Monitoring of functional ability, mobility and quality of life in seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Pavol Nechvátal, Lucia Demjanovič Kendrová, Tomáš Uher, Michal Macej, Gabriela Škrečková

 

Pavol Nechvátal, Lucia Demjanovič Kendrová, Tomáš Uher, Michal Macej, Gabriela Škrečková – Monitoring of functional ability, mobility and quality of life in seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fizjoterapia Polska 2023; 23(2); 92-95

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG0DFB8A

 

Abstract
Aim. The aim of the work is to map the functional fitness, level of mobility and quality of life of seniors at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods. The study group consisted of 130 seniors from the Prešov Region, with an average age of 74.1 (max. 94, min. 65) years and an average Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27.13 (max. 41.09, min 16.00). There were 54 men (41.5%), with an average age of 74.3 years and an average BMI of 26.78, women with an average age of 74.0 years and an average BMI of 27.37. In all seniors we assessed physical fitness by Senior Fitness Test, level of mobility by the Up & go test and quality of life and mental health by the WHOQOL-BREF test during the lockdown in COVID-19 pandemic.
Results. Seniors living in rural areas (t = -2,341; p = 0.020) and living alone (t = -2.05; p = 0.042) had slightly higher rate of mild obesity (according to BMI). Seniors living alone had a lower quality of life compared with seniors living partner or family member (t = 3.728; p < 0.001). Finally, seniors living in rurar areas had worse physical (t = 3.113; p = 0.002) and mental health status (t = 2.601; p = 0.010). Women had slightly worse mental health status than men (t = 2.308; p = 0.022).
Conclusions. Restrictions on movement due to the COVID-19 pandemic put seniors who live alone, at risk, especially women. Men show higher resistance to these measures, mostly in physical and psychological health area.
Key words:
COVID-19, movement activity, physical fitness, quality of life, seniors
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Assessment of force-velocity parameters of knee extensors in children with first-degree scoliosis

Małgorzata Stefańska, Dominika Zawadzka

Małgorzata Stefańska, Dominika Zawadzka – Assessment of force-velocity parameters of knee extensors in children with first-degree scoliosis. Fizjoterapia Polska 2006; 6(3); 228-232

Abstract
Background. The objective of this research was to evaluate Force-velocity parameters of knee extensors in children with scoliosis participating and not participating in swimming exercises. Material and methods. 52 children with diagnosed first-degree scoliosis aged from 10 to 11 years participated in this study. Subjects were divided into two groups. A criterion was participation in swimming exercises in the last 6 months. There were no significant statistical differences regarding to age, height and body mass between both group’s children. Any differences in the way of free time spending were found as well. Force-velocity parameters of knee extensors in both groups were determined in isokinetic conditions using a dynamometer device manufactured by Biodex Co. Angular velocities of 60°/s, 180°/s and 240°/s were applied as a research load. Each subject had to extend the lower limb in the knee joint 5 times at each applied velocity. It was necessary for the subject to develop the peak torque in the shortest time possible, in each movement. Results. Values of peak torque, average power and total work performed by knee extensors in each applied angular velocity were results of this research. The research showed higher values of each evaluated parameter for children participating in swimming exercises Conclusions. Exercises in a water environment which has an increased resistance besides a corrective effect have a positive influence on body strength and endurance. Swimming exercises should be an important part of physiotherapy for children with posture defects.

Key words:
isokinetics test, peak torque, average power, total work of muscles, body movement activity

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Physical fitness of elderly women undertaking active forms of recreation

Małgorzata Proszkowiec

M. Proszkowiec – Physical fitness of elderly women undertaking active forms of recreation. Fizjoterapia Polska 2020; 20(4); 102-112

Abstract
Objective. The arm of this study was aimed to assess the level of physical fitness of Polish women aged between 60 and 75. Women from two groups were selected to participate in the testing program: the first involved subjects who systematically undertake various forms of activity, whereas the second one comprised seniors with a sedentary lifestyle. Each group consisted of 30 subjects.
Methods. The research was carried out using an original questionnaire developed by these authors, and the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test.
Results. The level of physical fitness of investigated seniors who lead an active lifestyle was found to be at a much higher level compared to the subjects from the second group. Conclusion. Regularly implemented activities involving repeated movement patterns have a beneficial effect on the development of motor skills. Systematically followed physical activity forms a component of preventive physiotherapy and prevents the occurrence of chronic diseases.

Key words:
ageing process, health, fitness, physical activity, Fullerton Fitness Test

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The influence of physical activity on the alignment of metabolic disorders in secondary school students

Magdalena Madej, Zbigniew Śliwiński

M. Madej, Z. Śliwiński – The influence of physical activity on the alignment of metabolic disorders in secondary school students. Fizjoterapia Polska 2018; 18(4); 102-111

Abstract
Introduction. This work aimed to assess the influence of systematic physical activity on changes in the blood pressure parameters, and thus on metabolism, distribution of fat, percentage of muscle, water, bone mass in students’ bodies and their BMI.
Material and methods. The study comprised 98 students who do not regularly undertake physical activity, as well as 98 students who undertake sport at least 3-4 times per week. Patients were examined individually as per the established pattern: tissue bioimpedance analysis, waist and hip circumference measurement, Martinet endurance test. The ending contains an anonymous lifestyle survey.
Results. Lower mean values of BMI, WHR and fat percentages were recorded among students who regularly practice sports. Those same students also displayed better endurance.
Conclusions. The conducted research clearly prove that systematic physical activity has a beneficial effect on the human body. It guarantees maximum endurance of the body, protects against many metabolic diseases, affects the proportions of body composition and constitutes an inseparable element of well-being.

Key words:
physical activity, metabolism, bioimpedance, BMI, metabolic diseases

 

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The assessment of the attitude towards physical activity among the Physiotherapy students of Warsaw Medical University (WMU) and the students of Physical Education Academy (PEA)

Edyta Smolis-Bąk, Agnieszka Szymańczuk, Hanna Rymuza,
Ilona Kowalik, Maria Kłoda, Grażyna Brzuszkiewicz-Kuźmicka

E. Smolis-Bąk, A. Szymańczuk, H. Rymuza, I. Kowalik, M. Kłoda, G. Brzuszkiewicz-Kuźmicka – The assessment of the attitude towards physical activity among the Physiotherapy students of Warsaw Medical University (WMU) and the students of Physical Education Academy (PEA). FP 2016;16(4);30-39

Abstract

Physical activity is a key integrating element of a healthy lifestyle. Physical Fitness determines the resourcefulness in various life situations, its high level may facilitate work, broaden the capabilities and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Studies show that physical therapists are particularly predisposed to promote a healthy lifestyle among the medical patients. On the other hand, due to the nature of their work, they are at risk of muscular and skeletal injuries.
The objective was to assess the Warsaw Medical University (WMU) and the Academy of Physical Education (APE) Physiotherapy Students’ attitude toward physical activity and physical fitness.
Methodology. Examined was a group of 90 students (37 females, 9 males from WMU and 22 females, 22 males from PEA) of the age 22.7 on average ±2.0 years. Prepared questionnaire designed to assess attitudes toward physical activity was used. The level of physical fitness of the investigated students was examined with International Physical Fitness Test.
Results. The number of physical activity hours is significantly lower at the Medical University (1.6 ±1.5) than PE Academy (3.6 ±1.7), p<0,001. Very high (80%) interest in physical activity during leisure time has been demonstrated, with higher tendency among Physiotherapy PEA students than the WMU students (p = 0.07). A significantly lower level of physical fitness among WMU students, as compared to PEA students, was also found.
Conclusions. 1. Very high interest in physical activity during leisure time, in both groups, should be taken advantage of and developed in educational process. 2. Medical University students presented a much lower fitness level than PEA students, which may have resulted from fewer hours of physical activities at the Medical University of Warsaw (WMU). 3. Due to higher expectations in case of physiotherapists, it seems that physical fitness should be one of the recruitment process criteria at Medical University of Warsaw.

Keywords:

physical activity, assessment of physical fitness, physiotherapy students

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