Physical Activity of Poles in the Care for Their Health Potential Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to present the engagement of adult Poles in physical activity (PA) before and during the coronavirus pandemic, taking into consideration: frequency, duration, and types of the activity, depending on the gender and age of the participants. METHODS: The study was conducted using an online survey questionnaire. A total of 688 residents of Poland aged 18 to 58 (28.61 ± 9.5) y participated in the study. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in the frequency of PA was noted in the group of men (P = 0.0001) and in the age group of 39 to 58 y old. The analysis of the duration of a single PA before and during the pandemic has shown a statistically significant reduction in the workout time among both men and women and across all age groups (P = 0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in the frequency of women undertaking flexibility exercises, eg, yoga (P = 0.000), as well as a decrease in marching and walks (P = 0.003). Men significantly less frequently did strength exercises (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, there was a statistically significant decrease in the frequency and duration of PA. The preferences of the participants as to the type of PA undertaken changed as well.

Level of type 1 diabetes education of physiotherapists based on selected factors.

INTRODUCTION: Physiotherapists may play an important part in raising the awareness of patients and society as regards type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the prevention of concomitant diseases. The objective of the paper is to assess the level of T1D education among physiotherapists versus selected factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The diagnostic poll used an original questionnaire with personal questions and a test (17 single-select questions). The respondents included 103 physiotherapists from Poland, aged between 20 and 50, with 64.1% women and 35.9% men. RESULTS: When asked about the sources of T1D education, 72 respondents (36.5%) selected websites, 71 (36%) medical literature, 36 (18.3%) university classes and 18 (9.1%) a physician. As far as the test results for the total knowledge of T1D was concerned, the knowledge level was medium for the majority (69 (67%)) of the respondents, high for 28 respondents (27.2%) and low for six respondents (5,8%). A statistically significant correlation was observed between the years of working as a physiotherapist, and the level of T1D knowledge (r = 0.196, p = 0.047). The respondents that had been on the job longer had more answers that were correct. The level of knowledge was not correlated with age (r = 0.113, p = 0.258) or sex (r = 0.142, p = 0.344) or the subjective self-assessment of knowledge of the respondents (r = -0.04, p = 0.685). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the respondents had a moderate level of diabetes education. The level of the T1D knowledge of physiotherapists was primarily determined by their number of years on the job. Age and sex of the respondents had no impact on the level of their knowledge of diabetes (T1D).

Interests and needs for participation in tourism among disabled from eastern regions of Poland.

INTRODUCTION: The scope of problems concerning the disabled still remains a constantly up-to-date social issue, which requires current scientific analysis. In concern for the disabled, the problem of physical activity through their participation in tourism occupies an important position. The studies concern the disabled from three regions: Lublin, Bialystok and Rzeszów, where there occurs the highest intensity of the phenomenon of disability. OBJECTIVE: The recognition of interests and needs manifested by the disabled from the eastern regions of Poland concerning the use of forms of tourism during leisure time. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The method of a diagnostic survey and questionnaire technique were applied. A total number of 750 disabled were examined. RESULTS: The study showed that the majority of the disabled spend their free time devoted to tourist activity according to their needs. The main forms of participation in tourism are sightseeing tours and package holidays, and the respondents would like most to participate in rehabilitation camps and sightseeing tours. A considerable variation was observed in the participation in forms of tourism among the disabled from individual regions. CONCLUSIONS: The disabled who do not wish to participate in sports-recreation and tourist activities, and for whom their state of health is the main barrier, require special interest. A relatively large variation of tourism forms used by the disabled in individual regions indicate the need for an exchange of experiences between specialist facilities taking care of the disabled.

Usage of leisure time by disabled males and females from the Lublin Region.

INTRODUCTION: Free time in the life of both the disabled and those who are able bodied is the time of leisure, recovery and entertainment. The disabled utilize more energy and strength for everyday functioning compared to the able bodied, therefore, an adequate managing of the leisure time they possess is of great importance. This is confirmed by the latest results of American studies. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the presented study is the presentation of the various of managing and organizing leisure time among disabled males and females living in the Lublin Region, with the consideration of statistical significance. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of 360 disabled people were examined--187 females and 173 males, with physical, mental, complex and sensory disability. The study was conducted by a diagnostic survey with the use of a questionnaire form. RESULTS: The results of own studies show small variation in the aspects of managing and organizing free time according to the respondents' gender. During their leisure time, both males and females watch TV, listen to the radio, read books and go for walks. They obtain information concerning offers for spending free time from the media, specialist institutions, associations and acquaintances, and expect assistance in the organization of their leisure time from specialist institutions, associations, and family members. The respondents are most interested in participating in a stay in a rehabilitation spa, permanent activities for the disabled, and trips. To-date they have participated in walking tours, bicycle tours, outdoor bivouacs and pilgrimages in the company of their family members and friends.

Environmental determinants of participation in tourism and recreation of people with varying degrees of disability.

Environmental determinants for participation of disabled subjects in tourism and recreation comprise an important social problem. The amount and use of free time for individuals with disabilities in daily life, holidays, and vacation leave and the location for tourism and recreation were examined. Seven hundred and fifty individuals, aged 16-75 yr, with varying degrees of disability, from three eastern provinces of Poland: Podlaskie, Lubelskie and Podkarpackie were investigated. In these studies, a diagnostic survey method with the use of questionnaire, interviews, and analysis of data was carried out. It was found that individuals with disabilities have a significant amount of free time, which is usually spent with family and friends. Among the specific benefits of participation in physical activities are well-being, health improvement, and making new acquaintances. The main factors determining participation in tourism and recreation were price, a friendly group, and doctor recommendations.