Tag: children

Fitness assessment of obese primary school students

Izabela Maciejewska-Paszek

Izabela Maciejewska-Paszek – Fitness assessment of obese primary school students –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(3); 53-63

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D1AH5Y9

Abstract
Aim of the study. The aim was to assess the relationship between the BMI value and the results of selected physical fitness tests, including endurance and muscle strength.
Material and methods. The study was conducted between 2024 and 2026 and involved 88 children aged 9–14 years with overweight and/or obesity (48 girls and 40 boys). Body composition analysis was performed and physical fitness was assessed using selected physical fitness tests.
Results. Body composition abnormalities were demonstrated in the 88 children – elevated BMI, increased adipose tissue content, and reduced total body water content. The assessment of children’s physical fitness revealed that an elevated BMI affects physical fitness, but this effect varied depending on the age and gender of the examined children.
Conclusions. The obtained results indicate that the applied assessment methods enable early identification of reduced muscle performance in children with obesity. This may be a valuable tool for pediatric physiotherapists in functional assessment, planning individually tailored exercise programs, and implementing appropriate therapeutic procedures.
Key words
physical fitness, children, obesity
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Testing physical performance in children who regularly play football

Bartosz Rybczyński, Daria Przewłocka, Michał Kuszewski, Sandra Trzcińska

Bartosz Rybczyński, Daria Przewłocka, Michał Kuszewski, Sandra Trzcińska – Testing physical performance in children who regularly play football –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(2); 6-11

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG560AM3Z8

 

Abstract
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.
Key words
physical fitness, children, football training, motor coordination, muscular strength
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The level of physical activity literacy among obese high school students during post-pandemic COVID-19

Gunathevan Elumalai, Ruaibah Yazani Tengah, Mirza Azny Mustafa, Mohansundar Sankaravel, Fariba Hossein Abadi

 

Gunathevan Elumalai, Ruaibah Yazani Tengah, Mirza Azny Mustafa, Mohansundar Sankaravel, Fariba Hossein Abadi – The level of physical activity literacy among obese high school students during post-pandemic COVID-19 –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(2); 198-204

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG00E1G0A3

Abstract
The increasing prevalence of obesity among Malaysian children and adolescents has been observed since the 1970s and can lead to long-term health problems as they transition into adulthood. This survey focuses on assessing the level of physical activity literacy among 720 obese high school students in Perak during the post-pandemic COVID-19 period. A self-designed questionnaire with high validity (r = 0.87) and reliability (r = 0.95) was employed for data collection. Findings from the descriptive analysis indicate that 408 respondents (56.7%) engage in some form of physical activity, while 312 respondents have never been involved in any physical activity. However, it is important to note that the duration of physical activity is insufficient for the majority of students. Only 114 individuals (16.8%) out of the 408 respondents who are physically active meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of engaging in physical activity at least three times a week for a minimum total of 150 minutes.
Additionally, a concerning aspect of the survey results showed a high number of students using gadgets for more than five hours a day. According to the data, 451 students (62.64%) exceed the recommended screen time limit, which can contribute to sedentary behavior and further exacerbate the issue of obesity. The independent t-test revealed significant differences in physical activity literacy by gender (p = 0.00), with males (M = 41.23, SD = 1.69) scoring higher than females (M = 32.94, SD = 1.47). However, the duration of gadget usage showed no significant difference (p = .743) between males (M = 6.35, SD = 2.84) and females (M = 6.28, SD = 2.93). A one-way ANOVA test also showed no significant differences based on ethnicity (p = 0.566).
These findings indicate a need to prioritize physical activity promotion and education among obese high school students in Perak, especially in the current post-pandemic era. Encouraging students to engage in regular physical activity and reducing excessive screen time can help address the issue of obesity. It is important for schools, families, and the community to work together to create an environment that supports and encourages a healthy and active lifestyle.
Keywords
obesity, children, adolescents, physical activity literacy, sedentary behavior
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Evaluation of the effect of postural muscle strengthening exercises on static and dynamic balance in preschool children

Elżbieta Cimochowska, Idzi Siatkowski, Małgorzata Wójcik

 

Elżbieta Cimochowska, Idzi Siatkowski, Małgorzata Wójcik – Evaluation of the effect of postural muscle strengthening exercises on static and dynamic balance in preschool children –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(2); 92-96

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D19XLJS

Abstract
Introduction. Preschool age is a key period in terms of physical and motor development. Balance is essential for improving all motor skills and learning more complex forms of movement.
Objective. The research hypothesis predicts that strengthening postural muscles during a two-week exercise cycle, three times a week, has an impact on improving static and dynamic balance in preschool children.
Materials and Methods. The study included n = 33 children aged five years. Static and dynamic balance were assessed. Five-year-olds in the study group performed exercises for five weeks, after which they were re-evaluated using the same tests.
Results. A statistically significant improvement was noted in tests assessing static balance. For the Left Lower Limb Standing Test with eyes closed, the time to complete the test differed (p = 0.0412) between the study group after the exercise cycle and the control group. Differences were also noted between the groups in the Tandem Stance Test with the right and left lower limb in front: for the right lower limb p = 0.0038, and for the left p = 0.0104.
Conclusions. Performing postural exercises for two weeks improved the time of functional tests: the tandem stance test and standing on the left lower limb with eyes closed.

Key words
children, preschool age, balance, functional tests

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Assessment of gait in terms of body mass composition disorders among children aged 6-10 years

Izabela Maciejewska-Paszek, Patrycja Paszek-Jemilianowicz

 

Izabela Maciejewska-Paszek, Patrycja Paszek-Jemilianowicz – Assessment of gait in terms of body mass composition disorders among children aged 6-10 years –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(3); 55-64

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG020AQDR

Abstract

Study aim: Overweight and obesity are common not only among adults but also among the youngest children around the world. There are many negative consequences of excessive body weight affecting physical, psychological, and social health. Overweight and obesity can impair the musculoskeletal system and affect normal gait, especially in children who are developing their gait. The aim of the study was to analyze gait parameters in terms of body fat content and to compare the positioning of feet and knees during walking among children with normal and exceeded body fat content.
Material and methods: The study covered 413 children aged 6-10, of both sexes. Body mass composition was analyzed using the bioelectrical impedance method. Based on these results, a study group (excess body fat) and a control group (normal body fat) were selected. Gait analysis was performed using the OptoGait optical system. Results were statistically analyzed using the Statistica program, employing the U Mann Whitney test and Spearman’s Rank correlation tests.
Results: Among 232 children, body mass composition disorders were detected – excess body fat content and reduced total water content. The study group showed a body fat percentage of 34.70% (±3.64), while the control group had 19.36% (±3.13). Gait analysis showed that the percentage of body fat influences the gait parameters of the examined children.
Conclusions: An increase in the percentage of adipose tissue in the children’s body results in a lower step length, cycle length, and speed. Higher body fat content also resulted in longer flat foot contact time and double support time.

Keywords

gait, children, overweight, obesity

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Improved hand muscle ability after 6 weeks of squeezing a tennis ball exercise in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Irmantara Subagio, Nengteng Manik, Rahmat Putra Perdana, Putra Sastaman B, Erna Yantiningsih, Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin, Slamet Raharjo

 

Irmantara Subagio, Nengteng Manik, Rahmat Putra Perdana, Putra Sastaman B, Erna Yantiningsih, Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin, Slamet Raharjo – Improved hand muscle ability after 6 weeks of squeezing a tennis ball exercise in children with spastic cerebral palsy –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(1); 73-77

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EF8753

Abstract
Children with cerebral palsy tend to be less physically fit compared to typically developing peers. This is mainly due to the lack of physical activity and exercise during their childhood. If adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy don’t get enough exercise, it could result in reduced mobility and physical fitness. It is very important to start treatment for cerebral palsy when the child is young. The goal of this research was to investigate how children with spastic cerebral palsy might benefit from enhancing their hand muscle functioning by squeezing a sponge tennis ball during hand-strengthening exercises. The study implemented a true experimental design with a pre-and post-test control group. This methodology allowed for a rigorous and systematic investigation, ensuring reliable and valid results. Twelve boys between the ages of 15 and 17 who were all diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy participated in sponge tennis ball gripping exercises as part of a program of intervention. A 30-minute workout of sponge tennis ball squeezing involves 4-6 sets of 15-20 repetitions with passive rests of 30 seconds. The prescribed regimen involves conducting the exercise four times per week for six weeks. Before and after the intervention, the Hand Grip Dynamometer was used to assess the hand muscle strength of children with spastic-type cerebral palsy. Data analysis techniques were applied using the independent samples t-test with a significant level of 5%. The results showed the average muscle strength of the right hand after the intervention between control vs. experiment (4.36 ± 1.35 kg vs. 34.16 ± 3.34 kg (p = 0.000)), the average muscle strength of the left hand after the intervention between control vs. experiment (2.31 ± 0.49 kg vs. 30.18 ± 2.08 kg (p = 0.000)). The findings of the research suggest that engaging in frequent tennis ball gripping exercises, conducted on a frequency of four sessions per week over a duration of six weeks, may yield notable improvements in the hand muscle functionality of children diagnosed with spastic-type cerebral palsy. The findings suggest that including these activities in treatment, procedures may provide significant value for persons with this particular illness.
Keywords
cerebral palsy, children, spastic type, tennis ball exercise
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Emotional condition of children in eastern Ukraine

Oleg Panchenko, Anastasiia Kabantseva, Zbigniew Śliwiński

Oleg Panchenko, Anastasiia Kabantseva, Zbigniew Śliwiński – Emotional condition of children in eastern Ukraine. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(4); 184-188

Abstract
Aim of the study. diagnosis and prognosis of mental disorders of preschool children who live in eastern Ukraine during armed conflict. Materials and methods. 1308 children aged 5–7 years old of Donetsk region were studied in the period of 2014–2018 years. Observation, conversation, psychodiagnostics and statistical methods were used. Results. Most respondents had fears of different nature (61.2%), anxiety, concern, worry (53.2%), manifestations of aggression (36.7%) and low self-esteem (18.4%). The dynamics of these indicators over the years remained at a high level. Also, the emotional state of parents and family atmosphere affected on the state of children’s health. Fathers’ neglect causes the need for additional attention (r = 0.305; p ≤ 0.01), while mothers’ neglect causes anxiety (r = 0.322; p ≤ 0.01) and neurotic states (r = 0.331; p ≤ 0.01). Conclusions. Armed conflict, social and legal difficulties in Ukraine demoralize society and pose a threat to the full children’s development. The results of the research emphasize the importance of organizing dynamic diagnostics of children’s mental health, as well as regulating appropriate measures for the prevention and elimination of negative emotional manifestations among children through the implementation of the medical-psychological and pedagogical system accompanying them.
Key words:
children, emotional disturbances, aggression, anxiety, war, Donbass, Ukraine
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Collaboration of specialists in the rehabilitation of spine pathology

Oleg Panchenko, Zbigniew Śliwiński, Anastasiia Kabantseva, Nataliia Tsapro

O. Panchenko, Z. Śliwiński, A. Kabantseva, N. Tsapro – Collaboration of specialists in the rehabilitation of spine pathology. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(4); 96-102

Abstract
To study the influence of the negative psychological state of children and adolescents living on the territory of hostilities, on the formation and course of spinal pathology. The sample consisted of 1467 people aged 5–18-year-old, whose parents had no complaints of the child’s spinal pathology, i.e. “relatively healthy children in respect of spinal pathology.” The growth of pathology of the spine during periods of intensive growth of the child was confirmed: in the 5–7-year-old age group for 3.49% of children, in the 8-10-year-old age group for 13.78%, in the 10-14-year-old age group for 17.89%, in the 15–17-year-old age group for 25.15% respectively. An increase in the prevalence of scoliosis in the Donetsk oblast (excluding the temporarily occupied territories) at the level of 28.26 cases per 1,000 schoolchildren, which is more than in other regions of Ukraine. The similarity of the pathogenesis of scoliosis, stress, and hypercalciuria was determined, which explains the data obtained by us on the prevalence of scoliosis in the ATO area, actually 95.89 cases per 1000 children, and 251.53 cases per 1000 adolescents aged 15-18-year-old. The manifestations of autonomic disturbances (rs = 0.34, p ≤ 0.01), sleep disturbances (rs = 0.43, p ≤ 0.01), anxiety (rs = 0.43, p ≤ 0.01) is increased among children with significant fear of war. There is a need to consider scoliosis as a stressor, and therefore children with scoliosis should get psychological rehabilitation and expert advice.
Key words:
scoliosis, stress, hypercalciuria, children, adolescents, rehabilitation
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Iron and copper marking in the hair of school-age children using atomicabsorption spectrophotometry

Jacek Klawe, Małgorzata Szady-Grad, Bernadetta Drzewiecka, Iwona Felczak

Jacek Klawe, Małgorzata Szady-Grad, Bernadetta Drzewiecka, Iwona Felczak – Iron and copper marking in the hair of school-age children using atomicabsorption spectrophotometry. Fizjoterapia Polska 2003; 3(1); 71-75

Abstract
Introduction. Copper and iron are necessary elements in the process of creating red blood cells. Copper activates the enzyme catalyzing bond between an iron and a ligand of a porphyrin. Iron participates in the last stage of blood biosynthesis. A deficit of one of these bioelements causes perturbations in the hemoplastic system. Material and methods. Solidification of the elements iron and copper was studied in the hair of school-age children (10-12 years old). The mineral composition of the human organism was analyzed by applying the method of atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAnalyst 800 Perkin-Elmer Company) using flame atomizer and one-element hollow cathode lamp. Similarities and differences between results we obtained and the results reported by other scientific centers were examined. Results. Medium copper concentration in the tested hair was 8.43 mg/g and the iron concentration was 10.15 mg/g. The level of these two elements was lower compared to the results reported by other researchers. The copper contents in the hair of girls and boys was 8.21mg/g and 8.63mg/g respectively, and iron content was 9.7mg/g and 10.68mg/g respectively.Conclusion. Our results show that the Cu and Fe concentration in the hair of children from Bydgoszcz is lower when compared to data received from other regions of Poland. New research is needed to determine if this results from dietary deficits, and if so, to develop solutions.

Key words:
children, Iron, Copper, atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ASA)

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Shaping the asymmetry of trunk in younger children

Katarzyna Barczyk, Tadeusz Skolimowski, Arletta Hawrylak

Katarzyna Barczyk, Tadeusz Skolimowski, Arletta Hawrylak – Shaping the asymmetry of trunk in younger children. Fizjoterapia Polska 2004; 4(3); 203-208

Abstract

Background. Her symmetry is in frontal area the basic criterion of opinion of attitude body. Have the same name osseous points in this plane should to be arranged in relation to axis of spine symmetrically and to be on equal height, and teenagers’ line spinous of spine should make up right line. Above mentioned conditions happen fulfilled seldom, because at man symmetry never is full. This results mainly with asymmetric position of internal organs, the environmental influences whether the only process of lateralisation. Material and methods. It triple investigations were hugged was 298 – personal group the same children. The computer set to analysis of size of asymmetry was applied to of opinion of attitude body using the phenomenon of projection moire thopography. Results. Asymmetries in frontal area at studied boys and girls be shaped similarly and stepped out in both groups in considerable percentage. Absolute differences in position of have the same name osseous points concerned distances from teen-agers’ line the bottom executioners of shoulder-blades the line spinous, height of triangles of waist as well as position basin in frontal area, however the most seldom both children’s groups asymmetries concerned in frontal area the depression angle. It it was showed was moreover that the asymmetries undergo decrease between 7 and 8 year of life and renewed enlargement between 8 and 9 year of life. The statistical also between years analysis show on similarity be shaping to asymmetry of trunk at boys and girls. Conclusions. 1.Frequency of occurrence in grounds of trunk the asymmetry changed along with the age the studied children. She be shaped in dependence from side of body differently. 2.More often considerable asymmetry was affirmed was at 7 year old children’s and 9 years old children’s, more seldom at 8 years old children’s. They asymmetries these in this lid belonged to reasonable.

Key words:
body of posture, trunck asymmetry, photogramometric method, children
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