Evaluation of Foot Structure in Preschool Children Based on Body Mass.

BACKGROUND The human foot has a complex structure and the ligamentous and muscular apparatus undergoes transformation and adaptation during its ontogenetic development. Excessive body mass may be one of the factors disrupting proper foot formation. This study aimed to assess the foot structure in preschool children in relation to body mass. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 105 children aged 6.27±0.60 years were examined. Height, weight, and segmental body composition were determined using the Tanita MC-780 body composition analyzer. The foot structure was assessed using the Kasperczyk method, supplemented with digital analysis using the Podoscan 2D camera. The Weisflog index and gamma angle for feet were calculated. Children were divided into 2 groups: children in Group I did not have foot deformities and those in Group II had foot deformities. RESULTS No correlation was observed between body mass and the occurrence of anomalies in foot structure. A correlation was noted between the Weisflog index for the right foot and height in both groups. The Weisflog index for both feet was correlated with BMI, with higher values obtained for the left foot in both groups. In Group II, a correlation was observed between the gamma angle value for the left foot and the predicted muscle mass for the right lower limb, as well as between the same foot and the predicted muscle mass for the left lower limb. CONCLUSIONS No correlation was observed between high BMI and the occurrence of anomalies in foot structure. A relationship was identified between muscle mass and foot structure.

Level of knowledge, nutritional habits, use of stimulants, and physical activity during the COVID-19 epidemic among students of physiotherapy at Wroclaw Medical University.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge effect around the world. The aim of this study was to determine what eating habits, physical activity, and use of stimulants were likely among physical therapy students during the outbreak. METHODS: The 16-65-ComPAN questionnaire for views and eating habits was used. The Fagerström Test was used to determine nicotine dependence, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to gauge physical activity, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test to determine alcohol consumption. RESULTS: The results indicated a relatively high percentage of alcohol consumption among this group, as well as a relationship between an unhealthy diet and years of study and smoking. A high value of unhealthy diet and the relationship between dietary knowledge, body mass index, and healthy diet index were also found. No correlation was obtained between the effect of COVID-19 on the student's life and nutritional knowledge and habits, but the percentage of students negatively affected by COVID was high (51%). CONCLUSION: The findings presented here indicate the need to take measures to increase nutritional knowledge among physiotherapy students and to take measures to reduce the use of stimulants.

Assessment of Balance Parameters in Children with Weakened Axial Muscle Tone Undergoing Sensory Integration Therapy.

Children with weakened axial muscle tone face various problems every day. One is maintaining a stable body posture, which limits their participation in activities and games with peers. The study aimed to assess balance parameters in children with weakened axial muscle tone who underwent sensory integration therapy (SI). The study group consisted of 21 children (divided into three age groups) referred by a doctor for therapy. METHODS: The ZEBRIS platform was used to measure the balance parameters (MCoCx, MCoCy, SPL, WoE, HoE, and AoE). The study was conducted twice: before and after two months of sensory integration therapy. The results were compiled using the TIBICO® Statistica software version 13.3.0. RESULTS: After the SI program, statistically significant changes were observed in the values of MCoCy_oe, WoE_oe, AoE_oe in the group of four-year-olds, MCoCX_ce in the group of five-year-olds, and in SPL_ce and AoE_ce in six-year-olds. A statistically significant, highly positive correlation was observed between body height and changes in SPL_oe, HoE_oe, and AoE_oe in the group of six-year-olds, as well as in the case of changes in SPL_oe in the group of five-year-olds. In the group of four-year-olds, a statistically significant correlation occurred only between body height and the change in the MCoCx_oe value. CONCLUSIONS: the sensory integration therapy used in the study group of 4-6-year-old children with reduced muscle tone gave positive results in the form of improved static balance and balance.

The Incidence of Body Posture Abnormalities in Relation to the Segmental Body Composition in Early School-Aged Children.

Children are exposed to multiple factors that contribute to an increase in body mass and the development of posture defects. The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between the segmental distribution of fat mass and muscle mass and the incidence of body posture abnormalities in early school-aged children. A total of 190 children aged 7-9 were included in the research project. The examined children were divided according to age (class level) into three groups. Height, weight and body composition, BMI, and body posture were determined. Thoracic and lumbar spine abnormalities occurred most frequently in the examined children (7-95%, 8-92%, 9-89.5%). During the assessment of the segmental body composition, the lowest fat-fat-free index was found in the trunk. The number of abnormalities of the cervical spine, pelvis, and lower extremities increases with age. The number of abnormalities of the thoracic and lumbar spine, as well as of upper extremities and the pectoral girdle decreases with age. Body posture abnormalities are correlated with body composition and in particular with the fat mass percentage. The segmental body com-position analyzer can be used to screen for posture defects.

Fat-fat-free index in body mass assessment in young people.

The study aimed to personalize the classification of body weight using the fat-fat-free (FFF) index with the percentage of body fat and to develop classification standards for the FFF index for men aged 18-25 years. Moreover, 1,642 adolescents (1,200 ♀) were examined. Using body composition analyzers, weight was determined, as well as overall and segmental body composition. Based on the obtained values for fat mass and fat-free tissue mass, an overall FFF index was calculated. According to the BMI classification, 9% of ♀ and 6% of ♂ are underweight, 29% of ♀ and 13% of ♂ are overweight, and 5% of the subjects are obese. Women and men classified in the same group according to BMI differed statistically significantly in terms of body weight, FM%, and FFM. In contrast to BMI and FM%, the FFF used takes into account the ratio of fat mass to fat-free tissue and muscle tissue mass. The proposed classification of FFF was made taking into account the differences that arise with sexual development and physiological changes occurring in ontogeny. Assessment of body mass using the FFF index should be used as part of preventive screening for the early diagnosis and prevention of overweight and thus many chronic diseases for which overweight or obesity is a risk factor.

Changes in Physical Activity and the Occurrence of Specific Symptoms of "Long-COVID Syndrome" in Men Aged 18-25.

The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of non-specific symptoms of "long-COVID syndrome" depending on the physical activity undertaken resulting from the imposed forms of study (distance learning-contact learning); 136 men aged 21.5 ± 1.58 from universities educating students of medical faculties were examined. The difference between the universities was mainly due to the nature of the classes undertaken (classes remotely-hybrid form) in the period from March 2020 to February 2021. Among the respondents, 17% in Group I and 16% in Group II were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 50% in Group I with moderate symptoms, and in Group II-most people 45% with mild symptoms. The conducted research clearly shows the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students. They show a number of important problems, such as reduced physical activity, as well as increased body weight and time spent in front of the monitor. They also make it clear that the health consequences of the pandemic affect both people who were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and those who did not suffer from this infection.

Changes in Body Mass and Composition of the Body as Well as Physical Activity and Time Spent in Front of the Monitor by Students of the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences during the Period of COVID-19 Restrictions.

The aim of the study is to assess the impact of changes in daily physical activity during the blockade (March 2020-February 2021) on the mass and segmental composition of the body of young people. Material and research methods: In total, 120 people from the sports and medical university aged 19.8 (±0.8) years, average height 173.2 (±9.2) cm, body mass 66.1 (±12.8), and BMI 19.2 (±5.9) kg/m2. The research was carried out in two stages. The total and segmental body mass of the respondents and the change in physical activity during the pandemic were assessed twice (December 2019, February 2021). There was a statistically significant increase in body mass in men, an increase in total fat mass in women, and statistically significant changes in the distribution of fat mass in both sexes. Conclusions: In the studied group, there was a change in the forms of physical activity from strength and group activity to endurance activity (running forms, cycling.) and individual activity. The subjects showed a statistically significant increase in body fat, regardless of gender, and in the upper limbs in men.

Thermovision analysis of surface body temperature changes after thermal stimulation treatments in healthy men.

PURPOSE: Among thermal stimulation treatments that have a beneficial effect on the human body general application of cold and various forms of massage are mentioned which can be assessed by means of thermovision analysis. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the distribution of surface body temperature under the influence of whole-body cryostimulation, classical massage and hot stone massage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on a group of 40 men aged 20-24 years. They were subjected to a cryostimulation treatment at -120 °C and -140 °C, and to heat-stimulating treatments in the form of massages. Before the treatment, blood pressure and heart rate were measured. Temperature distribution in the 12 areas of the body surface was recorded using a Thermo Vision A20M Thermo Vision Camera with Therma CAM Researcher 2.8 software. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between cryostimulation treatments in the left upper limb and the back of the trunk were found. After heat-stimulating treatments, a statistically significant increase in temperature after classic massage was observed in the lower limbs, and a similar increase in temperature was noted in the rear of the pectoral girdle and of the trunk after hot stone massage. CONCLUSIONS: The thermovision analysis showed a great variation of body surface temperature depending on the body area. The higher changes in temperature, of up to 20%, were found within the upper and lower extremities in the group treated with cryostimulation. After heat-stimulating treatments, lower temperature differences, of 2-6%, were observed, the largest within the trunk and the lower limbs.

The Comparison of the Body Composition of Children at the Early School Age from Urban and Rural Area in Southwestern Poland.

The aim of the study was to compare the segmental body composition with the use of fat-fat-free (FFF) index in children at early school age, depending on sex and place of residence, with particular emphasis on urban and rural areas. The study consisted of 329 children aged 7.78 (SD = 0.88; mean age in years). The study group was divided according to the place of residence and sex. The height and body mass, Body Mass Index (BMI), segmental body composition (Tanita BC-418MA), and FFF were calculated. A more frequent occurrence of excessive body weight was observed in children from rural areas (over 20%) compared to their peers from the urban area (10%). Statistically significant lower values of FFF index as well as in the lower limbs and torso were observed in the case of the examined children from the urban area as compared with their peers from the rural areas. The body composition of children living in metropolitan and rural areas is diverse. Lower values of FFF indexes were found in children from the city than in children living in villages. There are more children in the city with signs of being underweight and of normative body mass and paradoxically more overweight ones in the village.

Physical fitness of secondary school adolescents in relation to the body weight and the body composition: classification according to Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. Part II.

BACKGROUND: Underweight and obesity are important factors affecting the level of physical fitness. The aim of this study was to assess physical fitness of lower secondary school adolescents in relation to BMI. METHODS: Two-hundred students, aged 14-16, were examined. Respondents were divided into 4 groups according to BMI classification. The body height and weight were determined. Physical fitness was assessed on the basis Zuchora's ISF tests. RESULTS: The body weight deficiency occurred in 3% of girls and 5% of boys, overweight was noted in 14% of both groups, and obesity in 6% and 12% accordingly. Statistically significant differences were determined in the components of physical fitness. They were noted in both genders between the group of children with standard body weight and overweight as well as obese children. Significant negative correlations were determined between and the components of physical fitness. More significant correlations giving evidence to the decrease of Zuchora's ISF score along with the increase of BMI were more significant in girls. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences between the boys and girls were determined in all five Zuchora's tests. The highest scores in physical fitness were achieved by the boys and girls with weight deficiency.

Physical fitness of secondary school adolescents in relation to the body weight and the body composition: classification according to World Health Organization. Part I.

BACKGROUND: Underweight and obesity are important factors affecting the level of physical fitness. The aim of this study was to assess physical fitness of lower secondary school adolescents in relation to BMI. METHODS: Two-hundred students, aged 14-16, were examined. Respondents were divided into 4 groups according to BMI classification. The body height and weight were determined. Physical fitness was assessed on the basis Zuchora's ISF tests. RESULTS: The body weight deficiency occurred in 3% of girls and 5% of boys, overweight was noted in 14% of both groups, and obesity in 6% and 12% accordingly. Statistically significant differences were determined in the components of physical fitness. They were noted in both genders between the group of children with standard body weight and overweight as well as obese children. Significant negative correlations were determined between and the components of physical fitness. More significant correlations giving evidence to the decrease of Zuchora's ISF score along with the increase of BMI were more significant in girls. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences between the boys and girls were determined in all five Zuchora's tests. The highest scores in physical fitness were achieved by the boys and girls with weight deficiency.

Quantitative Ultrasound at the Hand Phalanges in Adolescent Girls is Related to Their Overall Physical Fitness.

BACKGROUND: Growing of the skeleton, depends on genetic, health, nutritional and environmental influences. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the ultrasound properties of bone measured at hand phalanges in adolescent girls regarding the influence of pubertal status and level of physical fitness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group was 56 adolescent girls aged 12-14 yrs, the controls were 86 girls matched for age, recruited from 1256 subjects undergoing bone measurement for screening purposes. The skeletal status (amplitude-dependent speed of sound - Ad-SoS) was assessed by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at proximal phalanges using DBM Sonic 1200. Physical fitness was assessed by the Zuchora index and pubertal development by the Tanner scale. RESULTS: The adolescent girls from our study group had greater body weight, height, BMI and Ad-SoS values than the controls. Overall physical fitness was highest in girls with the lowest BMI and lowest in girls with the highest BMI values. The highest results of the Ad-SoS were reported in girls presenting highest level of physical fitness. They were statistically significantly higher than in girls with a minimal level of physical fitness. There was a statistically significant correlation between the overall physical fitness score and Ad-SoS results. No correlations between Ad-SoS and the Tanner scale, particular the elements of physical fitness (speed, jumping ability, flexibility, shoulder muscular strength, abdominal muscle strength) and BMI were shown. CONCLUSIONS: The bone properties assessed by QUS at the hand phalanges in adolescent girls aged 12-14 years depend on their overall physical fitness. Pubertal development, body size and particular elements of physical fitness, especially shoulder muscular strength, have limited influence.

Thermovision Analysis Changes of Human Hand Surface Temperature in Cold Pressor Test.

The cold pressor test (CTP) as a diagnostic method of the circulatory system reactivity may be a basis for the qualification for thermal stimulation therapy. The aim of the work was a thermovisual assessment of the reaction to the Hines and Brown cold pressor test. A group of 30 healthy men in the age of 23.5 ± 0.8 years were examined. The average weight of the examinees was 78.4 ± 9.2 kg, their height 180.7 ± 5.9 cms, and BMI 23.9 ± 2.2 kg/m(2). A thermovisual picture of a tested and not tested hand of all the subjects was taken before and after the cold pressor test. Under the influence of cold water the surface temperature of a tested hand has decreased in a statistically significant way by 8.3°C on average, which is 29% of the temperature before the test, whilst the temperature of an untested hand dropped by 0.67°C. The decreases of temperature were not even and there was a statistically significant difference between the dorsal and palmar side of the hand. The correlation between the changes of systolic blood pressure and the hand surface temperature before and after CTP was observed.

Quantitative ultrasound at the hand phalanges in adolescent boys in relation to their pubertal development and physical efficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to assess the ultrasound properties of bone measured at hand phalanges in 55 adolescent boys aged 13-15 years regarding the influence of pubertal status and level of physical efficiency including muscular strength. MATERIAL AND METHODS: They were divided into two age groups: Group I (n = 37, boys aged 159-171 months) and Group II (n = 18, aged 172-184 months). The controls were 94 boys matched for age, recruited from 1,256 subjects undergoing bone measurement for screening purposes. The skeletal status (amplitude-dependent speed of sound - Ad-SoS) was assessed by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at proximal phalanges with the use of DBM Sonic 1200. Physical efficiency was assessed using Zuchora's test, and pubertal development by Tanner's score. RESULTS: There was no difference in mean Ad-SoS between the entire study group and controls. Ad-SoS values were greater in older than in younger boys, both in right and left hands. There were no differences between left and right hand measurements. There were positive correlations between Ad-SoS and shoulder muscle strength in boys. Negative correlations between Ad-SoS at phalanges of right and left hand and BMI were shown in younger adolescent boys only. Similarly, only in the younger group were positive correlations present between both hands Ad-SoS and overall physical efficiency and age. Ad-SoS correlated positively better with Tanner's scale scoring in the older group. CONCLUSION: QUS at hand phalanges in adolescent boys aged 13-15 years depends on pubertal development and shoulder muscle strength. The overall physical efficiency has limited influence on bone properties assessed by QUS.

Bone quantitative ultrasound at hand phalanges of women following breast cancer surgery.

Breast cancer surgery and its adjunctive therapy follow in lymphedema, decreased limb mobility and bone deterioration. The aim was to establish relation of postsurgical limb lymphedema with bone properties assessed by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurement of hand phalanges in postmenopausal women after breast cancer surgery. In all, 63 women aged 62.81 ± 8.83 years, after breast cancer surgery were compared with control group of 418 age-matched women. Their skeletal status was assessed by QUS measurements at proximal phalanges using DBM Sonic 1200. There were no statistically significant differences in QUS measurements (Ad-SoS) between groups of operated subjects and the controls, between limbs (operated vs. nonoperated side, with and without lymphedema), and regarding method of surgery. Ad-SoS was greater in estrogen-treated patients than in nontreated ones at the side with no breast surgery (1994.11 ± 67.83 vs. 1943.27 ± 58.34; P = 0.046). Ad-SoS was lower in patients with adjunctive antiestrogen therapy than without this therapy at the side of surgery (1937.35 ± 54.71 vs. 1966.78 ± 59.18; P = 0.0449), and nonbreast surgery side (1934.55 ± 52.06 vs. 1973.31 ± 57.17; P = 0.0066). Breast cancer surgery followed by concomitant therapies does not influence significantly QUS at hand phalanges. This was proven regarding method of surgery, side of surgery, and lymphedema. Additional hormonal treatment can influence phalangeal QUS in breast cancer survivors.

[Quality of life in women after mastectomy]. / Jakosc zycia kobiet po mastektomii.

The aim of the study was evaluation of quality of life of women after radical mastectomy. It was assumed that cancer of the breast, treatment and results could cause the decrease of quality of life. 107 women aged from 40 to 75 years after radical mastectomy were examined. Questionnaire made by G. Hansen at Norwegian University of Sport and Physical Education was used in all women. Questionnaire consists of 4 parts and contains 87 questions concerning general and medical data, quality of life and physical activity. Examined women had not any problems in daily activity. Most of them (about 70%) had difficulty in physical effort, particularly using upper extremities. 60% of women did not work, but they had a hobby (about 70%). Housework and daily activity were less efficient in 80% women after radical mastectomy. We observed a change in psychical status of examined women. They had some problems with concentration, irritation, irritability and sleep. These problems did not influence the family relationships and contacts with other people. Instead we noticed change in self-rating of women after radical mastectomy. Removal of breast--attribute of femininity--changed sexuality, consciousness of femininity and appearance of an image. We observed "half woman complex" in examined women. Women evaluated status of their body and quality of life from 3 to 5 in 7-gradual scale.