Evaluation of the relationship between body composition and dietary habits of physically active people with disabilities.

Physical activity offers numerous physical and mental health benefits for individuals with disabilities, while nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining bodily homeostasis. This study aimed to assess the relationship between body composition and dietary habits among physically active people with disabilities. Fifty-five participants aged 16 to 61, including 28 with disabilities and 27 without, were included in the study. The FFQ-6 questionnaire, Tanita body composition analyzer, and Stadiometer were utilized. No significant differences in BMI were observed between the two groups. However, individuals with disabilities showed higher body fat, metabolic age, or pulse values, whereas the control group exhibited higher muscle mass, muscle quality, body type, or bone mass. Participants with disabilities were more likely to consume vegetables (p = 0.004) and animal fats (p = 0.027), while those without disabilities were more inclined to consume fast food, instant products (p = 0.006), sweetened beverages (p < 0.001), and alcohol (p < 0.001). People with disabilities often have a higher percentage of body fat, cautioning against the consumption of processed fruits, dried fruits, fast food, and red meat. Conversely, in non-disabled individuals, frequent consumption of eggs, animal fats, sugar, and sweets is not recommended due to the potential for increased body fat, visceral fat, and higher BMI.

Effect of Lumbar Spine Mobility and Postural Alignment on Menstrual Pain in Young Women.

(1) Background: Studies indicate that 45 to 95% of women suffer from painful periods. Despite frequent incidence, the problem is still underestimated. Menstruation-related ailments often correlate with high absenteeism at school and work, as well as limitation of social and scientific activity. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the size of the curvature, the mobility of the spine in the sagittal plane, and menstrual pain in young women. (2) Methods: The analysis included 224 women aged 18-26, mean of 21.56 ± 1.95, studying at the College of Medical Sciences of the University of Rzeszów. For this purpose, the measurement of the anterior-posterior curvature of the spine with a gravitational inclinometer, the Schober test and the authors' questionnaire related to menstruation were used. (3) Results: The data analysis demonstrated a significant difference between the group with menstrual pain (MP) and the control group without pain (CG), where the angle of the lumbar sacral transition (p = 0.034), thoracolumbar transition (p = 0.044) and lumbar lordosis (p = 0.006) were statistically significantly lower in MP compared to CG. There were no significant differences in the measurement of the so-called smartphone hump and between the mobility of the lumbar spine and menstrual pain in any of the groups. (4) Conclusions: Women with menstrual pain are characterized by reduced lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis, while sagittal mobility of the spine does not affect pain.

Is There Influence of Gender and the Specificity of Sports Activities on the Performance of Body Balance in Young Athletes?

Sports training can significantly influence specific motor skills. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of gender and the specificity of sports activities on body balance, symmetry of lower extremity loads (SI) as well as body mass index (BMI) in young athletes aged 14 to 17. There were 240 participants (145 boys and 95 girls) divided into five groups: swimmers, dancers, soccer players, archery and control group. The average age was 16. Participants had 3 years of training experience (training three times a week or training that lasted between 4.5 and 6 h weekly). To assess balance, the stabilized Zebris platform was used in the study. The SI was calculated based on the percentage load on the lower extremities, dividing the greater value by the lower. Body mass index was calculated on the basis of height and weight. Women had a significantly lower BMI and balance in some analyzed parameters, while men had better SI. Archers obtained the best results of the balance parameters and the worst results of SI. Only swimmers and soccer players had a normal SI. Sports specialization generates significant differences in the manifestation of balance compared to the gender variable and sport discipline.

Body Balance of Children and Youths with Visual Impairment (Pilot Study).

AIM: The study was designed to assess the effects of surface instability in the response of the balance control system in children and youths with visual impairment (BL) and in normally sighted controls (NE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The empirical research study involved 80 individuals, aged from 6 to 20 years, with a mean age of 14.37 (±4.68), including 40 blind individuals and a randomly selected control group 40 normally sighted. Stabilometric measurements were performed with the use of the Platform CQ Stab 2P, with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC) on the solid surface, and then, the same procedure was performed on the platform covered with 1-centimetre-thick foam. RESULTS: Statistical analyses (Wilcoxon matched-pairs test, Mann-Whitney U test) of the results identified during the trials reveal the following findings in the BL group in the EO and EC tests. The results of the foam surface test were higher and the differences were statistically significant in the BL group (sway path EO p = 0.009, EC p = 0.006; mean amplitude EC p = 0.030; mean velocity EO p = 0.009, EC p = 0.006; sway area EO p = 0.017, EC p = 0.009; and number of COP deflections along the sagittal plane EO p = 0.004). No similar correlations were observed in the NE group, except for the mean amplitude EO p = 0.033 and sway area EO p = 0.030. There was one difference between the BL and the NE group for the mean amplitude parameter, p = 0.018, in a solid surface test with open eyes. The results were higher in the BL group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed no worse balance in the BL group than in the NE group but worse performance on the foam than without it. It indicates the need to develop body balance skills in blind people by improving their proprioceptive sensitivity. In everyday life and training, blind people should experience exteroceptive stimuli, different textures, and unstable surfaces as much as possible.

Efficacy of Various Laser Wavelengths in the Surgical Treatment of Ankyloglossia: A Systematic Review.

Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie, is the most common disorder of tongue morphology characterized by aberrant attachment of the lingual frenum. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive literature review and evaluate the effectiveness of various laser wavelengths in the surgical treatment of patients with ankyloglossia. An electronic screening of PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases was conducted on 8 November 2021. The following search terms were used to review the available data on the subject of interest: (ankyloglossia OR tongue tie OR short lingual frenulum OR lingual frenectomy OR lingual frenulectomy OR lingual frenotomy OR lingual frenulotomy) AND laser. The use of lasers in ankyloglossia treatment resulted in shorter procedure time, reduced indications for general anesthesia, reduced administration of postoperative analgesics, fewer sutures or none needed, reduced postoperative bleeding, and improved healing. Despite many advantages, this method has its clinical limitations: it requires the use of expensive equipment; well-trained personnel familiar with lasers; and personal protective equipment for the patient, caregiver, operator, and assistant. The laser procedure does not eliminate the need for myofunctional exercises and work with a speech therapist.

The Relationship between Physical Activity Level and Functional Status of Subjects with High Spinal Cord Injury.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injuries are one of disability in Poland and in the world. METHODS: 80 subjects with a transverse injury of the cervical spinal cord were enrolled in the study. The study group included men aged 20-50, 33.1 ± 7.5. A total of 40 (50%) of the subjects comprised the physically active group (AG)-subjects doing wheelchair sport twice a week for 90 min a day. The physically inactive group (IG) comprised 40 (50%) subjects who had not participated in any sports activities. Statistical analyses were carried out using Shapiro-Wilk W-test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the physically active and inactive men with regard to their functionality status. The biggest differences were found for turning over (p < 0.001) and in adopting a sitting position (p < 0.001). Persons in the AG group had better results in all assessed activities. The biggest differences were observed in the field of toilet and dressing up: tooth-brushing p < 0.007 and washing the top part of the body p < 0.002. CONCLUSIONS: People participating in regular physical activity-wheelchair rugby-after spinal cord injury have a better relationship with better fitness, greater independence and a better functional status.

Agreement of Three Posturographic Force Plates in the Assessment of Postural Stability.

This study was designed to assess how the results obtained for three different posturographic platforms agreed with each other in an assessment of static postural stability. The study included 111 young healthy participants. A measurement of postural stability was made for each participant, with their eyes open and then closed, on each platform in a random order. The Romberg ratio, path length, and center of pressure (COP) area were analyzed. For all measures, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among the three force plates. The highest Spearman's rank correlation was observed between Alfa vs. CQStab2P (0.20 to 0.38), and the lowest between Alfa vs. AccuGait (-0.19 to 0.09). Similar results were obtained for the concordance correlation coefficient (0.10 to 0.22 for Alfa vs. CQStab2P and -0.6 to 0.02 for Alfa vs. AccuGait). Bland-Altman analysis for values standardized (z-scores) against AccuGait indicated a low level of agreement between compared platforms, with the largest error between AccuGait vs. Alfa, and a slightly lower error between AccuGait vs. CQStab2P or Alfa vs. CQStab2P. The 95% limits of agreement ranged from 2.38 to 7.16 (Alfa vs. AccuGait), 2.09 to 5.69 (CQStab2P vs. AccuGait), and 1.39 to 7.44 (AccuGait vs. Alfa) in COP length with eyes open and COP length Romberg ratio, respectively. Special care is recommended when comparing values relating to COPs from different devices that are analyzed by different software. Moreover, unperturbed stance tests among young healthy adults can be questioned as a valid postural control parameter.

Evaluation of vitamin D3 levels and morphotic parameters of blood in prematurely born children at six years of age.

In Poland the preterm children, with the birth rate reaching 6.3%, constitute a serious medical problem. The system of specialistic clinics provides them with the multidisciplinary care for the first 3 years of life, including the monitoring of hematologic parameters in relation with anemia and osteopenia. The aim of this study was to assess the vitamin D3 level and morphotic parameters of blood in children who were prematurely born at the time when they are about to start school. The study was carried out in a group of 92 children, aged 6 years ±0.63, including 54 preterm children born at gestational age <32 weeks - and 38 full-term children. A basic anthropometric measures and assessment of morphotic parameters and the vitamin D3 level were assessed. Statistical analyses were carried out using Shapiro-Wilk W-test, Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Preterm children had significantly lower the vitamin D3 level than controls. This also refers to some morphotic parameters of blood, such as level of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and platelets. Prematurely born 6-7 year-old children have significantly lower vitamin D3 levels in blood serum than normal and significantly lower hemoglobin levels than full-term children.

Author Correction: Assessment of body adiposity in preterm children at the beginning of school age.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Assessment of body adiposity preterm children at the beginning of school age.

In Poland, like in other developed countries, 6.3% of babies are born prematurely. Preterm babies suffer from numerous health issues. The aim of the study was to assess body adiposity in preterm children at the beginning of school age. The study population consisted of 61 children aged 5 to 8 years who had been born preterm. We performed standard anthropometric measurements according to internationally recognized methodology. The following parameters were used: Body Weight (BW), Body Heigh (BH), Waist Circumference (WC), Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist to Height Ratio (WtHR), Triceps Skinfold Thickness (TST), Subscapular Skinfold Thickness (SST), Umbilical Skinfold Thickness (UST), as well as total sum of the above parameters, or the Global Adiposity (GA). The anthropometric measurements were taken according to international anthropometric methodology. All anthropometric parameters for body adiposity were significantly lower in the study population than in the reference system. We found a statistically significant relationship between: the number of fetuses and: UST (p = 0.007) and z-score UST (p = 0.030); combined number of unfavorable perinatal events: and UST (p = 0.013) and z-score UST (p = 0.007), GA (p = 0.038) and z-score GA (p = 0.040). Preterm children who are about to start school have significantly lower values of anthropometric features that characterize their body adiposity. In preterm children at early school age number of fetuses diversifies UST; and combined number of unfavorable perinatal events diversifies UST and GA. It is recommended that more studies are conducted on positively oriented modification of body adiposity in these children, as well as its long term monitoring.

Evaluation of the quality of life after surgical removal of lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Morbidity and mortality attributed to lung cancer remain at high levels, especially where men are concerned. The surgery for lung cancer involves removing neoplastic lesions in order to save the largest possible part of the healthy lung. Of importance is also pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation. The aim of this thesis is to gauge the quality of life of the patients who have had their lung cancer surgically removed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 72 patients (52 men and 20 women) after surgical removal of lung cancer. The subjects were examined prior to, a week after and six months following surgery. The investigation employed the standardised questionnaires to assess the quality of life, i.e. EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-LC13, as well as the visual analogue pain scale (VAS). Statistical analyses were performed using the Anova Friedman test and Dunna test, and p-value calculated in multiple comparisons with significance level assumed at p < 0.05. RESULTS: During six months after the operation, the quality of life deteriorated in relation to the one before operation as evidenced by the functioning scale at the level of p < 0.001. Overall symptom scale, as well as symptomatic scale and the VAS scale showed that some symptoms increased significantly in the early period after surgery p < 0.001, then with the passage of time, the patients felt improvement, however, some of them, e.g. pain sensations can persist till six months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical removal of lung cancer is associated with a significant deterioration of the quality of life in the early period after surgery and can persist till six months later.

Comparison of Spinal Curvatures in the Sagittal Plane, as Well as Body Height and Mass in Polish Children and Adolescents Examined in the Late 1950s and in the Early 2000s.

BACKGROUND Humans are exposed to various stimuli which lead to somatic modifications and changes in body posture, negatively affecting many of its characteristics. The purpose of this study was to assess significant alterations which occurred in selected morphological features and spinal curvatures in children and adolescents over a period of 40 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS The total of 7041 subjects, aged 4-18 years (mean age 11.3 years) were included in the study, which was designed to compare measurements performed in year 1959 (Group 1, n=3235 individuals) and in year 2003 (Group 2, n=3806 individuals). The children were examined for body height, body mass, as well as thoracic and lumbar curvatures. In 1959, the measurements were carried out using a spherodorsimeter, while in 2003, the CQ System photogrammetry was used, producing corresponding results. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS The findings showed a significant decrease in the angle of lumbar lordosis and in sacral inclination as well as an increase in body height and mass, particularly in prepubertal children. On the other hand, the angle of thoracic kyphosis and the partial angles of physiological spinal curvatures changed only to a small degree over the 40-year period. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence related to changes which occurred during the relevant period of over 40 years, namely a decrease in both the angle of lumbar lordosis and the sacral inclination angle, as well as an increase in body height and mass. These changes should be taken into consideration in selecting norms and standards applied in healthcare services, and the findings suggest it is necessary to regularly update such standards.

Assessment of Foot Shape in Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disability: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND Available publications provide little evidence pertaining to assessment of foot shape in children with intellectual disability. The aim of this study was to assess the parameters of foot shape in children and adolescents with intellectual disability and to evaluate the relationship between the degree of disability and these parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 90 individuals aged 7-15 years, including 45 subjects with mild and moderate levels of intellectual disability (study group) and 45 peers with normal intellectual development (control group). Each participant was subjected to photogrammetric assessment of foot shape based on the projection moire effect. RESULTS Analysis of the relationship between the disability level and the assessed parameters showed that the length of the right (p=0.006) and left (p=0.004) foot, as well as Wejsflog's rate for the right (p<0.001) and left (p<0.001) foot, were significantly higher among children with mild disability, whereas GAMMA angle of the right (p=0.028) and left (p=0.006) foot was significantly higher among children with moderate disability. CONCLUSIONS The findings show a significant relationship between the degree of disability and the assessed foot parameters. Significant differences between the subjects with intellectual disability and the control group were identified in the basic parameters defining foot structure.

Concurrent validity of photogrammetric and inclinometric techniques based on assessment of anteroposterior spinal curvatures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate correlations between parameters of anteroposterior spinal curvatures in the sagittal plane, measured with the use of photogrammetric technique and inclinometer in healthy elderly women. METHODS: Randomized study involved 50 females, ranging from 50 to 70 years of age (mean 62.26 ± 6.94); mean body mass index (BMI) 27.69 ± 4.79. The examined parameters included angle of inclination in lumbosacral spine (ALFA), thoracolumbar transition (BETA), upper thoracic segment (GAMMA), angle of lumbar lordosis (LLA) and thoracic kyphosis (TKA). Results obtained with gravitational inclinometer were compared with those identified with photogrammetry method. Statistical analyses were performed with Mann-Whitney U test, regression analysis and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: In Mann-Whitney U test, with correction due to continuity, no statistically significant differences for any variable were found. Regression analysis was significant only for the variable of BETA angle. Bland-Altman coefficient for the respective angles was: ALFA 2.0%, BETA 4%, GAMMA 0%, LLA 2% and TKA 0%. CONCLUSIONS: The results acquired with gravitational inclinometer and with photogrammetric technique are comparable, as the parameters of anteroposterior spinal curvatures acquired with these two methods are found to be compatible in the case of measurements of lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis.

Body Posture Asymmetry in Prematurely Born Children at Six Years of Age.

AIMS: The purpose of the study was to assess body posture asymmetries in the standing and sitting position in prematurely born children at six years of age. STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: We measured trunk symmetry in coronal plane. The study was carried out in a group of 101 children, aged 6-7 years, mean age of 6.63, including 50 preterm children born at gestational age <32 weeks (preterm group) and 51 full-term children (control group). OUTCOME MEASURES: Trunk symmetry in coronal plane was measured using photogrammetric technique with Mora 4G CQ Elektronik. The subjects were examined in standing and sitting position. Statistical analyses were carried out using Shapiro-Wilk W-test, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson's chi-squared test. Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the groups in the asymmetries identified in the relevant anthropometric points, relative to the position assumed during the examination or to the subjects' sex. CONCLUSIONS: There are no significant differences in body posture in the coronal plane, between preterm children and full-term children. Premature birth does not have adverse effects related to body posture asymmetry in preterm children at the age of six.

Influence of the Weight of a School Backpack on Spinal Curvature in the Sagittal Plane of Seven-Year-Old Children.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the paper was to determine a correlation between the weight of a child's backpack, their body weight, and certain features of their body posture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 109 children, all aged seven years. The parameters of body posture were determined using the Zebris Ultrasonic System. RESULTS: The number of children carrying a school backpack in accordance with recommendations was 44 subjects (40.37%). Statistically significant changes were found in the total length of the spine (Z = 2.223, p = 0.026) and between backpack weight and changes in the following parameters: the total length of the spine (rs = -0.3999, p = 0.017), the length and the angle of the lumbar lordosis (rs = -0.3352, p = 0.049), the angle of the lumbar lordosis (rs = -0.5065, p = 0.002), and the sacral angle (rs = -0.4279, p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Wearing a backpack heavier than 10% of one's body weight can cause shallowing of the lumbar lordosis and a tendency towards a vertical position of the sacrum. Monitoring the weight of children's school backpacks and enabling them to leave books and notebooks at school would probably be beneficial in reducing the daily burden put on children's spines.

Balance assessment in hearing-impaired children.

According to the scientific reports the postural stability is inseparably associated with hearing organ's correct functioning. The aim of the study was to evaluate the degree of disorders occurring in balance reactions in this group of children with profound hearing loss compared to their healthy peers. The study worked with a total of 228 children, including 65 who are deaf (DCH) and 163 subjects without any hearing deficits (CON) in the control group. Stabilometric measurements were performed with the use of a force distribution platform. The results indicate statistically significant differences in terms of one parameter (the total path length) recorded in the test with the eyes open and a whole range of parameters recorded when the subjects had their eyes closed (the width, height, and area of the ellipse, the total path length, and the horizontal and vertical sway). The study results showed better values of the static balance parameters in deaf children as compared to their peers without hearing disorders and the differences were particularly evident in the test with the subject's eyes closed. The results suggest significantly better processing of sensory stimuli in postural reactions particularly from propioception, and to a lesser extent, from the vision system observed in the subjects as compared to their peers in the control group.

Comparison of parameters of spinal curves in the sagittal plane measured by photogrammetry and inclinometry.

BACKGROUND. The photogrammetric method and inclinometer-based measurements are commonly employed to assess the anteroposterior curvatures of the spine. These methods are used both in clinical trials and for screening purposes. The aim of the study was to compare the parameters used to characterise the anteroposterior spinal curvatures as measured by photogrammetry and inclinometry. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study enrolled 341 subjects: 169 girls and 172 boys, aged 4 to 9 years, from kindergartens and primary schools in Rzeszów. The anteroposterior spinal curvatures were examined by photogrammetry and with a mechanical inclinometer. RESULTS. There were significant differences in the α angle between the inclinometric and photogrammetric assessment in the Student t test (p=0.017) and the Fisher Snedecor test (p=0.0001), with similar differences in the ß angle (Student's t p=0.0001, Fisher Snedecor p=0.007). For the γ angle, significant differences were revealed with Student's t test (p=0.0001), but not with the Fisher Snedecor test (p = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS. 1. Measurements of inclination of particular segments of the spine obtained with the photogrammetric method and the inclinometric method in the same study group revealed statistically significant differences. 2. The results of measurements obtained by photogrammetry and inclinometry are not comparable. 3. Further research on agreement between measurements of the anteroposterior spinal curvatures obtained using the available measurement equipment is recommended.