During long-distance running, athletes are exposed to repetitive loads. Myofascial structures are liable to long-term work, which may cause cumulating tension within them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of self-myofascial release on muscle flexibility in long-distance runners. The study comprised 62 long-distance, recreationally running participants between the age of 20 and 45 years. The runners were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 32), in which subjects applied the self-myofascial release technique between baseline and the second measurement of muscle flexibility, and Group 2 (n = 30), without any intervention. The self-myofascial release technique was performed according to standardized foam rolling. Assessment of muscle flexibility was conducted according to Chaitow’s proposal. After application of the self-myofascial release technique, higher values were noted for the measurements of the following muscles: piriformis, tensor fasciae latae muscles and adductor muscles. Within the iliopsoas and rectus femoris muscles, lower values were observed in the second measurement. These changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05) within the majority of muscles. All these outcomes indicate improvement related to larger muscle flexibility and also, an increase in range of motion. In the control group (Group 2), significant improvement was observed only in measurements for the iliopsoas muscles. The single application of self-myofascial release techniques with foam rollers may significantly improve muscle flexibility in long-distance runners. Based on these results, the authors recommend the self-myofascial release technique with foam rollers be incorporated in the daily training routine of long-distance runners, as well as athletes of other sport disciplines.

People with Down syndrome (DS) show dysfunction of gait, expressed by disturbed character of angular changes and values of the spatiotemporal parameters as compared to the physiological norm. It is known that exercises and various activities have positive effect on balance and gait, but there are only a few scientific proofs concerning above-mentioned in people with DS. Furthermore, the effect of Nordic Walking (NW) training on gait in people with DS is unexplored. We enrolled 22 subjects with DS, aged 25-40 years, with moderate intellectual disability. Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: NW training group which underwent 10 weeks of training at a frequency of 3 times a week and control group with no specific intervention. Subjects were examined twice: 1 week before training and a week immediately after intervention. Gait was evaluated by the Vicon 250: a computerized system of three-dimensional analysis of motion, connected to 5 infrared video cameras. We conducted mixed-design ANOVA model to assess the effects of time and type of training on spatiotemporal parameters. We found significant favorable time by group interaction in the following parameters: step length in right leg: F(1,15) =14,47, p=0.002; left leg accordingly F(1,15) =5,15, p=0.038, cycle length in right leg: F(1,15) =14,48, p=0.002; left leg accordingly F(1,15) =15,09, p=0.001; and gait standardised speed F(1,15) =5,35, p=0.035. Statistically significant changes were observed in numerous kinematic parameters of ankle, knee, pelvis, and shoulder in NW group. Regular NW training has positive influence on selected spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters in people with Down Syndrome and may be an attractive and safe form of rehabilitation.

Introduction. Demographic forecasts indicate the progressive aging process of societies in all countries worldwide. The extension of life span may be accompanied by deterioration of its quality resulting from a decrease in physical activity, mental or even social performance, and a deficit in certain chemical compounds responsible for proper functioning of the body. Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a 12-week Nordic walking (NW) training intervention on the level of vitamin D in the blood and quality of life among women aged 65–74 years. Materials and methods. The study comprised 37 women aged 65–74 (x = 68.08, SD = 4.2). The subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: experimental group (NW), which consisted of 20 women who underwent an intervention in the form of Nordic walking training for 12 weeks, and the control group (C), including 17 women who underwent observation. In the experimental group, training sessions were held 3 times a week for 1 h. At that time, the C group was not subject to any intervention. The SF−36 questionnaire was used to measure quality of life. Vitamin D was assessed based on the results of biochemical blood tests. The analysed parameters were assessed twice-before and after the completed intervention or observation. Results. Comparison of the results regarding trials 1 and 2 allowed to note statistically significant improvement in quality of life for all health components and factors in the NW group. Analysis of vitamin D levels demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the NW group. In group C, no significant changes in the analysed parameters were observed. Conclusions. Regularly undertaking Nordic walking training significantly influences the improvement of self-evaluation regarding the components of physical and mental health, as well as the concentration of vitamin D in women aged 65–74 years.

Cardiological diagnostics use maximal and submaximal tests with increasing load. Maximal stress tests are currently considered the gold standard. The Institut für Prävention und Nachsorge, Cologne (IPN) test may be an alternative when maximal patient load is not indicated. The universality of the test is well-documented in sport, but the reliability of this test is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess between-trial and between-day reliability for parameters assessed by the IPN stress test in cardiological patients.: In a study of 24 patients aged 39 to 79 years with cardiovascular diseases, the IPN cycle ergometer short test was performed (submaximal performance test). The reliability of heart rate, systolic and diastolic pressure, absolute power at submaximal load, relative performance at submaximal load and target heart rate were assessed. Good (Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) values ranged from 0.832 to 0.894) and excellent (ICC values ranged from 0.904 to 0.969) between-trial reliability was noted. Between-day reliability was good (ICC values from 0.777 to 0.895) and excellent (ICC values from 0.922 to 0.950). The obtained results suggest that the IPN test may be a reliable tool for use in the assessment of cardiological patients, avoiding the implementation of maximal efforts when excessive patient load is not recommended.

Streszczenie: Wstęp: Choroba zwyrodnieniowa stawów biodrowych stanowi u osób starszych jedną z głównych przyczyn dysfunkcji narządu ruchu oraz jest najczęstszą przyczyną wykonywania endoprotezoplastyki stawów biodrowych u osób po 65 r.ż. Postęp medycyny i rehabilitacji pozwala osobom starszym na utrzymanie wysokiej sprawności funkcjonalnej oraz samodzielności w wykonywaniu czynności życia codziennego. Cel pracy: Przedstawienie najczęstszych problemów z zakresu czynności dnia codziennego po zabiegu endoprotezoplastyki stawu biodrowego u pacjentów geriatrycznych. Materiał i metody: Zbadano 189 pensjonariuszy placówek opieki instytucjonalnej w wieku 70-98 lat (MEAN 81,77; SD 6,5), w tym 123 kobiety i 66 mężczyzn. Do oceny funkcjonalnej zastosowano skalę oceny podstawowych czynności życia codziennego ADL oraz skalę złożonych czynności życia IADL. Wykonano stratyfikację na wiek (Gr I: 70-79 r.ż., Gr II- >80 r.ż.). Analizę statystyczną wykonano w programie STATISTICA v10. Weryfikację hipotez podjęto na podstawie testu Manna-Whitneya przy założeniu α=0.05. Wyniki: Wszystkie badane osoby miały największe problemy w ADL w zakresie czynności samodzielnego kąpania się (43%) oraz kontrolowaniu wydalania moczu i stolca (66,66%). W skali IADL największe trudności badani mieli z gospodarowaniem pieniędzmi (71%), ponad połowa nie była w stanie wyjść poza odległość spaceru (54%). Po wprowadzeniu stratyfikacji na wiek, wynik główny ADL nie różnił się istotnie pomiędzy grupami (5 pkt. vs 5 pkt., p>0.05), istotne statystycznie różnice wykryto w skali IADL pomiędzy grupami (Gr I 20 pkt vs Gr II 18pkt., p<0.05). Wnioski: W 4 tygodnie po endoprotezoplastyce osoby objęte opieką instytucjonalną prezentują ubytki funkcjonalne w zakresie pielęgnacji. Treningi aktywności podstawowych i złożonych czynności dnia codziennego powinny być podstawowym elementem postępowania interdyscyplinarnego w geriatrii.