Purpose: This study aimed to explore patients’ experiences of self-management interventions for chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) in Limpopo Province, South Africa, and to examine how cultural beliefs and contextual factors influence the implementation and effectiveness of these interventions. Material and methods: This qualitative study included 60 participants with CNLBP aged ≥ 18 years. Face-to-face focus group interviews (FGDs) of ten groups (six per group) were conducted in June 2025 to December 2025, lasting up to 90 minutes each. FGDs were conducted in the local languages Sepedi, Zulu, and Tsonga. Inductive thematic analysis using Atlas-ti software included transcript familiarisation, coding, and theme development. Results were validated by a research team. Results: All FGDs were completed, with data saturation reached at the eight FGD. The main themes that emerged were elements of treatment, participants' beliefs, social influence and coping mechanisms. Treatment categories included medication and rest, exercises, traditional/home modalities for self-management, education, and physiotherapy consultation. Participants reported hot water bottles, massage, exercise, and education as main SMIs, while some relied on medication and rest. Conclusion: The CNLBP was largely perceived to have structural causes, although some participants linked symptoms to witchcraft. Exercise and education were viewed as key management strategies, supported by self-management practices such as massage and hot water bottles, alongside traditional medicine. Limited finances restricted access to care. Multidisciplinary, culturally responsive and biopsychosocial approaches, including digital self-management interventions, are required in rural LMIC settings.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of a new HMP method, a mind–body exercise protocol, on health-related Quality of Life(QoL) in adults and to explore possible differences by gender and age. A pilot longitudinal study was conducted involving 171 adults (female: 151, male: 20) who completed a 10-week exercise program consisting of one supervised session per week. The protocol integrated self-body awareness, postural control, breathing regulation, muscle activation–relaxation, and multisensory stimulation exercises. Quality of life was assessed before and after the intervention using the Italian version of the SF-36 Health Survey. A two-way ANCOVA was used to evaluate pre-post changes, accounting for the interaction between gender and age categories.Significant improvements were observed across several SF-36 domains following the intervention. Notable gains were observed in physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, and mental health, with medium to large effect sizes in the physical domains. Improvements were independent of gender and age, although an interaction effect between gender and age emerged for physical functioning in the oldest participants.The proposed method appears to be an effective, low-dose HMP, suggesting that it may enhance multiple dimensions of adult QoL. These preliminary findings support the potential role of mind–body practices as accessible health-promotion strategies.
Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the implementation of HPV vaccinations among age cohorts covered by the program at the national, county, and specific healthcare facility levels. Material and methods: The study data were obtained from the website https://ezdrowie.gov.pl/portal/home/badania-i-dane/raport-o-szczepieniach-przeciwko-wirusowi-brodawczaka-ludzkiego-hpv, which presents the current level of vaccinated children, as well as data on vaccinations administered at the Public Independent Center in Radłów. Results: The HPV vaccination coverage rate in Poland is low. Among children eligible for free vaccination, the rate of completed vaccinations ranges between 30% and 40%. Communication with parents, who were provided with information about vaccination options and diseases caused by the HPV virus, had a significant impact on vaccination rates. Conclusion: Discussions with parents about vaccination contribute to an increase in the number of vaccinations administered. These discussions should be continued, and the public should be educated about the benefits of vaccination.
Purpose: Physical activity during pregnancy is associated with reduced risk of obstetric complications and improved maternal wellbeing, yet many pregnant women do not meet recommended activity levels. Low-impact and accessible exercise modalities, such as stationary aquabiking, may help overcome common barriers. This study examined psychosocial determinants of pregnant women’s intention to participate in aquabiking, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, to inform prenatal physical activity promotion. Material and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 145 pregnant women, assessing intentions, sociodemographic and pregnancy-related characteristics, and Theory of Planned Behavior determinants. Results: Overall, 75.8% of participants reported positive intentions to engage in aquabiking during pregnancy. Positive behavioral beliefs, and supportive subjective norms were significant psychosocial determinants of intention. Higher parity, higher education and more pregnancy complications were relevant external factors associated with a more positive intention. Conclusion: These findings suggest substantial interest in aquabiking as a prenatal physical activity option. Integrating innovative, water-based exercise modalities into antenatal care and community health programs may support broader and more inclusive engagement in physical activity during pregnancy.
Dear Editors,Pakistan has one of the highest neonatal mortality rates in the world. The main causes are well known – birth asphyxia, prematurity, and infection.1 These are not rare or unexpected problems. In many cases, they are preventable. Yet they continue to account for a large number of neonatal deaths, particularly in busy public-sector hospitals.Civil Hospital Karachi is one such setting. It serves a very large population and manages a constant, high volume of deliveries. In this environment, the difficulty is not recognizing neonatal illness but providing timely care, the moment it is needed most (...).
Purpose: Physical activity not only benefits musculoskeletal health but also influences gut microbiota and its metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Butyrate has been linked to muscle protein synthesis and the prevention of muscle loss; however, evidence in healthy young adults remains limited. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week increase in daily walking on fecal SCFA concentrations and muscle mass in healthy young adults. Material and methods: Thirty adults in their 20s without regular exercise habits completed a single-arm intervention in which they were instructed to walk ≥8,000 steps/day. Anthropometry, physical activity, dietary intake, fecal SCFAs, and gut microbiota composition were assessed before and after intervention. SCFAs were analyzed by gas chromatography, and microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Mean daily steps increased from 7,334 ± 1,939 to 8,344 ± 1,824 (p = 0.028). Total fecal SCFA concentrations rose significantly (4.50 ± 1.69 to 5.80 ± 2.37 μmol/g, p = 0.019), primarily due to acetate (2.20 ± 0.83 to 2.76 ± 1.33 μmol/g, p = 0.004). No significant changes were observed in propionate, n-butyrate, or the relative abundance of major butyrate-producing taxa. Skeletal Muscle Mass Index remained unchanged, and SCFA changes were not correlated with muscle mass. Conclusions: Increasing daily walking to approximately 8,000 steps elevates fecal SCFA production, particularly acetate, in healthy young adults but does not appear sufficient to promote short-term muscle mass gains. Integrating physical activity with dietary strategies that stimulate butyrate production may be necessary to optimize muscle health through the gut–muscle axis.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a single application of Camelina sativa oil (also known as false flax oil) on selected skin properties of the medial forearm, including skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and elasticity. The study involved 20 healthy women aged 22–26 years. Skin parameters were assessed four times: at baseline, after inducing a model disruption of the skin barrier using the tape stripping method, and then 1 hour after application of the tested oil on both disrupted and intact skin. Specialized, scientifically certified devices were used, including a corneometer, tewameter, cutometer, and indentometer. A significant increase in skin hydration was observed following oil application, both on disrupted and intact skin. No effect of Camelina sativa oil on skin barrier function (TEWL) or on elasticity parameters measured with cutometry and indentometry was observed. The results confirm that camelina oil exhibits rapid moisturizing effects. No reduction in TEWL was observed, suggesting that the tested oil behaves similarly to drying oils. The lack of effect on other biomechanical skin properties after a single application does not rule out potential effects during prolonged use, which would require empirical confirmation in further studies.
Purpose: Obesity and abnormal fat distribution are major components of the Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic (CKM) syndrome and are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the comparative performance of different anthropometric measures and the modifying role of physical activity remain incompletely defined. We aimed to examine the associations between body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), physical activity, and prevalent CVD in a large population-based cohort.Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of UK Biobank participants aged 40–69 years. After excluding individuals with missing data, N = 489909 participants were included. Prevalent CVD was defined as a history of angina, myocardial infarction, or stroke at baseline assessment. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between anthropometric measures and CVD, adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, and major comorbidities. Physical activity was analyzed by type and duration. Results are reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: BMI showed a U-shaped association with CVD, with higher prevalence observed at both low (<18.5 kg/m²) and high (>25 kg/m²) values. WHtR was positively associated with CVD across its range, whereas BFP provided little additional predictive value after adjustment. Moderate physical activity was associated with lower odds of CVD, while very high volumes of vigorous activity showed no additional benefit and were associated with slightly higher CVD prevalence.
Introduction: Pregnancy-related complications remain a major public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where maternal health literacy may be limited. Adequate knowledge, positive attitudes and appropriate practices (KAP) during pregnancy are essential to prevent avoidable maternal and neonatal complications. This study assessed KAP regarding pregnancy-related health problems among pregnant women in Tiznit, Morocco, and explored associated socio-demographic and obstetric factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 27 April to 13 May 2025 among pregnant women attending antenatal consultations in public health facilities in Tiznit. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics and KAP. Knowledge was scored from 0 to 10, with scores ≥5 classified as good knowledge. Attitudes and practices were considered positive/good when ≥50% of responses were favourable. Associations were analysed using χ² tests and multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Forty pregnant women participated. Most were aged 18–28 years (52.5%), lived in urban areas (80.0%), were housewives (92.5%) and had no formal education (42.5%). Good knowledge was observed in 25.0% of participants, whereas 75.0% demonstrated poor knowledge. In contrast, attitudes and practices were predominantly positive/ good (92.5%). Secondary education was independently associated with higher odds of good knowledge (adjusted OR 6.72; 95% CI 1.02–44.38). Conclusions: Poor maternal knowledge was common despite favourable attitudes and practices. Strengthening structured antenatal education, particularly for women with low educational attainment, is essential to improve maternal health literacy and prevent pregnancy-related complications.
Objective: To investigate at what level of isobaric hypoxia a clinically significant decrease of PO₂ (in the blood, noted as SpO₂) occurs when non-acclimatized humans enter a hypoxic environment, and what amount of supplemental oxygen, if any, is necessary to keep SpO₂ within an acceptable range when operating in a low-oxygen environment. Material and methods: 6 volunteers were exposed to 20.9% (sea level), 19.0% (800 m / 2,620 ft), 15.5% (2,400m / 7,870 ft), 13.5% (3,400 m / 11,150 ft), and 11% (5,200 m / 17,060 ft) atmospheric oxygen saturation at rest and with 80W workload, without and with supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula and a demand system. Pulse rate and SpO₂ were measured. Results: At 15.5% oxygen or higher, participants stabilized SpO₂ above 90%. At 13.5% oxygen, participants had oxygen saturation values between 80 and 89% at rest without supplemental oxygen. At 11.0% oxygen, many participants had SpO₂ values ≤80%, but 3 of 6 showed SpO₂ values between 80 and 89%. An additional workload of 80W caused only small changes in SpO₂. An immediate and significant increase in SpO₂ was observed after supplemental oxygen administration, both at rest and during exercise. Data from isobaric hypoxia correlate well with those in hypobaric conditions. Conclusion: Working in a reduced-oxygen environment at 15% oxygen is well tolerated, with no adverse physiological or clinical effects. At ambient oxygen levels of 13.5% or lower, supplemental oxygen may be required in some individuals to maintain an acceptable blood oxygen saturation.gen saturation.
The aim of this study was to compare physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and physical fitness (PF) levels in female adolescents with and without intellectual disability (ID). An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, with 247 female adolescents with 123 with ID and 124 without ID, over a three-month period from 1st November 2022, to 28th February 2023. PF parameters such as balance, flexibility, and arm strength from the EUROFIT battery were assessed in both groups. These were complemented by the assessment of PA and sedentary behavior in the school setting using the CAPAS-Q 8–18 year questionnaire. Female Adolescents with ID had significantly lower PF scores in the balance, flexibility and arm strength components compared to their peers without ID (p < 0.001). They also exhibited higher body fat mass and lower muscle mass (p < 0.001). At school, they spend fewer hours in physical activity, less time walking or running, do not sweat, feel less stuffy while walking, and climb fewer flights of stairs compared to their peers without intellectual disability (p < 0.001). Furthermore, they spend more time sitting and in front of screens per day (p < 0.001). A significant association was observed between body composition parameters and physical activity (p < 0.001). Female adolescents with ID have higher fat mass and reduced lean mass. They also have lower levels of PA and increased sedentary behavior. Finally, an association between body composition parameters and PF was observed.
Introduction: Graduate students face a high risk of adopting a sedentary lifestyle due to academic demands and stress. Although physical activity is crucial for health, there remains a gap in understanding the psychosocial factors that influence this behavior in specific populations. This study aimed to test an expanded Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model by incorporating Anticipated Affect and Habit to analyze the determinants of intention and physical activity behavior among postgraduate students in Yogyakarta. Methods: Using a quantitative approach, 249 postgraduate students (Master’s and Doctoral) were recruited via voluntary sampling. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The research instrument measured core TPB constructs (Attitude, Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavioral Control – PBC), additional constructs (Habit, Anticipated Affect), Intention, and actual physical activity behavior (T_MET) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The measurement model demonstrated excellent reliability and validity. The structural model showed a high predictive power for Intention, explaining 75.1% of its variance (R² = 0.751). Anticipated Affect (β = 0.353), Habit (β = 0.221), and PBC (β = 0.205) were the strongest predictors of Intention. In contrast, the model demonstrated a very weak association with actual physical activity behavior (T_MET), with R² = 0.002. Results: All hypothetical pathways to Behavior (from Intention, Habit, and PBC) were found to be statistically insignificant. These findings suggest a weak intention–behavior correspondence among graduate students. Although emotional factors and habitual tendencies strongly shape intention, they are insufficient to translate into actual physical activity. Conclusion: Contextual limitations, including unmeasured environmental factors, may contribute to this limited translation from intention to behavior. Health interventions on campuses may benefit from integrating volitional strategies (such as implementation intentions) and creating a supportive environment to help students bridge the intention–behavior gap.
Background: Cruise tourism to Antarctica has increased extensively in recent years. It can be assumed that this has had an impact on the environment.Methods: Searches were conducted in international specialist databases (e.g. Medline, Web of Science) and electronic media using various combinations of the keywords ‘Antarctica’, ‘tourism’, ‘cruise ships’, ‘environment’, ‘damage’ and ‘pollutants’ (January 1990 to January 2026). Only electronic media that met standard scientific requirements (authorship, source references, etc.) were included. The search results are summarised and evaluated.Results: There is a significant impact of tourism on the region. This includes, among other things, the disruption of breeding grounds, the release of various types of pollutants, the introduction of non-native species, soil compaction and other factors. The extent of the damage increases with the number of visitors.Conclusion: Due to its extreme ecological sensitivity, Antarctica is not suitable for large-scale tourism. The continent should be reserved for scientific research and otherwise strictly protected. Practically everything that tourists can see and experience there can also be seen in less sensitive locations. At the very least, tourism should be much more strictly regulated and monitored than it has been to date, and the number of visitors should be drastically reduced.
Background: Frostbite is a localized cold injury resulting from tissue freezing, primarily affecting the extremities. Although rare in the general population, it is more frequent among individuals exposed to extreme cold, such as soldiers and mountaineers. Severe cases can result in permanent disability and tissue loss. Objective: To provide a narrative overview of current evidence-based recommendations for the prevention and treatment of frostbite, based primarily on recent guideline updates from the Wilderness Medical Society (2024) and the American Burn Association (2024).Methods: This narrative review summarizes and compares recommendations from two major clinical guideline publications, supplemented by supporting literature. No systematic literature search or meta-analysis was conducted. Results: Immediate management focuses on protecting the patient from further cold exposure, treating hypothermia, and rapidly rewarming affected areas in a warm water bath (37–39°C), followed by sterile wound care, possible blister management, splinting (immobilisation) and rapid hospital transport. Ibuprofen is recommended early for its anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet effects. In hospital settings, treatment includes rapid rewarming (if not yet applied), sterile wound care, analgesia, hydration, and tetanus prophylaxis. Thrombolytic therapy with rt-PA within 24 hours of rewarming may reduce amputation rates in deep frostbite. Iloprost is recommended as first-line therapy for grade 3–4 injuries, particularly when thrombolysis is contraindicated. Antibiotics are reserved for confirmed infection. Conclusions: Frostbite results from prolonged cold exposure, causing ice crystal formation, microvascular injury, inflammation, and ischemia. Early recognition and rapid, controlled rewarming, pain management, and immobilization are essential. Hospital care includes severity assessment, pharmacologic therapy (ibuprofen, thrombolytics, iloprost, anticoagulants), selective blister management, and supportive measures. Timely intervention reduces tissue loss, prevents progression to necrosis, and improves functional outcomes.
Contemporary literature shows a growing interest in the topics of aging, old age or late adulthood. According to the WHO, late adulthood begins at the age of 60. We are not all equal in the face of passing time. Adapting to aging involves, among other things, the ability to cope with feelings of loss, which are a dominant part of the portrait of an aging person. The literature on the subject mentions experiences such as the loss of health, physical fitness, physical and sexual attractiveness. Changes at this stage of life also include aspects such as social and economic status, which is associated with entering retirement. The development of public awareness of health, hygiene, nutrition as well as medical advances and technological progress have led to an increase in average life expectancy. However, in order for the ‘autumn of life’ to be cheerful, it is important to be in good physical condition, have a positive mental attitude, accept aging and find elements in it, that will allow to enjoy this stage of life. The article describes the most important biological, psychological and social changes which aging people have to face. It also indicates how older people can adapt to these challenges and at the same time maintain a sense of meaning.
Celem niniejszej pracy była ocena wpływu jednorazowej aplikacji oleju z lnianki siewnej (nazywanego również olejem rydzowym) na wybrane cechy skóry przedramion od strony przyśrodkowej, w tym stopień nawilżenia, przeznaskórkową utratę wody (TEWL) oraz elastyczność. W badaniu wzięło udział 20 zdrowych kobiet w wieku od 22 do 26 lat. Cechy skóry oceniano czterokrotnie: wyjściowo, po wykonaniu modelowego uszkodzenia bariery naskórkowej metodą tape stripping, a następnie po 1 godzinie od nałożenia badanego oleju na skórze uszkadzanej i nieuszkadzanej. Wykorzystano specjalistyczne urządzenia z certyfikacją do badań naukowych: korneometr, tewametr, kutometr i indentometr. Zaobserwowano istotny wzrost nawilżenia skóry po aplikacji oleju zarówno dla skóry uszkadzanej jak i nieuszkadzanej. Nie wskazano wpływu oleju z lnianki na funkcje barierowe naskórka (TEWL) ani parametry charakterysujące elestyczność oceniane kutometrycznie i identometrycznie. Wyniki badania potwierdzają, że olej rydzowy wykazuje szybkie działanie nawilżające. Nie obserwowano działania ograniczającego TEWL a obserwacja ta zbliża badany olej do olejów schnących. Brak wpływu na inne cechy biomechaniczne skóry, przy jednorazowej aplikacji nie definiuje braku takiego efektu dla wydłużonych protokołów stosowania, co jednak wymaga potwierdzenia empirycznego w kolejnych obserwacjach.
The aim of this study was to analyse 18-year changes in dominant handgrip strength and assess sexual dimorphism in this trait among a group of participants from the Cracow Longitudinal Growth Study (KLGS) born between 1970 and 1972. The study was conducted twice—in 2004 (age 32–34) and in 2022 (age 50–52)—among a group of 84 participants (35 women and 49 men).Handgrip strength was measured using the JAMAR dynamometer, and basic somatic characteristics were also calculated: body mass, body height, BMI (Body Mass Index) and upper limb circumference. The degree of sexual dimorphism was determined using the Mollison Index.The results showed a significant decrease in mean gripstrength over the 18-year period—by nearly 3 kG in women and over 4 kG in men—with a simultaneous increase in body mass and BMI in both groups. High stability of individual differences in grip strength was found (r ≈ 0.65), meaning that individuals who were stronger at age 32 remained relatively stronger at age 50. Sexual dimorphism, while still evident, was slightly weakened. In women at age 50, the best correlate of grip strength was forearm circumference, while in men, it was body height.The obtained results confirm that handgrip strength is a stable indicator of strength potential in adulthood, and its decline is a natural part of the aging process. The relationships between strength and somatic characteristics change with age and differ among women and men.
Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the magnitude of error in the prediction of adult body height of male and female pupils from the Upper Secondary School Complex No. 2 in Dąbrowa Tarnowska using the Roche-Wainer-Thissen, Khamis-Roche and Żarów methods. Material and methods: Data on the height and weight of 101 18-year-old pupils (54 female pupils and 47 male pupils), as well as parental mean body height, were used in the study. The pupils’ height and weight data came from screening tests performed at 6.5, 10 and 12 years of age by nurses and school hygienists, while the data on parents' height was obtained through written notes provided by the students. Results: An evaluation of the prognostic methods carried out showed differences in prognostic performance depending on the method, the age of the predicted body height and gender. An analysis of the distribution of the absolute error of prognosis at the age of 10 showed that as many as 71% of all prognoses showed an error of less than 3 cm in relation to the actual body height at age 18, which should be considered a very good result in clinical or school practice setting. Conclusion: Based on the analysis of the results, it was found that models based on data from the ages of 10 to 12 years provided the highest accuracy for predicting adult body height. The Żarów Model for male pupils and the Khamis-Roche Model for female pupils show the lowest mean prediction error. The models are the most accurate for individuals with a typical developmental trajectory, and their performance decreases in extreme cases (very tall and very short children).
The meeting continues a long tradition since some colleagues have organized the first one in 2002 in Slovenia. Hundreds of lectures followed and after a short break during the COVID-19 period the Czech team continued at Kladno and now it takes place again at the Training Centre od the German Federal Police near Berchtesgaden.As usual colleagues were invited to contribute to all aspects of hypoxia. In addition to mountain medicine, there is diving medicine, intensive care medicine, aviation medicine, working in extreme conditions, training, and many more. There was also a special invitation to young scientists and students to present their theses. The presented abstracts are listed in alphabetical order of the first author.
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic compounded the roadblock to optimal engagement in physical activity (PA) among educators. In the Philippines, there is a paucity of studies exploring the PA levels of higher education institution (HEI) faculty during the peri-pandemic times. This study aimed to compare the PA levels of Filipino HEI faculty before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: This cross-sectional survey gathered and compared data on the PA of HEI faculty during the peri-pandemic times using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) – Long Form. Participants from five institutions of higher learning in Manila, Philippines were invited to answer the survey following pre-determined eligibility criteria. Results: Eighty-one HEI faculty members participated in the survey. The majority of HEI faculty did not meet the World Health Organization’s PA recommendations across time points. Pre-pandemic PA yielded the highest level of engagement with a median PA of 780 (300–1410) minutes. Post-hoc comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in PA level only between post- and pre-pandemic periods (p < 0.0001) and during and before the pandemic (p < 0.0001). Active transportation using bicycles significantly increased during the post-pandemic period. Conclusions: Results of this study provide baseline information on the level of PA engagement of HEI faculty during the peri-pandemic times. Information can be used to explore factors influencing their engagement and identify strategies to promote PA across domains and in diverse contexts. Post-pandemic implications include strengthening initiatives to promote PA among HEI staff through sustainable PA policies and programs.
