Endometriosis is a chronic disease of unclear aetiology that affects millions of women around the world. It causes chronic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility, which significantly reduces the quality of daily life. The aim of the following study was a multivariate analysis of the functioning of women diagnosed with endometriosis, and the identification of the relationship between the level of physical activity and sexual functioning, ability to cope with stress, and the degree of anxiety and mood disorders. The prospective survey was conducted of 957 women. The research was carried out using standardised IPAQ, FSFI, HADS, and Mini-Cope questionnaires. The study showed that patients with endometriosis exhibit a higher level of depression and anxiety disorders (p = 0.01) and a lower level of sexual functions (p < 0.001). The influence of physical activity on the functioning of patients with endometriosis was demonstrated. Depending on the clinical stage of endometriosis, the influence of physical activity on individual aspects of life differed. Physical activity was shown, inter alia, to reduce anxiety (p = 0.015), and influence stress-coping strategies. Endometriosis affects the mental and physical health of women. Physical activity can reduce the severity of endometriosis symptoms and improve the daily functioning of patients.

Background/Objectives: In the course of COVID-19, there may be an excessive immune response of the body with the release of large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines, causing a “cytokine storm”, also known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how important an integrated approach to health care is, with physiotherapy being one of its fundamental aspects. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential relationship between the level of selected cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, TNF-α) and inflammatory markers (CRP, NLR, PLR, LMR, SII) and the duration of rehabilitation in patients after COVID-19. Methods: The examined patients participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program, which included breathing exercises, aerobic training, and strength and endurance training. Peripheral venous blood samples were also collected from each patient. Results: Factors such as gender, smoking status, IL-10, and the presence of pneumonia during infection were significantly associated with the length of rehabilitation after COVID-19. Conclusions: The course of rehabilitation after COVID-19 may depend on many factors, including smoking, the presence of pneumonia due to infection, and some parameters of inflammation.

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Infection with the virus can occur with differing symptom severity, from mild and moderate to severe cases, but the long-term consequences of infection have not been fully identified or studied. Long COVID is defined as occurring in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, and symptoms persisting for at least two months within three months of onset that cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to look for factors that influence the type and severity of Long COVID symptoms. In total, 932 individuals with a history of COVID-19 were qualified for the study using an original questionnaire based on the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehab Screen (C19-YRS) questionnaire. Older adults were more likely to report problems with mobility (p < 0.001) and in performing daily activities (p = 0.014). Those with a higher BMI showed significantly more symptoms such as dyspnea at rest (p < 0.001) and on exertion (p < 0.001), feelings of chronic fatigue (p = 0.023), problems with mobility (p < 0.001), and in performing daily activities (p = 0.002). The data show that those with Long COVID should receive multidisciplinary help including additional medical and psychological support. Particular attention should be paid to elderly and obese persons, who should be included in rehabilitation programs after COVID-19 in the first place.

Cytokines are a group of fine proteins which play a key role in the regulation of various biological processes, including inflammatory reactions. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 8 (IL-8), are produced in response to various stimuli, including infections, tissue damage, and oxidative stress. Virtual reality (VR) use during intradialytic exercises improves physical activity. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between exercising regularly with the use of virtual reality during haemodialysis and the levels of selected cytokines (Il-1, Il-6, Il-8). The study and the control groups consisted of end-stage renal disease patients who underwent haemodialysis as a renal replacement treatment. The study group comprised patients subject to haemodialysis as a renal replacement therapy who were to work out with the use of a prototype of the NefroVR system for 20 min when undergoing haemodialysis (HD). Statistical analyses utilised Statistica 13. The conducted research demonstrated that regular exercises with the use of virtual reality might be related to a decrease in inflammation in patients included in the chronic haemodialysis programme. It is key to encourage patients with end-stage renal disease treated with haemodialysis to exercise regularly because of the possibility of their proinflammatory parameters becoming reduced.

Background: Chronic kidney disease is a significant public health issue associated with reduced physical activity. This can lead to mineral and bone disorders and increased levels of inflammatory markers. One innovative solution that can significantly contribute to increasing patient motivation is the combination of physical training with virtual reality technology during haemodialysis sessions. The aim of this study is to comprehensively assess the impact of regular virtual reality-based physical activity on plasma sclerostin and interleukin 6 levels, as well as on physical performance and the level of physical activity in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy through haemodialysis. Methods: This study is a prospective cohort study. Patients included in the study were randomly assigned to two groups: the study group and the control group. The study group consisted of patients who were entrusted with the task of conducting training using the prototype of the NefroVR system. The duration of the study period for both the study and control groups was 3 months. Results: One hundred and two (102) patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease who underwent haemodialysis as a renal replacement therapy participated in the study. Patients from the study group were characterized by higher physical activity compared to the control group. There was a significant difference in the level of IL-6 and SOST between the study and control groups in the second measurement. Conclusions: Regular physical activity, especially using approaches such as virtual reality, contributes to improving physical fitness and overall activity levels in patients undergoing haemodialysis. The study demonstrated that regular exercise may be associated with a reduction in inflammatory parameters and positive effects on bone metabolism in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the intricate mechanisms of the body’s response to infection and inflammation has become a priority for the medical and research communities. It has been proven that during COVID-19 infection, molecules are secreted—namely organokines, which may directly or indirectly play a role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. The objective of this study was to scrutinize the potential correlation between the levels of selected myokines (myostatin, agrin, irisin, and myonectin) and the duration of rehabilitation in post-COVID-19 patients. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between the levels of these myokines and the length of hospitalization during COVID-19 treatment. The study was conducted at the Rehabilitation Hospital in Szczecin (Poland). Patients in the study participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program following COVID-19 treatment. In order to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation, the following tests were performed: a 6 min walk test with an assessment of exercise tolerance (Borg scale), an assessment of dyspnea severity (mMRC scale), a spirometric assessment of respiratory function, a measurement of arm strength, and an assessment of fatigue using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). Myokine levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13.1 software. Lower concentrations of irisin and myonectin and higher concentrations of myostatin correlated with longer rehabilitation time. Baseline levels of specific myokines in post-COVID-19 patients could play a crucial role in anticipating the duration of rehabilitation. The duration of hospitalization for the infection may influence myokine levels in patients recovering from COVID-19.