Influence of Nordic walking with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber on carbohydrate and lipid metabolic indices and white blood cell subpopulations in postmenopausal women.

Background: Regular and individualised physical activities have been shown to prevent adverse changes associated with the aging process. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and white blood cell (WBC) subpopulations in postmenopausal women participating in Nordic walking (NW) training and to compare the use of poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber (RSA) with the use of classic poles. Materials & Methods: A total of 23 postmenopausal women participated in a 8-week programme of systematic physical activity between February and April. Before and after the training programme, somatic features and serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, glucose, and insulin, were assessed, as well as lipid profile and WBC count and its specific subpopulations. Results: Analysis of differences in somatic features and biochemical indices before and after training in the group of women who used RSA poles showed significant decreases in fat mass content (p < 0.05), insulin (p < 0.05), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (p < 0.05), triglycerides (p < 0.05), total cholesterol (p < 0.05) and monocytes (p ≤ 0.01). In the group of women who used classic poles (NW), there was a significant decrease in WBC (p ≤ 0.01), lymphocytes (p < 0.05), monocytes (p ≤ 0.01) and granulocytes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Increasing the training load through the use of RSA poles resulted in greater changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolic indices compared to the use of classic NW poles. In turn, the more significant effect on WBC and its specific subpopulations count in the NW, compared to the RSA training programme, may indicate that specificity of training load is an important factor in modifying the immune system response.

Seasonal variation of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and indices of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Some studies indicate vitamin D's significant contribution to metabolic processess. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism indices in relation to seasonal changes in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Sixteen postmenopausal women meeting health criteria and not using vitamin D supplementation were included in the study. Seasonal variation of somatic features and the serum concentration of 25(OH)D, glucose, insulin, parathormon, sclerostin and lipid profile were determined on two terms (autumn-winter). RESULTS: Comparative analysis of the variables between the study terms revealed a marked decrease in the concentration of 25(OH)D (p ≤ 0.0001), insulin (p < 0.05), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), (p < 0.05). The significant positive correlations of changes (Δ) between autumn and winter in 25(OH)D with body mass (p < 0.05), and fat mass (p ≤ 0.01), measured in the first study term, in the group of women with normal body mass index (BMI), and negative correlation with fat mass (p < 0.05) in women with a BMI value above the reference values, were found. The relationship analysis showed that in women with normal BMI, the decrease in 25(OH)D concentrations was greater when the body fat percentage was higher, whereas in women with a BMI value above the reference values, the higher the fat percentage, the smaller was the decrease in 25(OH)D concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Seasonal changes in 25(OH)D concentration did not significantly affect the concentration of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism indices. The magnitude of decline in 25(OH)D levels depends on the fat mass. We suppose that environmental or lifestyle-related factors, e.g., nutritional behaviours, may have had more influence on metabolic indices than changes in 25(OH)D.

Health-related Fitness Components - Links Between Parents and Their Child.

Objectives: Health-related fitness is a good predictor of health status of children and adults. Less is known about relationships of health-related fitness components between parents and children. Methods: Our study involved 58 children (30 girls and 28 boys, mean age = 7.97) and 58 parents (33 mothers, mean age = 39.32, and 25 fathers, mean age = 38.73) who were voluntarily enrolled in the program in 3 selected primary schools in the city of Poznan, Poland. Physical fitness was measured using the Eurofit test battery. Assessment of body composition was performed by measuring the bioimpedance. Results: Positive relationships were found among the levels of strength of abdominal muscle, flexibility of parents, and the slenderness of children. Slimmer parents also had more physically active children. Body composition parameters also were related to physical activity. More relationships were found between children and parents of the same sex. Conclusion: Data support the hypothesis that health-related risk factors are linked between parents and children and that sex plays an important role in these relationships. Our findings reinforce the need to develop health promotion programs that include children and their parents.

Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover Markers in Postmenopausal Women Subjected to an Aqua Fitness Training Program.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of aqua fitness training in deep water on bone tissue. The study was performed with 18 postmenopausal women separated into two groups: training and control groups. Before and after the training program, the hip and spine areal bone mineral density were measured along with the biochemical parameters of serum concentration of osteocalcin (OC) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX). The most significant effect was found in differences between the two groups of women in terms of femur strength index (p < 0.05) during the period of the training program. The study demonstrated that an aqua fitness training program caused favorable changes in femur strength index in postmenopausal women, and this kind of exercise could be a useful form of physical activity for postmenopausal women.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and selected diet components in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition and lifestyle factors play an important role in the development and maintenance of peak bone mass and the prevention of bone degradation. The aim of the present study was to assess 25-hydroxy- cholecalciferol [25(OH)D] serum concentration in postmenopausal women during the winter period and the supply of selected components in their diet. METHODS: The study was conducted on a group of 35 women aged 54–77, using a question- naire, including a 24-hour recall related to a subject’s nutrient consumption. Serum concentrations of 25(OH) D were determined. Body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance analysis. RESULTS: Mean 25(OH)D serum concentration was found to be 61.2% of the minimum healthy level, according to the reference values. The supply of vitamin D and calcium covered 36.2% and 56.7% of RDA respectively. Correlation analysis has shown a significant inverse relationship between 25(OH)D serum con- centration and body fat (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates a decreased serum concentration of 25(OH)D in postmenopausal women during the winter period and a low supply of vitamin D and calcium in their diet. Nutrition education should be introduced to the adult population to prevent bone fractures.

Serum irisin and myostatin levels after 2 weeks of high-altitude climbing.

Exposure to high-altitude hypoxia causes physiological and metabolic adaptive changes by disturbing homeostasis. Hypoxia-related changes in skeletal muscle affect the closely interconnected energy and regeneration processes. The balance between protein synthesis and degradation in the skeletal muscle is regulated by several molecules such as myostatin, cytokines, vitamin D, and irisin. This study investigates changes in irisin and myostatin levels in male climbers after a 2-week high-altitude expedition, and their association with 25(OH)D and indices of inflammatory processes. The study was performed in 8 men aged between 23 and 31 years, who participated in a 2-week climbing expedition in the Alps. The measurements of body composition and serum concentrations of irisin, myostatin, 25(OH)D, interleukin-6, myoglobin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, osteoprotegerin, and high-sensitivity soluble receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (sRANKL) were performed before and after expedition. A 2-week exposure to hypobaric hypoxia caused significant decrease in body mass, body mass index (BMI), free fat mass and irisin, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels. On the other hand, significant increase in the levels of myoglobin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and osteoprotegerin were noted. The observed correlations of irisin with 25(OH)D levels, as well as myostatin levels with inflammatory markers and the OPG/RANKL ratio indicate that these myokines may be involved in the energy-related processes and skeletal muscle regeneration in response to 2-week exposure to hypobaric hypoxia.

Perceived quality of life and acceptance of illness in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes exerts a significant impact on the patient's quality of life. Its chronic nature, incurability and complications weaken the motivation of patients to fight the disease and its acceptance. The aim of research was to determine whether and to what extent diabetes modulates the quality of life of patients and in particular which domain of the patient's life is most limited. In addition, we looked at whether the quality of life perceived by patients is determined by gender and whether and to what extent they accept their illness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study on 100 patients with type 2 diabetes from the Wielkopolska region in Poland was carried out at the end of 2013/beginning of 2014 using a diagnostic survey, and the research techniques were a standardized questionnaire - ADDQoL19 (Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life 19) and the AIS questionnaire (Acceptance of Illness Scale) developed by Felton and modified by Juczynski. RESULTS: The results suggest that the quality of life of the patients was "neither good nor bad", whereby women perceive it as being lower than men. While analysing the impact of diabetes on the different domains of the lives of men and women, it should be stressed that most affected were diet, satisfying appetite, independence, financial position, feelings about the future, sex life, and freedom in the consumption of drinks. More than half of men and women did not accept their illness; however, younger persons unlike older accepted diabetes to a much greater degree. CONCLUSIONS: Type 2 diabetes negatively affects the quality of life of patients and its impact is felt more by women. In both sexes, the most affected domain of quality of life is the lack of nutritional freedom. The acceptance of illness is dependent upon age.

Vitamin D, Iron Metabolism, and Diet in Alpinists During a 2-Week High-Altitude Climb.

A defensive mechanism against hypobaric hypoxia at high altitude is erythropoesis. Some authors point to the contribution of vitamin D to the regulation of this process. The aim of the present study was to assess the 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) level and its associations with iron metabolic and inflammatory indices in participants of a 2-week mountaineering expedition. The study sample included 9 alpinists practicing recreational mountain climbing. Every 2 or 3 days they set up a different base between 3200 and 3616 m with the intention of climbing 4000 m peaks in the Mont Blanc massif. Before their departure for the mountains and 2 days after returning to the sea level anthropometric parameters, hematological parameters, serum levels of 25(OH)D and iron metabolic indices were measured in all the participants. The composition of the participants' diet was also evaluated. The comparative analysis showed a significant decrease in body mass, BMI values, total iron, and 25(OH)D concentrations (p<0.05). Also significant increases in unsaturated iron-binding capacity, hematocrit, and C-reactive protein concentrations (p<0.05) were found. It can be concluded that the 2-week climbing expedition contributed to the reduction of 25(OH)D levels and these changes were associated with modulation of immune processes. Moreover, the climbers' diet requires some serious modifications.

Effects of regular physical exercises in the water on the metabolic profile of women with abdominal obesity.

Recreational physical exercise in the water is predominantly based on aerobic metabolism. Since it involves both carbohydrate and lipid sources of energy, aqua aerobics has a beneficial effect on metabolism of these substrates. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of a 3 month aqua aerobics training program on the metabolic profile of women with abdominal obesity. The study sample comprised 32 women aged 41-72 years. Somatic characteristics and variables characterizing carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were measured before the commencement and after the completion of the training program. During the 2nd measurement all mean anthropometric variables were found to be significantly lower (p≤0.01). In the blood lipid profile, the concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HOMAIR were significantly lower (p<0.01). Furthermore, the levels of fasting triglycerides, glucose and insulin were reduced significantly (p≤0.05) after the training program. The aqua aerobics program contributed to positive changes in lipid metabolism, anthropometric variables, as well as the fasting insulin, glucose levels and insulin resistance index in women with abdominal obesity.