Differences in Body Balance According to Body Mass Classification among Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes.

Background: Body weight is an important aspect in the development of components of physical fitness that can affect athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in body balance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athletes according to body mass classification: underweight/normal weight (UW/NW); overweight/obese (OW/OB). Material and Methods: The study was conducted among 69 BJJ athletes (age 23.26 ± 3.53) and 93 non-practicing adults (age 21.73 ± 2.32). This study was based on a quantitative assessment of body balance on the Zebris PDM platform during two tests, i.e., with eyes open and closed. Results: The total path of the center of pressure (COP TTL) was significantly higher in participants with UW/NW compared to those with OW/OB, both in participants from the study group and control group (p < 0.001). COP TTL was significantly lower in UW/NW BJJ athletes than in participants in the control group with the same BMI category (987.4 mm vs. 1238.5 mm and 1080.59 mm vs. 1280.70 mm, respectively) (p < 0.001). Conclusions. BJJ training is associated with a better balance in terms of COP TTL in the case of people with normal or underweight. The presence of excess body weight has a positive effect on lower COP TTL values in both practicing and non-practicing people.

Preterm Birth and the Type of Birth and Their Impact on the Incidence of Overweight and Obesity in Children.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of the type of birth and preterm birth on the risk of overweight and obesity in the children studied. The study involved 749 children of pre-school and school age, between 4 and 15 years of age. Information about the type of delivery and the potential preterm birth came from the child's health book and the mother's pregnancy card. The authors assessed the body height and body weight of each child. The analysis showed that on average every six children were born before due date (before the end of 37 weeks of gestation) and slightly more than 40% of the children were born by cesarean section (CS). A statistical analysis was performed, including descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation, and to evaluate the differences in the analyzed groups, nonparametric tests and chi-square independence tests were used: the Mann-Whitney test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test due to the lack of a normalized distribution. The incidence of overweight and obesity was higher in 7-11-year-old boys born with CS vs. vaginal birth (VD) (p = 0.026). There were no statistically significant differences between BMI centile value and preterm birth. Cesarean section birth significantly increases the percentage of boys with overweight and obesity in early school age and may be associated with higher percentile values of children with BMI in this age group.

The Role of Physical Activity in the Reduction of Generalised Anxiety Disorder in Young Adults in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Physical activity is critically important not only for physical but also for mental health. Exercise may be a beneficial form of therapy for young adults with anxiety disorders. The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the public, including young adults, in terms of their mental well-being and opportunities for physical activity. The study aimed to identify the influence of physical activity (PA) on generalised anxiety in young adults. It also assessed the changes which occurred in the level of PA and in generalised anxiety in young adults as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was carried out online with 506 young adults aged 18 to 34 years (=24.67 years ± 4.23 years). Respondents provided two answers to each question, i.e., information relating to the last 7 days during the pandemic (first hard lockdown), and to a period of 7 days before the pandemic (retrospective). The levels of physical activity were measured using 7-item International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), whereas the level of generalised anxiety was assessed using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) questionnaire. During the pandemic there was a significant correlation between the level of generalised anxiety and the level of physical activity reported by the respondents (p = 0.048). A higher level of physical activity corresponded to lower level of generalized anxiety in young adults. During the pandemic, young adults spent significantly less time performing physical activity (8752.5 vs. 6174.6 metabolic equivalents (MET) min/week, p < 0.001), they spent more time engaging in sedentary behaviours (Me = 240 vs. Me = 300 min/day, p < 0.001), and they walked much less (from Me = 6930.0 (MET) min/week vs. 3861.0 (MET) min/week (44.29% decrease). Furthermore, after the outbreak of the pandemic the level of perceived generalised anxiety increased significantly (p < 0.001). Physical activity may play an important role in reducing anxiety disorder in young adults. During the COVID-19 pandemic young adults were significantly less involved in PA, which adversely affected their physical and mental condition. The importance of sufficient PA should be emphasised during this specific period, particularly among young adults.

Childhood Obesity: Position Statement of Polish Society of Pediatrics, Polish Society for Pediatric Obesity, Polish Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, the College of Family Physicians in Poland and Polish Association for Study on Obesity.

Childhood obesity is one of the most important problems of public health. Searching was conducted by using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, MEDLINE, and EBSCO databases, from January 2022 to June 2022, for English language meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized clinical trials, and observational studies from all over the world. Five main topics were defined in a consensus join statement of the Polish Society of Pediatrics, Polish Society for Pediatric Obesity, Polish Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes and Polish Association for the Study on Obesity: (1) definition, causes, consequences of obesity; (2) treatment of obesity; (3) obesity prevention; (4) the role of primary care in the prevention of obesity; (5) Recommendations for general practitioners, parents, teachers, and regional authorities. The statement outlines the role of diet, physical activity in the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity, and gives appropriate recommendations for interventions by schools, parents, and primary health care. A multisite approach to weight control in children is recommended, taking into account the age, the severity of obesity, and the presence of obesity-related diseases. Combined interventions consisting of dietary modification, physical activity, behavioral therapy, and education are effective in improving metabolic and anthropometric indices. More actions are needed to strengthen the role of primary care in the effective prevention and treatment of obesity because a comprehensive, multi-component intervention appears to yield the best results.

Consumption of selected food products by adults representing various body mass categories, during Covid-19 lockdown in Poland.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess consumption of selected food products by adults with a range of body mass before and during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as identify factors impacting the consumption of selected foods. METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of 690 subjects during the most severe lockdown due to Covid-19 in Poland ([Formula: see text] = 23 years of age). The dietary assessment was carried out by means of an online survey based on the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ-6). The respondents were asked to provide two answers to each question, one covering a 7-day period before the lockdown and one related to a 7-day period during the lockdown. RESULTS: During lockdown in the study group there was increase in consumption of sweets and snacks (p = 0.010), grain products (p = 0.050), fat (p = 0.007) as well as alcohol (p < 0.001). During the lockdown respondents with normal BMI increased consumption of sweets and snacks (p = 0.011), dairy products and eggs (p = 0.034), grain products (p = 0.029) and alcohol (p = 0.00). The group of overweight respondents was found to consume significantly more alcohol (p = 0.022), while those with obesity tended to consume more meat (p = 0.002), fish (p < 0.001) and lower amounts of dairy products (p = 0.003). The factors which affected intake of selected food products include age, smoking, place of residence, obesity and education. CONCLUSIONS: Covid-19 pandemic is significantly related to the change in the frequency of intake of selected products by all adults, irrespective of their BMI. The adverse changes were particularly observed in respondents with overweight and obesity.

The association between steps per day and blood pressure in children.

Lower levels of physical activity are associated with an increased overall cardiometabolic risk, as well as the risk or being overweight. It is difficult to determine the optimal level of physical activity that protects the needs of children and young people. Studies on the required number of steps, as well as approximating the daily volume of physical activity, are gaining increasing credibility in research and practice. Researchers propose a "rule" of ≥ 11,500 steps per day, for children and teenagers of both sexes. The aim of the study was to assess whether 11,500 steps a day is sufficient to maintain normal blood pressure among children and adolescents. 1002 children and adolescents aged 4-15 were included in the study. To assess physical activity, measured in the number of steps per day, the Actigraph accelerometer wGT3X-BT was used. The normal number of steps was defined as greater than or equal to 11,500 steps per day for children and teenagers, for both girls and boys. In the entire study group, a significantly lower risk of hypertension was observed when the number of steps was normal (OR is 0.45 and the upper confidence limit for OR is 0.71). The study confirmed the beneficial protective role of physical activity against hypertension in older children and adolescents. However, it should be emphasized that no such relationship has been demonstrated in the case of preschool children. The presented norms of the number of steps should be promoted to the wider community to make prevention of cardiovascular diseases even more effective.

Prenatal and Postnatal Anxiety and Depression in Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the occurrence of prenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression symptoms, and to assess what factors significantly affect the appearance of symptoms of depression and anxiety in young mothers. The study group consisted of 130 women after childbirth. Due to the ongoing restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey was prepared online. The questionnaire was fully anonymous, and it contained the authors' own questions and two standardized questionnaires: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Generalized Anxiety Disorders GAD-7. The conducted analysis clearly indicated that the level of postpartum depression, in as many as 52 of the mothers, had increased significantly compared to the time before delivery, when symptoms of depression were shown by 22 women (p = 0.009). However, there was no statistically significant change between prenatal and postnatal anxiety. There are many factors associated with postnatal depression. The strongest predictors turned out to be average socioeconomic status, history of anxiety disorders, past neurosis or depression, lack of or inadequate level of assistance from healthcare professionals, as well as lactation problems and postpartum pain.

Health behaviours of young adults during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic - a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has created a number of obstacles to daily functioning, which have led to a need for major changes in lifestyles. The aim of the study was to assess whether and to what extent the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the health behaviours of young adults. METHODS: 506 people aged 18 to 34 ([Formula: see text] =24.67 years ±4.23 years) who filled in an online survey were qualified for the study. Assessment was made of eating habits (a modified Food Frequency Questionnaire, FFQ), physical activity and sedentary behaviours (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, short form IPAQ-SF), sleep quality (The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), and generalized anxiety (Generalized anxiety Disorder, 7-item, GAD-7 scale). RESULTS: During the pandemic, young adults changed their dietary preferences toward sweets and cereal products, increased alcohol (p < 0.001) and fat (p = 0.005) intake, significantly reduced their physical activity (from 8752.5 metabolic equivalents (MET) min/week vs. 6174.6 MET min/week, p < 0.001), increased the time spent sedentarily (Me = 240 min vs. Me = 360 min, p < 0.001) and had decreased sleep quality (PSQI score Me = 7.00 vs. Me = 9.00). CONCLUSIONS: The Covid-19 pandemic worsened health behaviours and intensified the feeling of generalized anxiety in young adults. Generalized anxiety during obligatory lockdown had the greatest negative impact on sedentary behaviours and sleep quality.

Changes in Children's Body Composition and Posture during Puberty Growth.

The main goal of our study was to determine how the age of children, puberty and anthropometric parameters affect the formation of body composition and faulty body posture development in children. The secondary goal was to determine in which body segments abnormalities most often occur and how gender differentiates the occurrence of adverse changes in children's body posture and body composition during puberty. The study group consisted of 464 schoolchildren aged from 6-16. Body posture was assessed with the Zebris system. The composition of the body mass was tested with Tanita MC 780 MA body mass analyzer and the body height was measured using a portable stadiometer PORTSTAND 210. The participants were further divided due to the age of puberty. Tanner division was adopted. The cut-off age for girls is ≥10 years and for boys it is ≥12 years. The analyses applied descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation, stepwise regression analysis and the t-test. The accepted level of significance was p < 0.05. The pelvic obliquity was lower in older children (beta = -0.15). We also see that age played a significant role in the difference in the height of the right pelvis (beta = -0.28), and the difference in the height of the right shoulder (beta = 0.23). Regression analysis showed that the content of adipose tissue (FAT%) increased with body mass index (BMI) and decreased with increasing weight, age, and height. Moreover, the FAT% was lower in boys than in girls (beta negative equal to -0.39). It turned out that older children (puberty), had greater asymmetry in the right shoulder blade (p < 0.001) and right shoulder (p = 0.003). On the other hand, younger children (who were still before puberty) had greater anomalies in the left trunk inclination (p = 0.048) as well as in the pelvic obliquity (p = 0.008). Girls in puberty were characterized by greater asymmetry on the right side, including the shoulders (p = 0.001), the scapula (p = 0.001) and the pelvis (p < 0.001). In boys, the problem related only to the asymmetry of the shoulder blades (p < 0.001). Girls were characterized by a greater increase in adipose tissue and boys by muscle tissue. Significant differences also appeared in the body posture of the examined children. Greater asymmetry within scapulas and shoulders were seen in children during puberty. Therefore, a growing child should be closely monitored to protect them from the adverse consequences of poor posture or excessive accumulation of adipose tissue in the body.

Excessive Gestational Weight Gain: Long-Term Consequences for the Child.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of mothers' gestational weight gain (GWG) and age at birth on the long-term risk of overweight and obesity in preschool and school-aged children. METHODS: The study involved 749 mothers and children at ages between four and 15 years old. Each child was assessed for height and body weight, and then, the body mass category was determined based on the body mass index (BMI) percentile according to the sex and age of the subjects. Information on the perinatal risk factors for overweight and obesity came from the child's health card or mother's maternity card. They contained information about the mother's age at the time of childbirth and the mother's gestational weight gain during pregnancy. RESULTS: In the group of 7-11-year-olds, the maternal weight gain during pregnancy was higher in obese children than in children with normal weight (18.8 kg vs. 14.3 kg; p = 0.002). This relationship was shown analogously in the group of 7-11-years-olds boys (20.6 kg vs. 15.1 kg; p = 0.005). Positive correlations were also shown between mother's gestational weight gain and the BMI percentage of the whole group (p = 0.004). In the case of the mother's age, no statistically significant relationship was found with the child's weight category. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers' weight gain during pregnancy is a factor that promotes overweightness and obesity in the child. Maternal age at birth does not appear to lead to any propensity toward overweightness and obesity in the later life of a child.

60 Minutes Per Day in Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity as a Natural Health Protector in Young Population.

The aim of this study was to check whether following the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) concerning physical activity protects children and adolescents against the occurrence of overweight and obesity. A total of 1002 children were included in the analysis. The average age of the studied children was 9.36 years ± 3.52 years. Measurement of height and body mass was performed for every child, followed by physical activity assessment over seven days. In each group analyzed, the overweight and obese children had a shorter time in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than the children with normal body mass. Among the children spending < 60 min per day in MVPA, the risk of occurrence of overweight and obesity was greater than among children with physical activity > 60 min per day. It was also shown that the greatest risk of occurrence of body mass disorder was a situation in which the mother's gestational weight gain (GWG) is over 18 kg and the child does not spend a minimum of 60 min/day in MVPA. Not meeting the recommendation is connected with an increased chance of the occurrence of overweight and obesity. The level of physical activity influences the incidence of overweight and obesity. The children with overweight and obesity spent less time per day in MVPA. An increased body mass in mothers during pregnancy associated with a child's low level of physical activity increases the risk of the occurrence of overweight and obesity.

Effect of Post-Stroke Rehabilitation on Body Mass Composition in Relation to Socio-Demographic and Clinical Factors.

Background and objectives: Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity, mortality and long-term adult disability. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in body mass composition in patients after stroke in connection with selected socio-demographic and clinical factors (sex, age, type of stroke and time from the first symptoms) following the rehabilitation process. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 100 post-stroke subjects who participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program for a duration of five weeks. The measurements of body composition by a Tanita MC 780 MA analyser were performed on the day of admission to hospital, on the day of discharge (after 5 weeks) and 12 weeks after discharge from hospital. Results: It was shown that before rehabilitation (Exam I) in the study group there were significant differences in body composition relative to sex, age and time from stroke. The rates of fat mass % and visceral fat level decreased after rehabilitation (Exam II) in both males and females. Exam II, at the end hospital rehabilitation, showed lower levels of fat mass %, visceral fat level, as well as fat-free mass % and higher values of total body water % and muscle mass %. In Exam III, i.e., 12 weeks after discharge, all of the parameters retained their values. Conclusions: The study shows an association between stroke risk factors (primarily age, sex and time from the onset of the first symptoms of stroke) and body mass composition resulting from rehabilitation. The type of stroke and the effects of rehabilitation on body mass components showed no differences. Comprehensive rehabilitation had a positive effect on the body mass components.

Preferences for Sweet and Fatty Taste in Children and Their Mothers in Association with Weight Status.

Strong preferences for sweet and fat tastes (characters) are associated with the consumption of foods high in calories. The taste preferences, especially the sweet and fat tastes (characters), might be one of the factors predisposing children to become overweight and/or develop obesity. The aim of the study is to assess taste preferences in children and their mothers in association with their weight status. In the study, 150 children aged 8-15 were included; among them, 75 had overweight and/or obesity, and 150 mothers of whom 69 were overweight and/or obese. Body composition estimates were obtained using a bioelectrical impedance analysis-body height was measured using a stadiometerSeca 213. Sensory tests were carried out using apple juice of various sugar content and crackers of various fat content. Results show that children prefer a sweet taste more often than their mothers (50.0% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.009). In the group of children who preferred the high-sweet taste, there were twice as many obese children when compared to the group who preferred the low-sweet taste. Similar relationships applied to mothers. Preferences for fat taste (character) among mothers increased the risk of obesity among their children (39% vs. 20%; p = 0.039). Taste preferences, especially a sweet taste preference, seem to be one of the important factors determining overweight and obesity in children and adults. The fat taste(character) preferences in mothers correlate with the overweight and/or obesity of their children, while such preferences among children were not significantly different irrespective of body weight status.

Impact of Birth Weight and Length on Primary Hypertension in Children.

BACKGROUND: A child's birth parameters not only enable assessment of intrauterine growth but are also helpful in identifying children at risk of developmental defects or diseases occurring in adulthood. Studies show that children born with a body weight that is small for their gestational age (SGA) are at a greater risk of hypertension though the inverse relation between excessive birth weight and the risk of primary hypertension in children is discussed less frequently. PURPOSE: To assess the impact of both birth weight and length on hypertension occurring in children aged 3-15 years. METHODS: A total of 1000 children attending randomly selected primary schools and kindergartens were examined. Ultimately, the analyses took into account n = 747 children aged 4-15; 52.6% boys and 47.4% girls. The children's body height and weight were measured; their blood pressure was examined using the oscillometric method. Information on perinatal measurements was retrieved from the children's personal health records. RESULTS: Compared to the children with small for gestational age (SGA) birth weight, the children with appropriate for gestational age birth weight (AGA) (odds ratio (OR) 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64-2.65) present greater risk for primary hypertension. Infants born with excessive body weight >4000 g irrespective of gestational age, compared to infants born with normal body weight, show increased risk of primary hypertension (OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.68-2.06). Higher risk of hypertension is observed in infants born with greater body length (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.97-1.08). CONCLUSIONS: The problem of hypertension may also affect children with birth weight appropriate for gestational age. The prevalence of hypertension in children with AGA birth weight decreases with age. Birth length can be a potential risk factor for hypertension in children and adolescents.

Role of body mass category in the development of faulty postures in school-age children from a rural area in south-eastern Poland: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the incidence of abnormalities in selected parameters measured in the trunk area. DESIGN: Cross-sectional studies. SETTING: The research was conducted in a primary school in the Trzebownisko Municipality, a rural area in south-eastern Poland. PARTICIPANTS: A group of 464 children, ranging in age from 6 to 16 years (234 boys and 230 girls), was recruited to participate in the study. OUTCOME MEASURES: The examination of their body postures was conducted with the use of the Zebris system. Body mass was determined using a body mass analyser Tanita MC-780 MA. BMI was calculated based on the acquired data. RESULTS: It was noticed that the children with overweight and obesity tended to have an incorrect position of the shoulders and pelvis in comparison to children with normal body weight. It was found that greater body mass (higher BMI) coincided with a larger distance of the scapulae from the frontal plane (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Increase in children's BMI produces adverse effects in the position of the shoulder blades, reflected by their greater distance from the frontal plane. Increase in BMI is not significantly related to the position of the shoulder joints or pelvis; however, the subjects with overweight or obesity presented a greater difference in the position of the shoulder joints and pelvis.

Levels of Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes in Relation to the Healthy Comparators and to the Method of Insulin Therapy Used.

Given the fact that physical exertion leads to blood glucose fluctuations, type one diabetes mellitus (T1D) may potentially constitute a barrier for obtaining a sufficient amount of exercise. The main purpose of the study was to compare the level of physical activity between children with T1D (n = 215) and healthy controls (n = 115) and to assess the physical activity of the study group in relation to the applied method of insulin therapy, i.e., the use of insulin pen vs. insulin pump. The level of physical activity was assessed with a hip-worn tri-axial accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+) used by the subjects for an uninterrupted period of seven days. Children with T1D had significantly lower median values of total time of moderate (213.3 vs. 272.1 min), vigorous (135.3 vs. 19.6 min) and moderate-to-vigorous (347.4 vs. 467.4 min) physical activity compared to healthy peers respectively, (p < 0.001) in all cases. In addition, the total median number of steps was significantly lower (53,631 vs. 67,542 steps), (p < 0.001). The method of insulin therapy was not associated with significant differences in physical activity level (p > 0.001). The level of physical activity in children and adolescents with T1D is lower than in their healthy peers and does not depend on the insulin therapy method.

Relationship between Children's Birth Weight and Birth Length and a Risk of Overweight and Obesity in 4-15-Year-Old Children.

Background and Objectives. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between children's birth weight/length and a risk of overweight and obesity. Materials and Methods. The study involved 747 children from kindergartens, as well as primary and middle schools from southeastern Poland. All the subjects were examined on fasting status. Each child was examined for body mass and height, in order to calculate their body mass index (BMI), and BMI centile. The parents completed a questionnaire related to basic information about the child and the family. Results. In the study group, the male infants presented greater birth body weight and birth body length. A comparison of the distribution of birth weights and lengths between the children with normal BMI and with high BMI showed statistically significant differences only in the case of birth length of 12-15-year-old children and in the group of boys aged 12-15 years. In the case of the female children and the group of 7-11-year-olds a statistically significant difference was found in the BMI centile at a later age-a higher centile was found in the girls and in the children aged 7-11 years classified as adequate for gestational age (AGA). Conclusions. Birth body weight is positively related to BMI centile; however, no significant differences were found in birth weight between children with overweight/obesity and children with normal body weight. Birth length is associated with a lower BMI centile only in boys aged 12-15 years, and lower birth length is found in boys with overweight and obesity.

Early Eating Patterns and Overweight and Obesity in a Sample of Preschool Children in South-East Poland.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a child's diet in the first year of life (breastfeeding duration, introduction of solid meals to the diet, the time of starting nutrition consistent with an adult diet) on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in preschool age. Three-hundred children aged 4-6 were included in the analysis. The children's height and body weight were assessed and their body mass category was determined based on the BMI (Body Mass Index) percentile. Parents provided a photocopy of the child's health book (with information concerning breastfeeding period, start of eating the same meals as the rest of the family, etc.). Obese children were breastfed for the shortest time, cow's milk was introduced to their diets the earliest, they started eating the same food as the rest of the family the earliest, and they received vegetables, fruits, cereals, and meat products in their diet the latest. The results of this study suggest that extending the breastfeeding period beyond 6 months, starting to feed the child the same meals as the rest of the family after 12 months of age, and later introduction of cow's milk to the diet would reduce the risk of the occurrence of excessive body weight in preschool children.

Association Between Body Mass Index and Results of Rehabilitation in Patients After Stroke: A 3-Month Observational Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND We assessed the relationship between body mass index and results of rehabilitation in stroke patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was carried out at the Clinical Rehabilitation Ward with Early Neurological Rehabilitation Unit at the Clinical Hospital. The examinations were performed 3 times. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 128 subjects were qualified for the first examination, the second examination involved 114 subjects, and 100 stroke patients participated in the third examination. Body mass was examined with an accuracy of 0.1 kg, using a Tanita MC-780 MA body composition analyser. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all of the subjects. Effects of rehabilitation were assessed with the Barthel index and Ashworth scale. RESULTS Higher functional status in daily life, measured with the Barthel scale, was found in patients with normal body mass, compared to the overweight and obese subjects (examination I, II, and II). Exam I showed that before rehabilitation the overweight patients obtained significantly higher results in assessment of upper limbs, based on the Ashworth scale (mean=0.35±0.54) compared to the obese patients (mean=0.03±0.32) and those with normal body weight (mean=0.24±0.75). CONCLUSIONS Following hospital-based rehabilitation, patients with normal body mass achieved greater functional efficiency. The findings also show a trend towards normalization of BMI. The positive effect of rehabilitation was sustained for 3 months (Exam III), which may contribute to decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases and complications such as stroke.

Analysis of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption by Children in School Canteens Depending on Selected Sociodemographic Factors.

Background and Objectives: Eating habits acquired or changed during childhood are likely to track into adulthood. Due to the fact that nutritional behaviours are not so strongly formed among children, it is easier to change and develop them in children than in adults. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of selected sociodemographic factors affecting fruit and vegetable consumption (i.e., age, parents' body mass index, parents' level education, duration of breastfeeding, child's time spent in front of computer/television) among children in school canteens. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 106 participants (52 girls, 54 boys) aged 6-12. The frequency of consuming fruits and vegetables at a school canteen was assessed using bar code cards for two weeks. Body composition estimates were obtained using a foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis, body height was measured using a stadiometer Seca 213. The questionnaire contained questions about selected factors which can have an influence on fruit and vegetable consumption. In the study group, 13.2% of participants were overweight and 17.9% were obese. Results: Our results showed a statistically significant relationship between age and fruit and vegetable consumption, and it increased with age in both sexes. Conclusions: Bearing in mind the various conditions discussed when shaping the eating habits of pre-school- and early-school-aged children, the importance of proper nutritional education should be stressed both among children and parents.