Effect of a juggling-based physical activity on postural stability, reaction time, and attention focus in older adults: a randomized crossover study.

BACKGROUND: In the aging society, more attention is paid to the promotion of forms of physical activity that can improve postural stability and cognitive functioning. In this context, the importance of combined exercises, requiring simultaneous physical and cognitive involvement, is emphasized. Juggling seems to be a form of activity that is both cognitively and physically demanding. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of additional juggling exercise on postural stability and cognitive abilities in healthy, physically active older adults. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy and physically active older adults (70.08±4.40 years old) were included in a randomized crossover study. The addition of juggling three times a week during four weeks was the main intervention (one period), while the control phase included four weeks with no addition of juggling (second period). Measurements of postural stability and cognitive abilities were performed before and after each period. For the purpose of postural stability assessment, a velocity of center of pressure with root mean square, area 95 percentile, medio-lateral and anterior-posterior range of motion were measured. Center of pressure signals were obtained using an AccuGait™ System force plate in three conditions: free standing, dual-task and limits of stability. The Vienna Test System was used for the assessment of selected cognitive abilities. A battery of reaction time tests and Cognitrone test were used for this purpose. RESULTS: A significant interaction effect of intervention and time was observed in the postural stability dual-task condition in the root mean square of the center of pressure velocity in the advantage of the juggling period (medio-lateral: F=14.83, p<.01, ƞp2=.37; anterior-posterior: F=26.30, p<.01, ƞp2=.51). Additionally, moderate effect sizes were observed in the velocity of the center of pressure and variability of simple reaction time measurements, but without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the implementation of juggling activity in everyday life may have positive effects on cognitive abilities and postural stability in healthy, physically active older adults, but the true effect may be low to moderate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered retrospectively (30.10.2023) at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06108713).

New Public Health and Sport Medicine Institutions Guidelines of Physical Activity Intensity for Pregnancy-A Scoping Review.

Background: Before starting PA, pregnant women should select the appropriate type of training and adjust its components to the development of pregnancy and her capabilities. This review aimed to analyze current recommendations for pregnant women on methods for determining and assessing PA intensity levels and characterize the extent and nature of the information provided to pregnant women in official documents published by public health and sports medicine institutions. Methods: The review was conducted as per the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We searched scientific databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, and SPORTDiscus with Full Text via EBSCO) and the Internet to identify papers regarding recommendations for the PA intensity level for pregnant women. We analyzed 22 eligible guidelines, published over the last 10 years in English, from nine countries and three international organizations. Results: The PA of pregnant women should be at a moderate level. As for higher levels, the analyzed recommendations are contradictory. Methods for assessing PA intensity levels are often not included. The most frequently recommended methods for determining and assessing the PA intensity level for pregnant women are the rating of perceived exertion, the Talk Test, and heart rate measurements. Few guidelines offer specific advice for highly active women (e.g., elite athletes) or trimester-specific considerations. Conclusions: The number of published recommendations regarding PA during pregnancy has increased over the last decade. The amount of information on PA intensity levels is still insufficient. There is a need to update them, based on high-quality scientific work.

The dose-dependent effect of caffeine supplementation on performance, reaction time and postural stability in CrossFit - a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Caffeine (CAF) ingestion improves performance in a broad range of exercise tasks. Nevertheless, the CAF-induced, dose-dependent effect on discipline-specific performance and cognitive functions in CrossFit/High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute supplementation of three different doses of CAF and placebo (PLA) on specific performance, reaction time (RTime), postural stability (PStab), heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion (RPE). METHODS: In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design, acute pre-exercise supplementation with CAF (3, 6, or 9 mg/kg body mass (BM)) and PLA in 26 moderately trained CrossFit practitioners was examined. The study protocol involved five separate testing sessions using the Fight Gone Bad test (FGB) as the exercise performance evaluation and biochemical analyses, HR and RPE monitoring, as well as the assessment of RTime and PStab, with regard to CYP1A2 (rs762551) and ADORA2A (rs5751876) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). RESULTS: Supplementation of 6 mgCAF/kgBM induced clinically noticeable improvements in FGBTotal results, RTime and pre-exercise motor time. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences between any CAF doses and PLA in FGBTotal, HRmax, HRmean, RPE, pre/post-exercise RTime, PStab variables or pyruvate concentrations. Lactate concentration was higher (p < 0.05) before and after exercise in all CAF doses than in PLA. There was no effect of CYP1A2 or ADORA2A SNPs on performance. CONCLUSIONS: The dose-dependent effect of CAF supplementation appears to be limited to statistically nonsignificant but clinically considered changes on specific performance, RTime, PStab, RPE or HR. However, regarding practical CAF-induced performance implications in CrossFit/HIFT, 6 mgCAF/kgBM may be supposed as the most rational supplementation strategy.

The effect of sleep deprivation on postural stability among physically active young adults.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of sleep deprivation on postural stability among physically active young adults. The study involved 22 physical education students. Average velocities and spatial distribution of the center of pressure displacements were taken as indicators of postural stability (double and one-leg standing). Two-way ANOVA with two factors of repeated measurements-"session" (control-experimental) and "daytime" (evening-morning)-was used. For indicators of the spatial distribution of the center of pressure in double stance with eyes open and eyes closed, and for average velocities for measurements with eyes closed, statistically significant interaction effects were found (at least p < 0.01, ƞ2 > 0.36, power statistics > 0.90) with the general tendency of higher results in the morning in the session with sleep deprivation than in the control session. In one-leg standing, an increase of average velocities was observed in the control session, and no differences in the session with sleep deprivation (interaction effect: at least p < 0.01, ƞ2 > 0.37, power statistics > 0.90). Besides spatial distribution indicators in double stance, there were no statistical differences between evening-morning tests in the session with sleep deprivation. Despite significant interaction effects, only the results of spatial distribution indicators in double stance were higher in the morning than in the evening in the session with sleep deprivation. So, no clear decline in postural stability after sleep deprivation was observed. This may suggest that sleep deprivation prevents natural regeneration rather than significantly worsening postural stability among physically active adults. It's possible that systematic physical activity might be one of the factors decreasing the risk of accidents among people exposed to sleep deprivation.

Effects of Low-Immersive vs. High-Immersive Exercise Environment on Postural Stability and Reaction and Motor Time of Healthy Young Adults.

(1) Background: Many young adults spend their time playing games and watching television. This type of spending time should be used effectively, so it's worth adding exercise and immersion to them. Bearing in mind that the video games and physical exercise also improve postural stability, motor time (MT) and reaction time (RT), it is worth reaching for new technologies with immersion that are widely available and can be used, for example, as a remote intervention. This study aimed to compare the effects of a low vs. high-immersive exercise environment on postural stability, RT and MT in young adults. (2) Methods: Ninety-three participants were randomly divided into a control group (CG; n = 48) and experimental group (EG; n = 45). The CG exercised according to the Tabata self-made video display on a television set, and the EG exercised according to the Audio Trip exergame. In addition to the postural stability, RT and MT, we monitored the heart rate, breath rate and energy expenditure for safety reasons and to note any differences. (3) Results: Significant differences were observed for both groups in RT (F(2.182) = 3.14, p = 0.046, η2 = 0.03) and MT (F(2.182) = 3.07, p = 0.049, η2 = 0.03) and in postural stability in eyes closed (EC): F(2.182) = 3.66, p = 0.028, η2 = 0.04 and eyes open in one leg (EO-OL): F(2.182) = 5.814, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.07. (4) Conclusions: The inclusion of a higher immersion produces greater improvements in RT, MT. Additionally, after a low-immersive exercise environment, participants have higher center of pressure (COP) path length values with EC and EO-OL tests, which testifies to less postural stability. Regarding COP trajectory, a smaller area surface means better performance for high-immersive participants after 30 min of exercise.

Effect of the Juggling-Based Motor Learning Physical Activity on Well-Being in Elderly: A Pre-Post Study with a Special Training Protocol.

Background: The importance of physical activity for the elderly is undeniable. Specific forms of exercise that are able to engage practitioners, both cognitively and physically, may provide more positive consequences for health and quality of life. Juggling is one of these activities that has both of these characteristics. Methods: Twenty elderly people (70.55 ± 4.91) were included in a juggling-based motor learning protocol for twelve training units during one month of exercising. An evaluation of the proposed exercises (five-point Likert scale) and a subjective assessment of well-being (WHO-5) were conducted during the protocol. Results: All participants learned to perform a three-ball flash cascade. Exercises were rated as very attractive (4.85 ± 0.31) by the practitioners, and a statistically significant improvement in well-being in participants was shown (p < 0.01; d = 0.76). Additionally, in the participating group, the number of people at risk of depression decreased significantly after the intervention with juggling classes (p < 0.01; g = 0.5). Conclusions: The proposed protocol could be an interesting physical activity for the elderly. It can be assumed that this activity, especially when performed in a group form, can improve the well-being of participants in a short period of time.

Effects of a Modern Virtual Reality 3D Head-Mounted Display Exergame on Simulator Sickness and Immersion Under Specific Conditions in Young Women and Men: Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Many young adults do not reach the World Health Organization's minimum recommendations for the amount of weekly physical activity. The virtual reality 3D head-mounted display (VR 3D HMD) exergame is a technology that is more immersive than a typical exercise session. Our study considers gender differences in the experience of using VR games for increasing physical activity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the differences in the effects of VR 3D HMD gaming in terms of immersion, simulator sickness, heart rate, breathing rate, and energy expenditure during two 30-minute sessions of playing an exergame of increasing intensity on males and females. METHODS: To examine the effects of the VR 3D HMD exergame, we experimented with 45 participants (23 males and 22 females) exercising with VR 3D HMD Oculus Quest 1, hand controllers, and Zephyr BioHarness 3.0. Players exercised according to the Audio Trip exergame. We evaluated the immersion levels and monitored the average heart rate, maximum heart rate, average breathing rate, maximum breathing rate, and energy expenditure in addition to simulator sickness during two 30-minute exergame sessions of increasing intensity. RESULTS: Audio Trip was well-tolerated, as there were no dropouts due to simulator sickness. Significant differences between genders were observed in the simulator sickness questionnaire for nausea (F2,86=0.80; P=.046), oculomotor disorders (F2,86=2.37; P=.010), disorientation (F2,86=0.92; P=.040), and total of all these symptoms (F2,86=3.33; P=.04). The measurements after the first 30-minute VR 3D HMD exergame session for all the participants showed no significant change compared to the measurements before the first 30-minute exergame session according to the total score. There were no gender differences in the immersion (F1,43=0.02; P=.90), but the measurements after the second 30-minute exergame session showed an increase in the average points for immersion in women and men. The increase in the level of immersion in the female group was higher than that in the male group. A significant difference between genders was observed in the average breathing rate (F2,86=1.44; P=.04), maximum breathing rate (F2,86=1.15; P=.047), and energy expenditure (F2,86=10.51; P=.001) measurements. No gender differences were observed in the average heart rate and maximum heart rate measurements in the two 30-minute sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Our 30-minute VR 3D HMD exergame session does not cause simulator sickness and is a very immersive type of exercise for men and women users. This exergame allows reaching the minimum recommendations for the amount of weekly physical activity for adults. The second exergame session resulted in simulator sickness in both groups, more noticeably in women, as reflected in the responses in the simulator sickness questionnaire. The gender differences observed in the breathing rates and energy expenditure measurements can be helpful when programming VR exergame intensity in future research.

Various Types of Virtual Reality-Based Therapy for Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Interactive VR (virtual reality) environments (i.e., using three-dimensional graphics presented with a head-mounted display) have recently become a popular professional tool for the treatment of patients with eating disorders (EDs). However, there are no published review reports that have analyzed the original papers between 2015 and 2021, which additionally focused only on HMD (head-mounted display) 3DVR (three-dimensional virtual reality) exposure and included only three therapeutic categories for ED patients. (2) Methods: The EbscoHost and Scopus databases were searched to identify relevant papers on VR research employing VR in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders. (3) Results: In addition to the known therapeutic divisions for ED, there are new forms of therapy based on 360 cameras, eye-tracking, and remote therapy. (4) Conclusions: The potential of VR in combination with different therapies may offer an alternative for future research. More rigorous testing, especially in terms of larger sample sizes, the inclusion of control groups or multisessions, and follow-up measures, is still needed. The current state of research highlights the importance of the nature and content of VR interventions for ED patients. Future research should look to incorporate more home-based and remote forms of VR tools.

The Effect of Juggling as Dual-Task Activity on Human Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review formulated a research question based on the PICO method in accordance with the Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), "What is the effect of juggling as dual-task activity on neuroplasticity in the human brain?" In total, 1982 studies were analysed, 11 of which met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These studies included 400 participants who had no prior juggling experience or were expert jugglers. The research methodology in seven studies was based on a long-term intervention with juggling. Three studies were based on brain imaging during the act of juggling, and one study was based on comparing differences between experienced jugglers and non-jugglers without the intervention. In all of these selected studies, positive structural changes in the human brain were found, including changes mainly in the gray matter (GM) volume in the visual motion complex area (hMT/V5) and the white matter (WM) volume in fractional anisotropy (FA). Based on this evidence, it can be concluded that the bimanual juggling task, as a dual-task activity, may effectively integrate brain areas to improve neuroplasticity. The small number of well-designed studies and the high risk of bias call for further research using a juggling intervention to identify conclusive evidence.

Effects of Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics program on postural stability in elderly women.

Decreased postural stability is observed in older adults. There is an increased risk of falls, which may lead to serious complications and death. Elderly people can maintain and even improve their postural stability through properly selected exercises. This study investigated the effect of exercise using the Emil Jaques-Dalcroze's Eurhythmics (JDE) method on the postural stability of women over 65 years of age. The study model was based on a randomized controlled trial-parallel group design. Fifty-nine women (69.85 ± 3.29) were divided into two groups: intervention (IG, n = 26) and control (CG, n = 33). The IG subjects participated in a JDE exercise programme for 12 weeks, twice a week for 45 min each. Postural stability was determined using a test on the AMTI AccuSway Plus posturography platform, recording centre of pressure (COP) point displacement. A biofeedback model was used. Accuracy, speed and reaction time of movements were assessed. Two measurement sessions were conducted in both groups: 1 week before starting the exercise programme and immediately afterwards. After 12 weeks of exercise, subjects from IG scored significantly better in the test of accuracy (p < 0.05) and speed (p < 0.05) of movements. Additionally, for parameters determining accuracy of movements, an interaction between allocation to a group and a measurement session was shown (group × time). A 12-week exercise program using the JDE method improves the postural stability of women over 65 years of age by improving the parameters of speed and accuracy of torso movements.

The Effect of Nordic Walking Training with Poles with an Integrated Resistance Shock Absorber on the Body Balance of Women over the Age of 60.

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the balance of healthy, elderly women as a result of Nordic walking training using of two types of poles: classic poles, and poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber. Thirty-four women completed the experiment (Age = 66.8 ± 4.1 years). They were randomly assigned into the experimental group-training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber-EG (n = 17), and the control active group-training with classic poles-CG (n = 17). Body balance was measured with Romberg sharpened test and using the AccuGait ™ force platform before and after an intervention lasting for 8 weeks (2 training sessions × 75 min per week). In ANOVA analysis, the Romberg sharpened test showed a statistically significant effect of "time" (F = 18.62, p < 0.001, ɳ2 = 0.37). No interaction effect or clear "time" effect was observed in the ANOVA analysis for the results of posturographic tests (p > 0.05). The lack of pre-post differences in posturographic tests indicates that further research is necessary, where, e.g., there are extended intervention times and more difficult examination tasks are performed. In the case of the Romberg test, both groups improved their results, which may indicate an improvement in perception and processing of sensory information, regardless of the type of training applied.

Differences in the Effect of Sleep Deprivation on the Postural Stability among Men and Women.

OBJECTIVE: Sleepiness caused by sleep deprivation may increase the risk of injuries and damages during physical activity. Individual data so far indicate a generally better static postural stability of women regardless of sleeping conditions. The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of sleep deprivation on postural stability according to gender after 24 h of sleep deprivation. METHODS: Participants included 83 students (36 men and 47 women). Postural stability was measured with eyes open and closed eyes before and after sleep deprivation. Data from posturographic platform were used to assess postural stability objectively. RESULTS: The type of test determined the size of observed changes in postural stability. The data suggest that women are better able to cope with the effects of sleep deprivation than men. CONCLUSION: Postural control system is very important in sport and in physically active people. The results show that men are more sensitive to sleep deprivation than women because they had higher COP (center of pressure) values in tests. Less postural stability of the body due to sleep deprivation indicates a higher risk of injury during physical activity.

Reaction to the sensory integration therapy in children with postural stability deficits.

BACKGROUND: The goal was to examine the influence of sensory integration therapy (SIT) on one leg standing in children with deficits of the postural stability. METHODS: 28 children 4-6 year old that could not stand on one leg for more than 20 seconds were randomly divided into control "C" and experimental "E" groups. Group "C" participated in standard classes in the kindergarten. Group "E" participated in sensory integration therapy (SIT) for 2 weeks, 5 times a week (additionally to the standard classes). RESULTS: Results of the experiment show that the skill of standing on one leg has significantly improved (P<0.01) in the group that underwent additional therapy. The change in time of standing on the right leg with eyes open in the E group was statistically and significantly higher than the changes observed in the same time in group C (F=22.5, P=0.001' η2=0.44). Similarly, significant changes in time of standing on the right leg with eyes closed were observed in group E. The foregoing changes were bigger in group E than in group C (F=16. 1, P=0.004, η2=0.36). The analysis post hoc revealed that while there were no significant differences between the two groups on the pretest (P>0.05), there were significant differences between groups in right leg standing test with eyes open or closed on posttest. (P<0.05). Similar results were observed during on the one, left leg standing. The time of one leg standing with both eyes open and closed improved more significantly in group E than in group C (F=20.4, P=0.001, η2=0.42 respectively for the test with eyes open and F=7.4, P=0.010, η2=0.21 for the test with eyes closed). The analysis post hoc revealed that while there were no significant differences between the two groups on the pretest (P>0.05), there were significant differences between groups in left leg standing test with eyes open or closed on posttest (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Research conducted show that there is a positive influence of SIT on children with low level of postural stability. Its significant improvement in children with low levels of postural stability is important not only for the current functioning of those children but for their future - by protecting them from falling down and from injuries.

The Effects of Cognitive Task and Change of Height on Postural Stability and Cardiovascular Stress in Workers Working at Height.

The purpose of the study was to analyze the effects of cognitive task and change of height on the postural stability and cardiovascular stress of at-height workers. The study included 32 healthy men aged 25-47. Due to the type of work performed, two groups were identified: at‒height workers, HW (n = 16), and office workers (mainly work at desk with a computer) OW (n = 16). The objective measures of postural stability (posturography) and cardiovascular stress (heart rate monitor) were evaluated for both groups at two different platform heights (ground level and 1 m above the ground) with or without cognitive task (backward counting). The increased height and the cognitive task were found to significantly affect measures of postural stability and cardiovascular stress. It was observed that in inexperienced OW employees, higher platform height and performing a cognitive task meant that posture stability significantly decreased, while cardiovascular stress and difficulties in maintaining balance increased. In HW group postural stability is less affected by distress conditions than in OW group.

The Impact of 12-Week Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics Programme on the Dynamic Agility in Single-Dual-Task Conditions in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Progressive degenerative changes in the body of elderly people lead to a decrease in physical and mental fitness. Seniors have a problem with performing tasks that involve both physical and mental health at the same time. The risk of falls increases, the consequences of which in old age may be particularly dangerous. It was decided to investigate the impact of performing exercises involving both physical and mental spheres on the dynamic agility in older women. METHODS: 73 women (69.9 ± 3.2) were divided into two groups: intervention (IG, n = 34) and control (CG, n = 39). Individuals with IG participated in the Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics exercise programme for 12 weeks, twice a week for 45 minutes each. Dynamic agility was determined by the Timed Up and Go test, which was conducted both in single-task (TUG_ST) and dual-task (TUG_DT) conditions, where the participant was simultaneously counting down from 60 every 3. The percentage difference between the results of both tests (dual-task cost, DTC) was also determined. Both groups had two measurement sessions: one week before the start of the exercise programme and one week after the end of exercise programme. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of exercise, IG participants obtained significantly better results in TUG_DT (p < 0.001) and DTC (p = 0.003) tests. During this time, CG participants had significantly worse results in TUG_DT (p < 0.001) and DTC (p < 0.001) tests. In the TUG_ST test, neither IG nor CG achieved a significant change in the result. In each test, a significant interaction between the group assignment and the measurement session was observed: TUG_ST: F = 11.523, η 2 P = 0.139, p = 0.001; TUG_DT: F = 60.227, η 2 P = 0.458, p < 0.001; DTC: F = 32.382, η 2 P = 0.313, p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: JDE exercises with a frequency of twice a week, for about 12 weeks, have a significant impact on the improvement of the dynamic agility control in women over 65 years of age.

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.

The Effect of Nordic Walking Training with Poles with an Integrated Resistance Shock Absorber on the Functional Fitness of Women over the Age of 60.

Inadequate levels of physical activity among older people lead to a gradual decline in self-reliance and consequent dependence on other people. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of Nordic walking training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber on the functional fitness of older women. Forty-two women (Mage = 64.7 ± 3.15 years) were randomly assigned into the experimental group-training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber, EG (n = 21) and the control active group-training with classic poles, CG (n = 21). Functional fitness was measured with the Senior Fitness Test before and after an intervention lasting for 8 weeks (2 training sessions × 75 minutes per week). Two-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant interaction effects for aerobic endurance (F = 14.47, p < 0.001) and upper body strength (F = 5.98, p < 0.05), indicating greater improvement in the experimental group. Nordic walking training both with classic poles and with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber is beneficial for older people and improves functional fitness over a short time period. However, the poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber provide additional resistance effort during marching, which causes increased muscle activation and results in improved muscle strength and aerobic endurance. Based on these results, it can be concluded that this kind of training could be applied in the complex health programs of seniors.

The Influence of 24-hr Sleep Deprivation on Psychomotor Vigilance in Young Women and Men.

BACKGROUND: The number of studies on gender differences in psychomotor performance and sleepiness is small and the results are contradictory. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in psychomotor performance, due to 24 h of sleep deprivation in young women and men. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-nine students (49 women and 40 men) took part in the study. Participants were randomized into two groups: experimental (sleep deprived) and control (non-sleep deprived). METHODS: The research was carried out using computer-based tests of the Vienna Test System (COG, DT, WAFF) and pupillography (F2D Fit-For-Duty). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant effects of the main genders and groups on sleepiness measured by the pupillography. There was no deterioration in the results after deprivation among women and men in the COG test. Changes were noted in the DT and WAFF tests, and their size depended on the test. The number of false responses in psychomotor test was higher in women after sleep deprivation. CONCLUSION: One night of sleep deprivation may not have been a negative enough stimulus for young, healthy women and men to reveal gender differences in psychomotor tests. Low sleep levels can lead to low productivity at work and accidents due to reduced vigilance. Insufficient sleep in the long term can lead to poor health, resulting in hypertension, obesity and depression.

Effects of Endurance and Endurance-Strength Training on Endothelial Function in Women with Obesity: A Randomized Trial.

Some investigations have demonstrated that a combined endurance-strength training is the most effective in the treatment of obesity. The aim of the research was to access how different trainings influence: endothelial function, lipid metabolism, and risk of atherosclerosis in women with obesity. In a randomized trial, 39 obese women aged 28-62 completed endurance (n = 22, 60-80% HRmax) or combined training (n = 17, 20 minutes of strength exercises, 50-60% 1RM and 25 minutes of endurance training, 60-80% HRmax). Before and after the intervention vascular endothelial function (endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC)), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides and C-reactive protein (CRP)as well as visceral adiposity index (VAI), total-body skeletal muscle mass and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were determined. After the trainings, in both groups total cholesterol and total-body skeletal muscle mass increased (p < 0.05). In the group undergoing combined training, lower (p < 0.05) VAI, AIP, CRP and LDL-C were noted. In the group undergoing endurance training TBARS concentration decreased (p < 0.01), while the HDL-C (p < 0.01) concentration as well as eNOS (p < 0.05) activity increased. No significant differences between groups were found, either before or after the programs. Both training programs led to the improvement of lipid metabolism, but only endurance training alone favorably changed indicators of endothelial functions in women with obesity.

Effects of Posturographic Platform Biofeedback Training on the Static and Dynamic Balance of Older Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the experiment was to analyze the influence of posturographic platform biofeedback training on the static and dynamic balance of patients who experienced ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 20 patients treated at the Rehabilitation Center of the District Hospital in Bialogard, in the Ward of Neurological Rehabilitation with the Stroke Division. The age of the patients (10 in the experimental group and 10 in the control group) ranged between 60 and 72 years. The level of balance was determined with one-leg standing test and timed up & go test. The experimental group was subjected to the biofeedback training, practicing maintenance of body balance ("forced sway training") on posturographic platform for 15 consecutive days. RESULTS: The static balance on right leg and dynamic balance in group E improved to a markedly greater extent (P < .05) compared with conventionally rehabilitated group C. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of feedback mechanisms during training on a posturographic platform can be reflected by enhanced stimulation and further improvement of the control of different, more complicated performed motor tasks.