors emit considerable infrasonic noise levels that tend to exceed the occupational exposure limits (both inside and outside the driver's cab). The levels of infrasound: 83,8-111,4 dB-G. All tractors introduced for sale should be subjected to tests in terms of infrasonic noise levels. The applicable standards for low frequency noise and its measurement methods for vehicles, including agricultural tractors, should be scientifically revised. In the last years there has been a noticeable technical progress in reduction of audible noise exposure at the tractors operators workplaces with simultaneously lack of important works for limitation of exposure to infrasound. Author discuss possible health and ergonomic consequencies of such exposure.

[Exposure of healthcare personnel to ionizing radiation in the light of radiation hormesis hypothesis]. / Narazenie pracowników ochrony zdrowia na promieniowanie jonizujace a hipoteza hormezy radiacyjnej.

Radiation hormesis is a hypothetical premise that low doses of ionizing radiation (below 200 mSv) may be beneficial to living organisms. According to this hypothesis low doses of radiation stimulate the processes of DNA repair in cells. As a result they decrease the risk of aberration and the development of tumors.The theory of hormesis stands in contrast to the commonly accepted LNT-hypothesis, which suggests that low doses of radiation exert only small but also negative effects on organisms. However, the effects of high doses of radiation on the human organism are well elucidated, the effect of low doses is still unclear. Low doses of radiation are received, among others, by the health-care personnel who are employed in areas that are affected by ionizing radiation. In Poland they receive average effective individual doses to the whole body exposure of around 0.1-0.25 mSv per quarter of the year. Low doses of ionizing radiation, despite common views, may have a positive effect on health. However, one should approach this issue with some caution because of the current lack of sufficient and direct evidence that the theory of radiation hormesis is correct.

Viral hepatitis as an occupational disease in Poland.

BACKGROUND: In medical terms, occupational diseases are defined as health disorders specifically associated with the working environment of people and their occupational activity. From the medical and legal perspectives, the vast majority of European countries consider particular diseases to be of occupational origin if they are mentioned in the current list of occupational diseases and caused by exposure to factors in the working environment that are harmful to health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of cases of viral hepatitis certified as an occupational disease in Poland during 1979-2009. This article presents the medical, economic, and legal aspects of the epidemiology of hepatitis as an occupational disease in Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Publically available statistical data on certified occupational diseases in Poland and data contained in individual "occupational disease diagnosis cards" (based on data used in Poland statistical form), regarding certified cases of hepatitis among health care professionals, which were collected by the Department of Occupational Hygiene of the Polish Public Health Service, were analyzed in this study. RESULTS: In Poland, the highest number of cases of hepatitis certified as an occupational disease was observed in 1987. A gradual reduction in the number of cases of hepatitis as an occupational disease has been noted since then. Currently, hepatitis C as an occupational disease is certified more frequently than hepatitis B. In Poland, the number of women with hepatitis certified as an occupational disease is higher than that of men. However, among health care professionals, particularly nurses, this difference is insignificant because women outnumber the men. The existence of such a situation is due to the significant quantitative predominance of women over men among medical personnel, especially among nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Immunization of health care professionals against the hepatitis B virus (HBV), introduced in Poland in 1988, was an important factor involved in reducing the number of cases of occupational viral hepatitis. Socioeconomic and financial factors affected the epidemiological data on cases of hepatitis certified as an occupational disease in Poland. An additional problem associated with the diagnosis of occupational diseases is the lack of obligatory testing for anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) and anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) antibodies and examinations to ensure the efficacy of HBV vaccination among medical staff before and during employment.

About the influence of Line Edge Roughness on measured effective-CD.

Various reports state that Line Edge/Width Roughness (LER/LWR) has a significant impact on the integrated circuits fabricated by means of lithography, hence there is a need to determine the LER in-line so that it never exceeds certain specified limits. In our work we deal with the challenge of measuring LER on 50 nm resist gratings using scatterometry. We show by simulation that there is a difference between LER and no-LER scatter signatures which first: depends on the polarization and second: is proportional to the amount of LER. Moreover, we show that the mentioned difference is very specific, that is - a grating with LER acts like a grating without LER but showing another width (CD, Critical Dimension), which we refer-to as effective-CD.

Occurrence of cases of borreliosis certified as an occupational disease in the province of Wielkopolska (Poland).

The aim of the study was to analyze the occurrence of cases of borreliosis to classify as an occupational disease in the province [voivodeship] of Wielkopolska in the years 2000-2007. The data as a basis for this analysis originated from the database on the occupational disease certification created by the Public Health Service in Poznan. Documentation from the years 2000-2007 reviewed. The maximum number of the cases of borreliosis in the territory of Wielkopolska certified as the occupational disease fell in the years 2002-2003. In the territory of Wielkopolska, borreliosis as an occupational disease has been significantly more often certified in men. The population at the age of 41-60 prevailed in that case. The districts with the biggest number of certificed cases of borreliosis as an occupational disease include the following: Miedzychod, Poznan, Czarnkow-Trzcianka, Gostyn, Jarocin, Leszno and Krotoszyn. Further analyses concerning real exposure to infection with spirochaetes Borrelia burgdorferi and its effects in the population of the workers of forestry and agriculture in the territory of Wielkopolska is recommended. It should be suspected that the epidemiologic data concerning the cases of borreliosis in the occupational conditions are understated.

[An analysis of selected hands hygiene habits in selected population of nursing staff]. / Analiza wybranych zachowan w zakresie higieny rak wwybranej populacji personelu pielegniarskiego.

BACKGROUND: Hand washing and disinfection in the regular nursing practice is the cheapest and the most effective way to decrease hospital infections by preventing the microorganism transmission among patients. An attempt to analyze hand hygiene habits among nurses was the aim of this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomly selected group of 150 nurses (146 women and 4 men, aged 22-56, mean, 32 years) participated in the study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results allow to state that hygiene rules concerning hand washing and disinfection were followed by the members of the study group during performing most of the operations. The only exception were procedures applied when nursing and assisting patients. The nurses reported irritating properties of disinfectants as the most common reasons for neglecting hand hygiene. However, they also pointed to other reasons, such as lack of hand washing habit, laziness, lack of awareness among nurses, negligence, routine, thoughtlessness, lack of disposable towels, and shortage of nursing staff. A statistically significant difference in hand hygiene behavior was found between nurses from surgical and non-surgical wards.

[Determinants of the locomotor system load and their health effects among midwives]. / Uwarunkowania obciazen ukladu ruchu i ich konsekwencje zdrowotne w wybranej populacji poloznych.

BACKGROUND: This paper presents an analysis of current knowledge of ergonomic weight lifting, work conditions and their health effects on the locomotor system in the selected group of midwives employed in hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis was carried out in a population of 107 midwives, aged 25-57 years. The 36-45 age group was most representative (57%). In the study, a questionnaire was used to solicit information on work conditions, knowledge, and locomotor system complaints. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of ergonomic work with patients is very limited among midwives. The ergonomic equipment in departments and rooms, where the analyzed population worked was inadequate. For 85% of midwives the average weight of patients during lifting/carrying exceeded Polish norms (20 kg). Statistically, complaints concerning the L-S backbone were reported most frequently. The authors found a statistically significant relationship between musculoskeletal complaints (L-S back bone in particular) and work in the forced position. In 25 (44%) midwives who assisted in deliveries in vertical position or in water, significant musculoskeletal complaints during or after a large number of deliveries were noted. Over half (64%) of the study group reported musculoskeletal complaints at least once a month and for 38% of midwives back pain is a constant problem (pains at least once a week). Everyday complaints are noted in 5%; 3-5 times per week in 14%, and 1-2 time per week in 19% of midwives. In view of the above data, an analysis of ergonomic conditions of midwives' employment and their improvement is warranted.

[Risk bloodborne infections in health care workers]. / Incydenty stwarzajace ryzyko zakazenia droga krwiopochodna w pracy bialego personelu sluzby zdrowia.

The paper presents current data on epidemiology and risk factors responsible for incidents leading to blood-borne infections among health care workers. In many countries, the number of this type of incidents has markedly decreased, whereas in Poland blood-borne infections are still a serious problem. Unfortunately, the circumstances, in which such incidences happen, are frequently caused by oversight and typical mistakes. The problem also lies in that not all cases are regularly reported. Therefore, it is essential to draw special attention to under- and post-graduate programs covering all medical professions, in which the problem of occupational and hospital infections should be an obligatory element of training.

[Tuberculosis as an occupational disease in the province of Wielkopolska]. / Wystepowanie gruzlicy, jako choroby zawodowej w województwie wielkopolskim.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the general population of Poland is still quite high as compared to the "old" Fifteen of the European Union. In Poland, occupational TB has recently been diagnosed almost entirely among medical personnel and social workers. The aim of the study was to analyze TB epidemiology in the province of Wielkopolska, taking account of the largest pulmonological hospital in this region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis was based on the data contained in the occupational disease certification forms collected by the State Sanitary Inspection for the province of Wielkopolska as well as on the data on TB incidence and employment of workers derived from the largest hospital of pulmonological and phthisiological profile. RESULTS: In the Wielkopolska region, 7 cases (17.5%) of occupational TB in men and 33 cases (82.5%) in women were found in 1999-2003. In those years, TB incidence was not significantly higher among physicians (18.6/100,000/year) and nurses (26.9/100,000/year) than in the general population (20.4/100,000/year) of this region. In the study population, age was a significant factor influencing the incidence of occupational TB. Nurses were the occupational group that was at particular high risk of TB at the young age (mean, 34.4 +/- 6.5 years). Physicians fell ill much later--the mean age of diagnosing TB in this group was 53.8 +/- 12.1 years. In the hospital under study (median number of employees in the years 1997-2003 was 419 persons), the median morbidity from TB was 4.7 cases/1000 employees/year; 7.1/1000 physicians/year; and 3.9/nurses/year in 1997-2003. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this analysis confirmed the influence of age and character of the medical institution on TB epidemiology among medical personnel. In this paper the problems of epidemiology of certified cases of occupational tuberculosis are also discussed.

[Prophylactic and therapeutic application of thiamine (vitamin B1)--a new point of view]. / Profilaktyczne i terapeutyczne zastosowanie tiaminy (witaminy B1)--nowe spojrzenie na stary lek.

Usefulness and application of vitamin B1 (thiamine) and it's derivatives (benfotiamine, sulfotiamine) in some environmental diseases like congestive heart failure and diabetes is described. Possibility of its use in geriatry and in pain-associated diseases is also analysed. Concise description of the role of thiamine in the human organism, its content in some food products and results of this vitamin deficiency are also presented.

[Influence of shift work on the diet and gastrointestinal complains among nurses. A pilot study]. / Wplyw pracy zmianowej na sposób odzywiania sie i patologie przewodu pokarmowego wsród pieliegniarek--wyniki badania pilotowego.

BACKGROUND: The work of nurses in hospitals is connected with shift and night work. Numerous publications suggest that shift work is responsible for some gastrointestinal disturbances (heartburn, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, stomach pain). It is not yet conclusive whether shift and night work is responsible for more frequent occurrence of chronic gastric and duodenal ulcer diseases. The aim of the study was to preliminary assess the quality of meals consumed at night and nutrition habits among nurses as well as to compare the use of stimulants in the groups of shift and non-shift nurses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis was carried in the population of 171 nurses working in shifts and at night and 70 non-shift nurses, aged 22-50 years (mean, 34.1 years) with job seniority from 1 to 31 years (mean, 12.5 years). RESULTS: Only 17 (9.9%) nurses consumed a warm meal at night shift (however, mostly occasional and hard to digest). As many as 13 (7.6%) nurses consumed no meals, and 17 (9.9%) drank only coffee. Statistically significant irregularity in defecation was observed in nurses working in shifts. The frequency of other gastrointestinal complains was not statistically significant, but their occurrence should probably be studied in a larger group of subjects as the differences in the frequency of non-specific stomach pains and constipation were observed in both groups (more frequently in nurses working in shifts). Appetite disturbances were characteristic of nurses after night shift. No significant differences were found in the incidence of gastric ulcer and irritable ileum syndrome, but there was a relationship between more frequent incidence of irritable ileum syndrome and personal situation of nurses. CONCLUSIONS: The nurses working at night most often consumed cold meals and drank daily more caps of coffee. Some gastrointestinal complains were observed more frequently, but this requires further studies in a larger group of nurses. It is important to analyze the socio-economic conditions of shift nurses in Poland.

[Knowledge, hygiene behavior and risk of bloodborne infections in the selected staff of beauty parlors and hairdressing salons]. / Wiedza i zachowania higieniczne oraz ryzyko incydentów stwarzajacych mozliwosc zakazenia na drodze krwiopochodnej w wybranej populacji personelu gabinetów kosmetycznych i fryzjerskich.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to examine hygiene practices and risk factors for bloodborne infections in the selected staff of beauty parlors and hairdressing salons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 118 people (112 women and 6 men), aged 18-55 years, were surveyed. The majority of the respondents (76 people) fell within the 20-29 age group. RESULTS: Negligence in obeying some rules of work hygiene were found in the surveyed group of workers; at the same time most of the parlors and salons met legal requirements concerning sanitation and equipment hygiene. Of the total group of respondents, 53% of the staff employed in beauty parlors and hairdressing salons replied "Yes" to a question on incidents of sharp injuries during typical work activities over the last 2 years. The staff of hairdressing salons reported more accidents of this kind. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to teach this group of employees about hygiene and sanitary practices. The current state of affairs in this small, but quite representative occupational group shows considerable ignorance in this regard. As for sanitation and disease control, special attention must be paid to the constant observance of hygiene rules at work. In particular, hands should be kept clean, gloves should be worn and adequate microbiological cleanliness of tools should be ensured. Inspection services should pay particular attention to whether the rules of handling used materials, a potential source of infection, are obeyed by workers. The results of numerous studies show that a large majority of parlors and salons to cut their operating costs do not follow relevant regulations in force. Incidents of staff exposure to potentially infectious material are usually connected with mechanical skin injuries. Contact with mucous membranes is less frequent. It should be pointed out that employees failed to wear protective gloves during incidents of exposure to potentially infectious material. Scissors, the major tool used by the staff of hairdressing salons were most frequently the cause of injuries.

[Efficacy of therapeutic exercises in low back pain surveyed in a group of nurses]. / Ocena skutecznosci cwiczen leczniczych w dolegliwosciach bólowych dolnego odcinka kregoslupa u pielegniarek.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the survey was to analyze the efficacy of therapeutic exercises in a selected group of nurses and to show the interest of nurses in kinesitherapy as a method for preventing back pain complaints. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey covered a group of 102 active nurses, being at the same time part-time students of the Poznan Medical University. RESULTS: The study revealed very frequent low back complaints among the nurses. The application of simple physical exercises proved to be effective, but not all the nurses followed the prescribed program of exercises. There was a positive correlation between the intensity and frequency of pains, duration of employment, and the range of responsibilities. CONCLUSIONS: After completing the prescribed program of exercises a significant alleviation of back pains was observed in the study group. The exercises were recognized as efficacious, uncomplicated, and providing relief. Although over a half of nurses under study did not practice exercises twice a day, as recommended, as many as 88% of nurses are going to continue the program of kinesitherapy in the future.

[Does exogenous melatonin prove to be effective in the prevention and treatment of pathologies associated with shift and night work?]. / Czy egzogenna melatonina moze byc skuteczna w profilaktyce i leczeniu zaburzen zwiazanych z praca zmianowa i nocna?

The current data concerning the efficacy of exogenous melatonin treatment, especially with respect to night-shift workers, are presented. Therapy of sleep disorders experienced by night-shift workers is not always successful. To assess the results of melatonin therapy in shift workers, it is essential to perform extensive analyses of numerous physiological functions that may be affected by this work system as well as of possible late health effects in this group of workers. It is also necessary to establish indications and conditions for this kind of therapy. We may suspect that both night-shift work tolerance and efficacy of melatonin therapy are different in individual workers, and thus the choice of therapy should be based on a thorough examination of each worker's psycho-somatic conditions.