Effects of Kinesio Taping and Rigid Taping on Gluteus Medius Muscle Activation in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Gluteus medius muscle (GMed) dysfunctions may be associated with pain and functional problems in the lumbar spine and lower limbs. The study sought to assess the effects of applying kinesio taping (KT) and rigid taping (RT) on GMed in the dominant leg of healthy individuals. Furthermore, an attempt was made to indicate which of the applied exercises brought about the greatest activation of GMed. METHODS: The study included 90 individuals, with an average age of 21.79. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: kinesio tape (KT), rigid tape (RT) and placebo tape (C). GMed activation was assessed using sEMG during the performance of such exercises as glute bridge, unilateral glute bridge, clamshell, pelvic drop and lunge. Each of the participants was examined three times-before taping, immediately after and 48 h after taping. RESULTS: Before taping, the greatest GMed activation on the dominant side was noted in clamshell (54.12 %MVIC), whereas the lowest GMed activation was observed in glute bridge (36.35 %MVIC). The comparison of results obtained before and immediately after taping in all the groups revealed a statistically significant increase in GMed activation (p < 0.05), while the comparison of results achieved before and 48 h after taping showed significant differences in glute bridge in groups KT and RT. In all the groups, the differences in results obtained in the other exercises were not significant. Taking into account each of the applied exercises, at none of the three stages of examination were the differences between the groups significant. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the type of taping applied (KT, RT, C), a significant increase in GMed activation was noted in all the exercises immediately after taping. At none of the stages of examination were the differences between the groups significant.

The effect of motor control training according to the Kinetic Control concept on the back pain of female football players.

BACKGROUND: Due to a significant burden associated with training sessions and matches, female football players often suffer from lumbar pain. Physical exercise is considered an effective form of therapy for this condition. The exercises in the Kinetic Control concept are one of the forms of motor control training. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of motor control training according to the Kinetic Control concept on the level of lumbar spine pain, degree of disability, functional level and load distribution of lower limbs in football players. METHODS: The study included 18 football players, randomly divided into two study groups: A - female players implementing their training plan with additional Kinetic Control training (n= 9) and B (control) - female players implementing their training plan only (n= 9). Pain intensity was measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Laitinen's questionnaire. Functional disability was assessed using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS). The asymmetry index was assessed in a balance test with open and closed eyes and a countermovement jump (CMJ). RESULTS: There was a significant statistical difference between the groups (p< 0.05) in measurements using VAS, ODI and BPFS, in favor of group A. Asymmetry index values in tests on the dynamometer platform did not differ significantly between the groups (p> 0.05). A statistically significant correlation was found between the asymmetry index score in the closed-eye balance test (r= 0.567, p= 0.049) and the CMJ landing phase (r= 0.641, p= 0.033), and the level of pain measured using VAS. CONCLUSIONS: Motor control training in the Kinetic Control concept reduced the pain symptoms of the lumbar spine and the degree of disability and increased the functional level in football female players.

Is body mass index (BMI) or body adiposity index (BAI) a better indicator to estimate body fat and selected cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with intellectual disabilities?

BACKGROUND: The BMI index cannot always be used in people with intellectual disabilities due to neuromuscular coordination disorders and psychological barriers that may hinder conventional body weight measurement. The study aimed to assess the usefulness of BMI and BAI in estimating obesity and body fat in people with intellectual disabilities. METHODS: The first stage of the research involved 161 people with profound intellectual disabilities. Somatic parameters (BM, BH, WC, HC) were measured and BMI, BAI, WHR were calculated. Fifty seven persons with above-normal BMI and BAI were included in the second stage of the study and biochemical parameters were determined (TC, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TG, GL). RESULTS: According to both BMI and BAI classifications, most people were overweight or obese. A high correlation of %BF with BMI and BAI indices was observed (r = 0.78). The sensitivity of both indices was 95.65%. In groups with above-normal BMI and BAI, an upward trend was found for mean values of TC, LDL, TG, and GL, with a simultaneous downward trend for HDL. Statistically significant intergroup differences were recorded for TG and GL (p < 0.05) for both indices (BMI and BAI). CONCLUSIONS: Our research demonstrated that BAI is complementary to BMI and can be recommended for the estimation of body fat and cardiometabolic risks in people with intellectual disabilities. Due to the ease of measurement, BAI has high utility value.

The Prevalence of Injuries and Traumas in Elite Goalball Players.

BACKGROUND: The last decade has seen the dynamic development of Paralympic sport, including the development of training facilities and training methods that allow for the achievement of results at the highest level in this group. This may be associated with an increased risk of injury and traumas. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and locations of injuries and the types of trauma suffered by goalball players. METHODS: The study covered 43 players (24 women and 19 men) of the Goalball European Championship. A questionnaire survey was conducted. RESULTS: The injuries were reported by 44%. Most often they concerned the upper limbs (92%). Positive correlations were found between age and prevalence of pelvis and knee joint injuries, whereas negative correlations occurred between competitive experience and the prevalence and location of injuries in the area of the upper limb. The highest percentage of trauma was found for epidermal abrasions, contusions, and dislocations. A negative correlation was observed between age and the prevalence of epidermal abrasions, whereas a positive correlation occurred between age and the prevalence of sprains and dislocations. The competitive experience was negatively correlated with the prevalence of abrasions and contusions and positively correlated with the prevalence of sprains and dislocations. A statistically significant correlation was found between body mass (BM) and the prevalence of injuries. In 23% of cases, training was interrupted for more than one month, whereas in 43%, the break was below one month. CONCLUSIONS: Playing position in goalball does not affect the prevalence of injuries and traumas, while body mass has a moderate effect on the prevalence of these events. The age of the subjects and their sports experience impact significantly on the prevalence and types of injuries.

Relationships between diets and the quality of life to women aged 50 to 64

Background: Adverse effects of numerous environmental factors, including improperly balanced diets, may accelerate the onset of ailments related to the climacteric period. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between diets and the quality of life of working women aged 50-64 years. Material and methods: The study included 274 working women aged 55.4±4.0 years living in Biala Podlaska and the surrounding area. These were women working in various positions (teaching, administrative, economic department) at the State School of Higher Education in Biala Podlaska, Poland and patients of the Health and Rehabilitation Centre in Biala Podlaska. The study was conducted by means of a popular tool used to diagnose quality of life i.e. SF-36 questionnaire (Short Form Health Survey) and the Questionnaire of Eating Behaviour (QEB). Results: In all categories of quality of life (SF-36), apart from pain and general health, there were statistically significant differences between the results of the respondents and the norm for Polish women aged 50 to 60 years. Fruit, vegetables and wholemeal bread were the most frequently consumed products in the healthy diet group, while legumes, fish and curd cheese were the least frequently consumed by the respondents. Of the unhealthy products, the women most often chose sweets (at least once a week), cheese and fried food. Analysis of the effect of a healthy diet on the quality of life showed that a statistically significant correlations were observed in the case of mental health, functioning in society, emotionality, vitality, and well-being. Conclusions: A positive correlation with the application of a healthy diet was observed in all the categories of quality of life. This means that the respondents with healthy diets had a higher quality of life.

Impact of physical activity on obesity and lipid profile of adults with intellectual disability.

INTRODUCTION: This study assessed overweight, obesity and lipid profiles in adults with intellectual disability and compared these metrics with their physical activity. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Basic somatic parameters, lipid profile and weekly physical activity were examined in 27 adults with moderate intellectual disability. Chi-square independence tests and Pearson's linear correlation coefficients were used. RESULTS: The participants had excess body mass, excess body fat and abdominal obesity. Very high positive correlations were shown between body mass index and both waist circumference and %fat. The lipid profiles were more favourable in the general population. Healthy levels of physical activity were observed in 8% of women and 26% of men. A high negative correlation was found between physical activity and body mass index. CONCLUSION: The study group was characterized by excess body mass and insufficient levels of physical activity. Body mass index and waist circumference are sufficient indicators for identifying obesity in adults with intellectual disability.

Aerobic capacity of adults with intellectual disabilities.

INTRODUCTION: Physical fitness is a resultant of the efficiency of adaptive mechanisms for physical effort. People with intellectual disabilities may exhibit limited adaptive capacities, not only regarding their mental development, but also physiological, social and emotional development. Dysfunctions of the central nervous system observed in individuals with intellectual disabilities cause difficulties in gaining movement experience as well as problems with coordination and kinesthetic sense. Thus, intellectual disability might cause low physical activity and, consequently, low physical fitness. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present investigations was to evaluate aerobic capacity of intellectually disabled adults and determine its potential relationships with the degree of intellectual disability, somatic parameters, age and gender. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study group consisted of 85 intellectually disabled adults aged 20 to 40 years. The investigations were based on direct observation of the participants. The following somatic parameters were measured: body height and weight, waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio. Physical fitness was evaluated based on PWC170; VO2max was also calculated. Qualitative assessment of physical fitness level was carried out using Astrand's classification (with respect to age and gender). RESULTS: 30% of women and 46.3% of men had very low level of aerobic capacity. Absolute values of PWC170 and VO2max were significantly higher in men. However, relative values expressed in millilitres of oxygen per kilogram of body weight did not reveal statistically significant inter-gender differences. Age and degree of intellectual disability did not significantly influence the level of physical fitness. Multiple regression analysis to estimate VO2max/kg revealed a negative correlation with %FAT and WHR. CONCLUSIONS: 1. A large sample of the study population (30% female, 46,3% male) showed very low levels of aerobic capacity. 2. Our investigations did not demonstrate a relationship between physical fitness and age or the degree of intellectual disability. Gender turned out to be a differentiating factor but only for the absolute PWC170 and VO2max. 3. The level of physical fitness was significantly related to somatic parameters including body mass, waist and hips circumference, percentage of body fat, BMI and WHR.

Evaluation of Lipid Metabolism and Nutritional Status in Male Goalball Players.

Lipid disorders, obesity and overweight are considered one of the most important modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Population surveys carried out in Poland have demonstrated a tendency for lipid disorders to occur in 70% and overweight and obesity in more than half of Poles. No such studies have been conducted in groups of people with vision impairment so far. Yet, regular involvement of visually impaired people in sports is likely to reduce cardiovascular risk. Therefore, the authors attempted to evaluate the lipid profile and nutritional status of male goalball players. Thirty two blind or visually impaired male goalball players aged 20 to 45 years participated in the study during which somatic variables (BH, BM, WC, VFR, BMI) and the lipid profile (TC, LDL, HDL, TG) were evaluated. Overweight was found in 40.6% of athletes, with obesity being at the level of 9.3%. A high correlation was found between visceral fat and the BMI (r=0.7; p<0.001), as well as between visceral fat and WC (r=0.8; p<0.001). Abnormal total cholesterol levels were recorded for LDL (22% of study participants), HDL (17%) and triglycerides (13%). Lower levels of individual components of lipid profiles (and higher levels for HDL) were found in athletes with a normal BMI. A correlation was found between the BMI and TG (r=0.4, p<0.01), WC and TG (r=0.4, p<0.01), VFR and LDL ( r=0.4, p<0.05) and TG (r=0.5, p<0.001). The percentage of overweight and obese subjects with vision impairment was lower compared to the general population of men in Poland, with a more beneficial lipid profile. Regular physical activity of the study participants is likely to have a positive effect on their health.

[Selected endo- and exogenous factors and somatic development in children with deafness]. / Wybrane czynniki endo- i egzogenne a rozwój somatyczny dzieci i mlodziezy nieslyszacej.

INTRODUCTION: Three major trends in the literature devoted to somatic development of deaf children can be identified. Those various conclusions create a need for further research in the quest for identifying the factors of differentiation in somatic development of deaf children. That is why, the purpose of the presented study was to determine whether selected and classified endo- and exogenous factors (i.e. etiology and location of damage to hearing, educational environment) affect the somatic development of deaf children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 56 pupils from special care schools in three centers for persons with impaired hearing at the age of 10-16 years was selected. All the subjects were intellectually healthy and no dysfunctions of motor organs were observed among them. Measurements of body height were taken by means of anthropometer. Body weight and fat percentage were measured with impedance analyzer, using the phenomenon of conduction of electricity of low intensity in body tissues. Somatic development profiles were created separately for the groups with different cause, type (location) of hearing loss and educational environment on the basis of the standardization. RESULTS: A varied course of somatic development profiles by type of hearing loss, etiology, and environmental education was found. However, the analysis of variance and Student´s t-test did not confirm that components of somatic profiles differ substantially from the selected endo- and exogenous factors. CONCLUSION: 1. In the study group reviewed a factor of educational environment was not dominant for the somatic development in deaf children. The hypothesis that the educational environment factor affects the somatic development was not proved. 2. There has been no significant relationship between the somatic development and deafness i.e. etiology and location of hearing damage.