Introduction. Eating is a fundamental activity within activities of daily living (ADL) in terms of individual independence, safety, and social participation. Neurological, neurodevelopmental, and age-related functional impairments may negatively affect eating performance, thereby reducing quality of life. Therefore, addressing the assessment of eating activity, intervention approaches, and adaptive equipment in a holistic manner holds an important place in occupational and physiotherapy rehabilitation practice. This study is a narrative review of the literature focusing on assessment tools, intervention approaches, and adaptive equipment related to eating activity. Aim of the study. The aim of this review is to examine the assessment tools used in the evaluation of eating activity, occupational therapy–specific intervention approaches, and adaptive/compensatory equipment in line with the literature, and to provide a conceptual framework for clinical practice. Materials and methods. This study is a review of studies focusing on assessment scales, intervention approaches, and adaptive equipment that address eating activity within the context of activities of daily living. The literature was analyzed to include general ADL scales, activity-specific assessment approaches, remedial and compensatory interventions, and adaptive feeding equipment. Results. The reviewed studies indicate that assessment tools for eating activity reveal different levels of independence and performance, while intervention approaches are shaped by remedial and compensatory strategies according to the individual’s functional capacity. Adaptive feeding equipment and environmental modifications have been reported to have potentially beneficial effects on eating performance and independence. Conclusion. In occupational and physiotherapy rehabilitation practice, integrated planning of assessment, intervention, and adaptive equipment for eating activity contributes to the development of safe, effective, and individualized clinical approaches.
Background. Mental health issues are a serious threat to adolescents. Physical activity is a solution to the threat of mental health problems, but ignorance of the dosage of physical activity means that the benefits obtained are not maximized and may even worsen mental disorders experienced by adolescents. The right dose of physical activity is important to pay attention to. Although there has been a lot of research on physical activity in mental health management in adolescents, the dosage of physical activity to manage mental disorders in adolescents is still unclear. Study objectives. The purpose of this study is to provide a perspective on the mechanism and synthesize existing research evidence regarding the dose of physical activity in the management of mental health in adolescents. Materials and methods. A systematic literature review with PRISMA guidelines was applied in this narrative review study. The identification of the initial data search for this study started from the Google Scholar database using citations from the range of 2015–2025. This was followed by the identification of the abstract and the title of the article. Then screening was carried out by checking all texts to determine eligible articles according to the criteria, in order to select appropriate articles ready to be synthesized. Results. Sixteen articles were obtained that met the study criteria regarding physical activity to manage basic mental problems, including stress, anxiety, depression, and cognitive problems. The subjects’ age range was 10–24 years. The studies applied interventions and recorded the type, intensity, duration, and frequency of physical activity, and used experimental methods. Conclusion. The aspect of neuroplasticity is one of the theoretical bases for adolescent mental improvement due to physiological adaptations obtained from external stimuli or doses of physical activity. Moderate to high intensity aerobic and multicomponent physical activity, with a duration of twenty to sixty minutes and a frequency of three times a week for no more than twelve weeks, is likely to be more effective for the management of mental disorders in adolescents.
This study examined whether acute caffeine mouth rinsing (CMR) influences high-intensity intermittent performance, cognitive outcomes, and blood lactate levels in collegiate male hockey players. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 22 male athletes (age 18 ± 1.49 years, height 182 ± 9 cm, mass 60 ± 6.8 kg) completed the Yo-Yo IR1 protocol following CMR (1.3% solution, 3 mg/kg in 75 ml, 10 s exposure) or placebo. No significant differences were observed in distance covered (1360 ± 391 m vs. 1300 ± 360 m, p = 0.16, Cohen's d = 0.16), reaction time (787.12 ± 191.76 ms vs. 765.55 ± 124.84 ms, p = 0.61, d = 0.13), or blood lactate (8.70 ± 1.91 vs. 8.51 ± 2.24 mmol/L, p = 0.68, d = 0.09). Acute CMR did not significantly enhance high-intensity intermittent exercise performance, cognitive reaction time, or blood lactate levels in this population.
Introduction. Although physical activity provides numerous health benefits, increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), generated during physical exertion, may also have negative consequences. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the type of undertaken training and the extent of rectus abdominis diastasis. Material and methods. The study included 88 healthy and physically active women aged 18–30 years. The participants completed an author-designed questionnaire. The following were assessed: rectus abdominis diastasis (curl-up test), level of physical activity (IPAQ-SF), joint hypermobility (Beighton scale), and WHR (measured using a measuring tape). Due to the intensity of undertaken training, the participants were assigned to one of four groups. Results. Rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) was diagnosed in 39% of the participants. A significant relationship was demonstrated between RAD and the intensity and frequency of undertaken training (p < 0.001), as well as the overall level of physical activity (p = 0.001). A significant correlation was found between RAD and BMI (p = 0.036), waist circumference (p = 0.041), and joint hypermobility (p = 0.009). Conclusions. The results of this pilot study indicate the need for individual assessment of joint hypermobility in women undertaking high-intensity training and require further prospective studies.
Purpose. Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that negatively affects quality of life and functional capacity. This study aimed to investigate the additive effectiveness of Kinesio Taping (KT) combined with a conventional exercise program on pain intensity, neck awareness, and functional status in individuals with chronic neck pain. Methods. This prospective, randomized, participant- and assessor-blinded clinical trial included 36 individuals with chronic neck pain who were randomly assigned to either the Conventional Exercise + Sham KT group (n = 18) or the Conventional Exercise + Real KT group (n = 18). Due to the nature of the intervention, the therapist applying the taping was not blinded. Pain intensity, neck awareness, and functional status were assessed at baseline and after a three-week intervention period by a blinded assessor. Results. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain intensity, neck awareness, and functional status after the intervention (p < 0.05)
Objective. The aim of our study is to assess the relationship between physical activity levels, pain, and anxiety among dental students. Materials and methods. A total of 237 volunteer participants from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th-year students of Sakarya University Faculty of Dentistry were included in the study. Students who participated in the study completed a demographic form, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to determine physical activity levels, the Beck Anxiety Inventory to assess anxiety levels, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to identify pain areas. Results. Of the 237 students, 81 were in the 2nd year, 59 were in the 3rd year, 60 were in the 4th year, and 37 were in the 5th year. The physical activity levels of the 2nd-year students were significantly higher than those of the 3rd-, 4th-, and 5th-year students (p < 0.05). Negative correlations were found for all painful areas: shoulder, upper back, elbow, lower back, knee, and ankle. However, only the upper back correlation was statistically significant (r = −0.152, p < 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was found between physical activity level and upper back pain and lower back pain experienced on the last day (r = 0.217, p < 0.001; r= −0.152, p < 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was found between physical activity level and lower back pain experienced in the last month (r = −0.109, p < 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was also found between physical activity level and hip pain experienced in the last 12 months (r = −0.129, p < 0.05). Conclusion. Dental students' physical activity levels have been observed to decrease as they approach their professional lives. A negative correlation was observed between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain, but this correlation was weak and fragmented. Furthermore, no significant relationship was found between physical activity level and anxiety. Further studies in this area are recommended.
Background. Limited research has examined efforts to educate the public about proper exercise practices and sleep quality. This study aimed to (1) develop and evaluate a co-designed website that provides information on proper exercise practices and sleep quality, and (2) examine the correlation between VO2max and the sleep quality index. Material/Methods. Website development was carried out over a period of three months. Internal testing was conducted to ensure the functionality of both the front-end and back-end components. Participants underwent three types of assessments: (1) anthropometric measurements, (2) the Cooper 2.4 km run test, and (3) a sleep quality questionnaire. After completing the assessments, participants were required to input their individual results into the website. Results. The satisfaction questionnaire revealed that 13 out of 20 participants rated their satisfaction with the website as 5 (the highest score). Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between VO2max and the sleep quality index (rs = 0.79, p = 0.001). Conclusions. This study describes the development of a website that was positively evaluated by users. Furthermore, a positive correlation between VO2max and the sleep quality index was observed in a small sample.
Aim of the Study. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy treatment, with particular emphasis on the pelvic floor muscle exercises, in a group of female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Material and Methods. A pre–post interventional design without a control group was used. The study included 18 women aged 26 to 50 years. Women with urodynamically and gynecologically confirmed stress urinary incontinence, qualifying for conservative treatment, were included in the study. Physiotherapy was conducted by an experienced urogynecological physiotherapist. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated based on changes in UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores from baseline to post-intervention. Results. Statistical analysis showed significant differences before and after the physiotherapy program for the total scores obtained from the UDI-6 questionnaire, as well as for individual questions in the UDI-6 questionnaire in the studied group (p<0.001). Significant differences were also found before and after the physiotherapy program for the total scores obtained from the IIQ-7 questionnaire and for individual questions in the IIQ-7 questionnaire in the studied group (p<0.001). In the studied group, a clinically significant improvement was observed. The mean UDI-6 score decreased by approximately 75% (from 54.40 to 13.43), and the IIQ-7 score decreased by approximately 76% (from 76.11 to 18.50) after completion of the physiotherapy program, suggesting substantial effectiveness of the intervention. Conclusions. The implemented physiotherapy program, with particular emphasis on pelvic floor muscle exercises, in the studied group of women with stress urinary incontinence, contributed to a significant reduction in the severity of symptoms and an improvement in the patients’ quality of life.
Purpose. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the multidimensional effects of dual-task-focused exercises added to structured neurological rehabilitation on balance, mobility, anxiety, cognitive function, and quality of life in individuals with chronic stroke. Materials and Methods. In this evaluator-blinded randomized controlled trial, forty individuals with chronic stroke were assigned to two groups. Both groups received six weeks of structured neurological rehabilitation, while the experimental group additionally completed dual-task training. Balance, walking speed, mobility, anxiety, verbal fluency, cognitive function, and quality of life were assessed before and after treatment. Results. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between groups. Compared with controls, the dual-task group showed significantly greater improvements in mobility, anxiety, and quality of life, with particularly notable gains in anxiety and quality of life. Both groups improved in balance and cognitive function, with some measures favoring the control group. No significant between-group difference was found in walking speed. Conclusions. Adding dual-task-focused exercises to structured neurological rehabilitation provides significant benefits in mobility, anxiety, and quality of life in individuals with chronic stroke. Variability in balance and cognitive outcomes indicates the need for further research to determine optimal protocols and long-term effects.
Background. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder, especially among obese adults. Excess upper-body adiposity, altered respiratory mechanics, and compromised pulmonary function contribute to disease severity and functional limitation. Exercise interventions targeting the upper-body musculature and pulmonary mechanisms may offer an alternative, non-invasive therapeutic strategy. This pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of a tri-model exercise approach combining upper-body plyometrics and circuit interval training on anthropometric characteristics and pulmonary function in obese individuals with moderate OSA. Materials and methods. Obese adults with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², aged 30–45 years, and diagnosed with moderate OSA were randomly allocated into three groups. Group A received structured upper-body plyometric training, Group B received a circuit interval training program, while Group C received conventional physiotherapy. Training was delivered for 45 minutes per session, three days per week, for 12 weeks. Neck circumference, waist circumference, and upper-body composition were assessed using a body composition analyzer. Pulmonary parameters — FVC, FEV1, and MVV — were evaluated using standardized spirometry. Results. Group B demonstrated greater reductions in neck circumference, waist circumference, and subcutaneous fat measures compared with the other groups. Significant within-group improvement was observed for FEV1 in Group B (p < 0.05); however, changes in FVC (p = 0.13) and MVV (p = 0.06) were not statistically significant. Therefore, improvements in pulmonary measures should be interpreted cautiously and not considered definitive evidence of effectiveness. Conclusion. These preliminary pilot findings suggest that circuit interval training may be a feasible intervention for improving selected anthropometric and pulmonary outcomes in obese adults with moderate OSA. However, due to the small sample size and the absence of statistically significant changes in several pulmonary variables, no claims regarding the superiority of one intervention over another can be made.
Introduction. According to a 2022 study, more than half of Polish adults (52.2%) aged 20 and over were overweight (BMI of 25 or more), with 13.6% struggling with obesity, defined as a BMI of 30 or more. Habits formed during college often accompany us throughout our lives, which is why it is so important to ensure a healthy diet and regular physical activity already during this period. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess aerobic capacity using the multi-stage shuttle test - Beep Test and functional assessment using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test in 2nd year physiotherapy students, Medical University of Lodz. Materials and methods. The study involved 126 randomly selected physiotherapy students of the Medical University of Lodz, including 85 females and 41 males, aged 19 to 25 years (±20.25). Two separate tests were conducted: Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the multi-stage pendulum Beep Test. Results. More than 85% of the Beep Test subjects scored below average in the test, very good and good results in the aerobic capacity assessment test were obtained by only 1 person. Significant differences were found among the FMS test group in the test of deep squat, trunk stabilization, active straight leg raise according to BMI classification. Conclusions. The FMS test and Beep test are effective tools for assessing physical fitness in the population.
Aim of the study. The aim of the study is to present the course of physiotherapy in a single patient with a fracture of the lateral part of the base of the proximal phalanx of the hallux, as well as to describe the applied special methods, including PNF and dynamic taping (kinesiology taping), in addition to other procedures from the fields of kinesiotherapy and physical therapy. This paper is a case report and does not allow for generalization of the effectiveness of the presented physiotherapeutic interventions to the patient population. Material and methods. The article is based on the available subject literature concerning physiotherapeutic procedures. The second part of the article constitutes a description of a single clinical case. Conclusions. The applied physiotherapeutic management in the described patient contributed to a reduction in pain complaints, an increase in the muscle strength of the hallux, improvement of proprioception, and enhancement of scar elasticity. However, it should be emphasized that the presented results concern a single clinical case and cannot constitute a basis for generalizing the effectiveness of the applied physiotherapeutic interventions. The observed improvement may have resulted both from the applied therapy and from natural healing processes occurring since the onset of the injury.
Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of physiotherapy on the sensation of pain, the severity of fatigue and the functional status in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Material and methods. Thirty-two people, of both sexes, aged 29 to 77 years (57.5 ± 14.0), members of the Polish Multiple Sclerosis Society in Łódź, participating in a 4-week rehabilitation stay were qualified for the study. The study used an original questionnaire and the following tests and scales: Time Up and Go (TUG), Hand Grip Strength (HGS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Barthel. The study assessed the effects of physiotherapy by comparing the results before and after the interventions, within one study group. Results. The treatments reduced pain (p < 0.001) and improved TUG (p = 0.002) and FSS (p < 0.001). Older patients had lower scores in HGS (rho = -0.67, p < 0.001) and TUG (rho = 0.54, p < 0.01). Longer disease duration translated into lower scores in HGS (rho = −0.61, p < 0.001), TUG (rho = 0.42, p < 0.01), and Barthel (rho = −0.39, p < 0.01). Conclusions. Physiotherapy reduced the severity of fatigue and pain and improved functional status, but did not increase HGS. Patients' functional status was influenced by age, disease duration, pain intensity, and the number of comorbidities.
Aim of the Study. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of an intensive, week-long rehabilitation program based on Vojta therapy on the level of functional independence in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Material and Methods. The study involved 20 children aged 1 to 6 years, diagnosed with CP and classified as level III or IV according to the GMFCS scale. Each child underwent Vojta therapy three times a day for 50 minutes over the course of a week. The effects were assessed before and after the rehabilitation program using the GMFM-66 and WeeFIM scales. The study employed a pre–post design without a control group. No parallel observation of a control group was conducted and the analysis assessed within-subject changes in the same cohort of children before and after the intervention. Results. Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in total scores on both scales (GMFM-66 and WeeFIM) after the therapy. In the studied group of children with cerebral palsy, the average GMFM-66 score increased by 5.4%, and the WeeFIM score by 4.18% following a week-long rehabilitation program based on Vojta therapy. The greatest improvements were observed in domains related to more complex motor activities. Conclusions. In the studied group of children with cerebral palsy, a short-term improvement in gross motor function and functional independence was observed following the completion of an intensive, one-week rehabilitation program based on Vojta therapy. Due to the lack of a control group and the continued use of Vojta therapy outside the intensive rehabilitation program, it is not possible to unequivocally attribute the observed effects solely to short-term intensive intervention. The results should be interpreted in the context of a comprehensive rehabilitation process.
Introduction. Football is one of the most popular sports disciplines. Its growing popularity means that children and adolescents willingly participate in regular training, which positively affects their physical fitness. Aim. To assess the physical fitness of children who systematically practice football. Material and Methods. The study included 100 boys aged 8 to 10 years, who were divided into two groups. The study group consisted of boys training football (sports club players), while the control group consisted of boys not engaged in any sports activity. Each group included 50 participants. All subjects performed fitness tests. Three tests were analyzed: a slalom run, standing long jump, and hanging on a bar. Results. Children in the study group completed the slalom run faster, achieved longer standing long jumps, and maintained the hanging position on the bar for a longer time compared to the control group. In the hanging test, the control group scored 12.84 SD = 12.34, while the study group scored 19.68 SD = 9.63. In the slalom run test, the control group scored 12.42 SD = 1.26, and the study group 11.12 SD = 0.81. In the standing long jump, the control group scored 1.35 SD = 0.21, and the study group 1.54 SD = 0.16. The results indicate higher mean values in the study group across all analyzed tests. Conclusions. Fitness tests indicate an advantage of physically active children, particularly in the hanging on a bar test.
Introduction. Stroke is the most common cause of mortality and one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. Polyneuropathies and entrapment neuropathies occur as complications of stroke. Aim of the study. The purpose of this study was to examine how lower limb spasticity affected tibial nerve entrapment in patients with stroke. Material and methods. One hundred patients with stroke, aged between 55 and 65 years, participated in the study. Each gender was divided into two equal groups: groups A and B. According to the modified Ashworth scale, grades 1 and 1+ indicated mild spasticity in group A, whereas grades 2 and 3 indicated moderate spasticity in group B. An electrodiagnostic test, including nerve conduction velocity, distal latency, and amplitude, and a clinical test, the triple compression stress test, were used to evaluate the subjects. Results. Statistically significant differences were observed across all variables (p < 0.001). Specifically, group A demonstrated significantly shorter distal latency, higher amplitude, and faster nerve conduction velocity than group B. These findings suggest that group A exhibited better peripheral nerve function than group B. Conclusions. This study concluded that the degree of spasticity affected tibial nerve function, with moderate spasticity being associated with greater electrophysiological damage.
Background. The spread of diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide, significantly affecting public health. Management of this chronic condition requires effective strategies to control blood glucose levels and improve overall health. High-intensity interval training is emerging as a potential non-pharmacological approach to managing diabetes. Aim. To investigate the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training in improving glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and overall physical fitness in patients with diabetes mellitus. It also sought to identify the most effective high-intensity interval training protocols and provide recommendations for their application in diabetes management. Material and methods. The method used in this study is a scoping review, which aims to find answers to questions from researchers related to the literature on the research topic. The collected articles were synthesized using the TIDIER checklist, and articles were searched through various databases. Result. After conducting the article selection process, which can be seen in Figure 1, 35 suitable articles were found. The details of articles related to population, interventions, outcome measures, and risk of bias can be seen in Table 1. Conclusion. High-intensity interval training presents a viable and superior exercise strategy for managing diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2, provided that appropriate protocols are followed. However, further research is needed to standardize high-intensity interval training protocols and evaluate long-term impacts.
This study aims to explore the impact of small-sided games (SSGs) on the responsiveness and performance of football players through a systematic review. SSGs are a training method commonly used in football to simulate real-game situations on a smaller scale, with fewer players and a limited area. This article evaluates the effects of SSGs on the physical, technical, and tactical aspects of football through a comprehensive literature analysis of various studies published in scientific journals. The review method includes electronic database searches, study selection based on strict inclusion criteria, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of relevant findings. The review results indicate that SSGs have a significant positive impact on enhancing player responsiveness, including quick reactions, decision-making, and adaptation to dynamic game situations. Additionally, SSGs have been shown to improve various physical performance parameters such as speed, endurance, strength, and agility, which are critical components for success in football. The findings also reveal that SSGs contribute to the development of tactical awareness, allowing players to better understand positioning, spacing, and team coordination during matches. These aspects are crucial for the overall performance of a football team and individual players. The versatility of SSGs in targeting multiple performance dimensions makes them a valuable training tool. However, further research is needed to explore specific variables that influence the effectiveness of SSGs, such as duration, intensity, and frequency of play, as well as their impact on different age groups and skill levels. Therefore, this article provides important contributions for coaches, researchers, and practitioners in understanding and utilizing SSGs as an innovative training tool in football. By addressing these variables in future studies, it will be possible to tailor SSGs more precisely to meet the specific needs of different player populations, thereby maximizing the benefits of this training approach.
Background. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by hyperglycemia due to the body's inability to use insulin effectively. This metabolic disorder occurs when insulin cannot function optimally to maintain blood glucose balance. Physical exercise is a non-pharmacological therapy that offers significant health benefits, particularly for individuals with diabetes mellitus. Aim. The purpose of this review is to assess the role of physical exercise in reducing blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods. A systematic review was conducted by examining journal databases including PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria focused on studies from the past five years involving diabetes mellitus, physical exercise, and blood glucose control. A total of 850 articles were identified, of which nine peer-reviewed studies were selected based on relevance and quality. The study followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Results. The findings consistently show that physical exercise contributes to the reduction of blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Conclusion. Physical exercise has been confirmed as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for lowering blood glucose and enhancing overall health in individuals with diabetes mellitus. The review is limited to evaluating the general effects of physical activity without differentiating between specific exercise types. Future research should compare the relative effectiveness of aerobic versus anaerobic exercise in blood glucose regulation.
Introduction. Adiponectin is a specific protein secreted by adipocyte cells and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. In the past two decades, adiponectin has attracted considerable medical interest due to its relationship with obesity. This study aimed to determine whether physical exercise has an effect on increasing adiponectin levels in humans. Method. A systematic search of journal databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus, was conducted. The analysis considered studies published within the last five years that investigated adiponectin levels and physical activity. Publications from non-credible journals were excluded. A total of 108 papers were initially identified. Approximately ten carefully selected, double-blind studies were included for detailed review. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed to establish the study’s methodology. Results. The systematic analysis demonstrated that physical exercise has a positive effect in raising adiponectin levels in humans. Conclusion. Future reviews should explore the genetic pathways and mechanisms that regulate adiponectin expression during physical activity.
