Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune origin for which there is currently no available cure. In the course of MS, next to neurological disorders, patients often present with chronic fatigue syndrome and depressive disorders, which impact on their daily function and quality of life. The aim of study was to analyse the relationship between serum parameters of iron metabolism and the severity of fatigue, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in MS patients. Methods: The study sample consisted of 90 people with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, age range 19–67 years, whose functional status evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale in 90% of the participants did not exceed 3.5 points. Venous blood samples were collected for blood cell count determination and for the purposes of obtaining serum analysed for the concentrations of iron, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation, unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). The participants were also evaluated according to the Fatigue Severity Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis. Results: Ferritin levels were significantly correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms (r = −0.22; p = 0.04) and quality of life assessment (r = 0.22; p = 0.04) in the MS patients. Moreover, the severity of fatigue and depressive symptoms was significantly linked to a deterioration in quality of life. Conclusions: Ferritin deficiency in MS patients is associated with an exacerbation of depressive disorders and a decline in quality of life. Symptoms of fatigue in MS patients are inversely proportional to mood and quality of life.

Aim: To objectively evaluate the range of mandibular mobility based on linear measurements in patients with generalized scleroderma treated at the Department of Dermatology of the PIM of the Ministry of Internal Medicine, who underwent rehabilitation for 2 years. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 55 patients aged 27 to 80 years (mean 56.4) with systemic scleroderma, who periodically received rheologic treatment in the Department of Dermatology. Additionally, pharmacotherapy was supplemented with 2 years of individually tailored rehabilitation, including facial muscle exercises and self-massage, adapted to each patient’s motor capabilities. Each patient received a set of exercises to perform at home. The results of the study were analyzed before and after therapy, including measurements of mandibular range of motion: active mandibular inversion, lateral mandibular displacement, and anterior movement. Forty-two patients completed the project. Results and Conclusions: The study confirmed significant mobility limitations in the temporomandibular joints of patients with generalized scleroderma. A slight improvement was observed after facial exercises and massage.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity of patients to galvanic current after systemic cryotherapy. Material and Methods: Study group: 77 physiotherapists - hospital employees, aged 21-64 (AVG 29.4 +/- 9.5). The sensitivity was evaluated four times: before and immediately after the systemic cryotherapy procedure (1 session, 2 minutes, temperature -120 degrees C), after exercising on a vertical cycle ergometer (20 minutes) and 4 hours after the procedure. The intensity of the galvanic current, which caused a slight tingling, was recorded. Two electrode placements were used: longitudinal on the upper limbs and transverse over the knee joints. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the mean sensitivity to the galvanic current measured on both upper limbs or over the knee joints increases statistically significantly after systemic cryotherapy treatments. This effect persists even after 4 hours (Friedman's ANOVA, p<0.001). Statistically significant increases in sensitivity to galvanic current were found compared to initial values for each pair of measurements, irrespective of electrode placement and test position (Wilcoxon test, p<0.01). The increase in sensitivity according to the measuring position concerned 68.8; 63.6; 72.7% of the participants on the left upper limb, on the right 61.0; 68.8; 74.0%, over the left knee joint 61.0; 68.8; 72.7% and over the right 58.4, 75.3 and 80.5% of the subjects in the study group. Conclusions: 1. After the administered systemic cryotherapy, sensitivity to galvanic current increases in most patients. 2. The increase in sensitivity to galvanic current depends on the time difference between treatments and is individually variable.

Aim: Autistic disorders in children cover three developmental areas: social interaction, communication development disorders, and repetitive behavioral repertoire. Autistic children are a group resistant to therapeutic intervention due to their imapired contact with the environment, but the correction and compensation of disturbed functions through the interaction of motor and seems to be the most important goal of therapy. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 57 students of two special schools diagnosed with autism (age 6-16 (AVG 10 +/- 6), whose parents consented to participate in the research program, this 12 (21%) girls and 45 (79) %) boys. Fine and gross motor skills were assessed. The assessment of fine motoricity included the evaluation of the functions of individual parts of the body: throwing and catching a large ball, throwing tennis balls accurately into the basket while sitting on a chair, standing, lying on a mattress, pedalling on a stationary bike, performing unassisted squats, lifting the knees high in a standing position,unassisted jumping on a baton and kicking a volleyball. Large motor activity (change of place) included: walking up the stairs holding on to the handrail, stepping back and forth,going through the tunnel, walking on a ramp inclined at an angle of 45, traversing an obstacle course made of soft rollers of different sizes with the help of another person. After a two-week break, the subjects received a series of 10 treatments temperature at a temperature of - 110°C, each treatment lasting 2 minutes. The treatments took place once a day from Monday to Friday, excluding Saturdays and Sundays. After each treatment, the patient exercised for 1 hour in accordance with the previous results of fine and gross motor skills. Results: 1 child (10 entries) completed a full series of treatments. Other children: - 9 entries - 1 child, - 8 entries - 2 children, - 4 entrances – 2 children, - 3 entries - 1 child, - 2 children refused to continue the procedure after 30 seconds, - 2 child refused to enter the cryochamber. Conclusions: 1. It seems that cryogenic therapy should not be used in autistic children due to safety and the amount of work involved in preparing and conducting the procedures. 2. Parents’ attitudes towards the disease and their child’s treatment options make it difficult to cooperate and plan the therapy.3. In adult high-functioning autistics being treated at ZUL there is a very good tolerance of the procedure.