Purpose: The aim of our study was to translate the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) into Hungarian, and to investigate the validity and reliability of the Hungarian AVVQ, as well as to assess the health-related quality of life in patients with varicose veins of the leg. Methods: 374 adults participated in this study who were divided into two groups (varicose vein, healthy). We analyzed internal consistency, convergent validity (using the 36-Item Short Form Survey, SF-36), repeatability, and intra-class correlation coefficient of the Hungarian AVVQ. Regarding discriminant validity, we determined the scores of the Hungarian AVVQ in both groups using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: The Cronbach-alpha value was 0.890, while the correlation coefficient was R = 1.000. According to the results of the convergent validation, the scores of pain and dysfunction moderately correlated with some scores of the SF-36. The score of cosmetic appearance had a relationship with many scores of the SF-36. We registered a significant relationship between the score of extent of varicosity and some scores of the SF-36. There was significant correlation between the score of complications and numerous scores of the SF-36 (physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, pain and general health). The score of pain and dysfunction, cosmetic appearance, extent of varicosity, complications and total score of the Hungarian AVVQ showed a significant difference between both groups. Conclusions: The Hungarian AVVQ was a reliable and a valid tool to assess the health-related quality of life among patients with varicose veins and was a useful tool to justify the further treatment of the patients.
Aim The aim of the study was to investigate acute and chronic effects of a two-week eccentric concentric, dynamometric training concerning the time-course changes of blood antioxidant parameters (total antioxidant capacity, catalase enzyme activity, thiol concentration), and to compare the adaptability of young and older muscle to this type of training. Methods Seventeen moderately trained young and older men participated in this research. Subjects performed six eccentric concentric exercise bouts during the training period and maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque, plasma CK and intensity of muscle soreness were determined before and 24 h after the first exercise. During five testing sessions (baseline, 24 h, 48 h, week 1, week 2) the level of blood antioxidants were measured. Results No significant changes were registered in total antioxidant capacity and catalase enzyme activity for any time points; furthermore, no difference was found between groups during the training period. However, total thiol concentrations measured two weeks after the first exercise bout significantly differed between the young and elderly groups. Plasma CK and the subjective intensity of soreness elevated significantly 24 h following the first training, while maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque decreased at the same time. Conclusions Our results do not support previous findings that chronic, short-term eccentric concentric training programs enhance the antioxidant defense of well-trained older and young men. This type and setting of exercise did not cause a different time course of changes in the markers of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in the studied population. Subjects may already have adapted to maintain constant levels of antioxidants and isometric torque due to their active lifestyle.
The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of a 24-week-long training program on changes in static body posture, as well as the characteristics of anterior shoulder pain in youth swimmers, and the relationship between changes in whole-body posture and the frequency and intensity of anterior shoulder pain. Competitive young swimmers (n = 54, 13.9 ± 1.79 years) were divided into experimental group and control group and both groups performed their usual swimming training. In addition, the experimental group performed a 24-week-long whole-body posture correction program. Before and after the implemented training, whole-body posture was analyzed using the PostureScreen (version 13.7) mobile application, and subjective intensity of pain was determined using the swimmer’s functional pain scale. Significant changes were found between the two groups in numerous measured postural parameters. A significant reduction in the prevalence of shoulder pain and score of the pain scale was observed after the posture correction program in the experimental group. Our results may imply that more optimal biomechanical conditions may indirectly reduce the incidence of swimmer’s shoulder in terms of prevention. Analysis and monitoring of body posture of swimmers using an on-field mobile application continuously, and the application of preventive training programs, may help to avoid developing injuries.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) negatively affects women’s physical performance, emotional balance, and quality of life. Although pharmacological therapies exist, their side effects and limited effectiveness highlight the need for alternatives. This partially controlled, non-blinded, non-randomized prospective pilot study included 34 women aged 18–40 years and examined the effects of an eight-week structured yoga program. Participants met the same eligibility criteria and were comparable at baseline in age, sociodemographic characteristics, and PMS severity. The study group attended two weekly 90-min hatha yoga sessions and completed a 15-min daily home practice, while controls maintained their usual physical activity. Outcome measures included body composition, hip range of motion, spinal mobility (flexion and lateral flexion), and Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) scores. After eight weeks, the yoga group showed significant reductions in body weight and fat mass and an increase in muscle mass. Hip external rotation improved significantly among yoga participants, while changes in spinal mobility did not reach statistical significance. The intervention group showed a significant reduction in PMS symptom severity, while the control group showed no significant change. The findings suggest that regular yoga practice can enhance physical functioning and alleviate PMS-related symptoms, supporting its role as a movement-based approach for improving women’s health.