Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week Zumba Fitness program on anthropometric parameters and selected aspects of psychosocial functioning, including self-esteem, body esteem, and quality of life, in women aged 20–30 years. Materials and methods. A prospective controlled intervention study included 40 women allocated to either a Zumba Fitness group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). The intervention consisted of an 8-week training program performed three times per week (60 min/session). Body weight, body mass index (BMI), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, SES), body esteem (Body Esteem Scale, BES), and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) were assessed before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using tests appropriate for the distribution of the data, with the level of statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results. The Zumba group demonstrated significant reductions in body weight and BMI, as well as significant improvements in self-esteem and body esteem, particularly in the Weight Concern and Physical Condition subscales. Improvements were also observed in the psychological and social domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. Between-group comparisons showed significantly greater improvements in body weight, BMI, self-esteem, and body esteem in the Zumba group, whereas no significant between-group differences were found for changes in quality of life. Conclusions. Following the 8-week Zumba Fitness program, favorable changes were observed in anthropometric parameters and selected aspects of psychosocial functioning in young women, particularly self-esteem and body esteem. Comparison of the changes with the control group suggests the potential effectiveness of this form of physical activity. The effects of the intervention on quality of life should be confirmed in studies with larger sample sizes, randomized designs, and longer follow-up periods.
Introduction. Biological rhythms regulate physiological processes in the human body, influencing sleep, wakefulness, and the menstrual cycle. Disruptions to these rhythms appear to exacerbate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), while physical activity appears to have a potential protective effect. These relationships represent an under-researched area. Aim of the study. To present a literature review on the role of sleep, chronotype, and physical activity in the health of women of reproductive age, with a focus on PMS symptoms, and to suggest directions for further research. Materials and Methods. This is a narrative review of publications from 1976 to 2026, with a predominance of publications from 2021 to 2026, retrieved from scientific databases using English keywords. Open-access studies meeting methodological quality criteria were included in the full analysis. Results. The review included 29 articles, comprising systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies on circadian rhythms and the impact of exercise and chronotype on women’s health; these studies formed the basis for determining the current state of knowledge. Conclusions. A research gap has been identified, along with a need for further studies examining the correlation between circadian rhythms, physical activity, and the occurrence of psychosomatic PMS symptoms. The findings may contribute to the development of preventive measures and recommendations for women of reproductive age.
Introduction. Early motor development is dynamic and environmentally sensitive, and parents, often the first to notice deviations, shape it through daily handling. Rising preterm birth rates heighten the need for informed care, yet competence among Polish parents is poorly characterised. Aim. To assess knowledge of normal development and handling of children aged 0–2 years and identify sociodemographic correlates. Material and methods. In this cross-sectional study (Łódź, 2026), 68 parents (67.6% women) completed an author-designed questionnaire and a three-task practical test using a doll. Twenty items formed a composite knowledge score (0–20 points; KR-20 = 0.77). Non-parametric tests, effect sizes and a multivariable model were used; α = 0.05. Results. The mean score was 12.5 ± 3.8 points (62.5%); knowledge was low in 22.1%, moderate in 52.9% and high in 25.0%. The largest deficits concerned recognising hypotonia from the "frog-leg" posture (11.8%) and red flags (30.9%). Knowledge decreased with age (p < 0.001; ε² = 0.27) and was strongly associated with education (p < 0.001; ε² = 0.29), the strongest independent predictor; sex and number of children had no independent effect, and self-perceived competence was unrelated to knowledge. Conclusions. Parental knowledge was moderate but showed clinically important gaps in recognising abnormal tone and warning signs. Education, not experience, drove the differences, indicating a need for early, physiotherapist-led parental education.
Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of physiotherapy using elements of music therapy on the subjective feelings and psychological aspects of the functioning of a rehabilitated patient. Materials and methods. Thirty individuals aged 42–84, hospitalized in the neurological rehabilitation department of the Dr. Karol Jonscher Municipal Medical Center in Łódź, were enrolled in the study. The study utilized a self-designed survey and the following questionnaires: PROMIS Global Health-10 (PROMIS GH-10) and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (KPS). Results. A greater trend toward improvement in mental and general quality of life scores assessed using the PROMIS GH-10 was observed in the study group, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding stress levels measured using the KPS questionnaire. In the pre–post analysis, a significant increase in intrapsychic stress was noted in the study group (p = 0.047). However, the subjective assessment of the rehabilitation process was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (45.73 vs. 41.20 points; p = 0.048). Conclusions. The use of music therapy elements in physiotherapy for stroke patients fostered a more positive assessment of the rehabilitation process and may have had a positive impact on the subjective perception of therapy. However, no significant impact on quality of life or perceived stress levels was demonstrated. The results indicate that incorporating music therapy elements may increase patient satisfaction and engagement in the rehabilitation process; however, further research in larger groups is required.
Aim. This preliminary study aimed to compare the effects of trigger point therapy, transbuccal massage, and their combination on psychological distress (HADS), insomnia severity (ISI), and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) in men with awake bruxism and symptoms related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Material and methods. The study involved 98 men (mean age 33.5 ± 12.2 years; BMI 24.6 ± 3.9 kg/m²) with awake bruxism identified through a structured interview and TMD-related symptoms assessed using the RDC/TMD protocol. Participants were allocated to four groups: combined trigger point therapy and transbuccal massage, trigger point therapy alone, transbuccal massage alone, and a control group. WHOQOL-BREF, ISI, and HADS were completed at baseline, after four weeks, and one week post-intervention. Results. HADS scores differed significantly between groups before therapy (p = 0.0024), after therapy (p = 0.021), and at follow-up (p = 0.032). At baseline, higher—that is, less favorable—HADS scores were recorded i
