Postural development progresses through a series of stages (growth spurts, development of balance and coordination, postural stability) which occur when children are at school age. The reduction in the level of physical activity, increased body weight, overloaded school bags, asymmetry of the backpack straps, the method of putting on and taking off the backpacks and increased usage of electronic devices have negative side effects such as bad body posture habits. A prospective cohort study in the group of 155 pupils at early school age 7–9 years old has been conducted. Examinations have been conducted twice: first, at the beginning of the school year (initial examination) and second – after 10–11 months (final examination). Age, gender, BMI, weight of school bag carried to school and the length of straps have been assessed. Body posture measurement (using Adams’ test), the evaluation of the plumb line deflection from the gluteal cleft, the angle values of kyphosis and lordosis (according to Dobosiewicz methodology) and the pelvis and shoulder blades position (using a ruler and pediscoliometer) have been also measured. The mean weight of a school bag in the initial study was 6.3 ± 0.8 (range between 4,7 and 9 kg). A tendency to carry slightly heavier school bags was noted in boys (6.7 vs. 5.9 kg; p = 0,00001). This tendency has linearly changed with age (R = 0.68; p < 0,001). In 3.2% of all school bags of children, weights exceeded norms with regard to the weight of the pupil. The increase of torso rotation exceeding norms was observed in 35.3% of girls (mean 2.7 ± 1.2) and in 60.9% of boys (mean 2.3 ± 1.3). The increase of kyphosis angle was noted in 48.5% of girls and in 36.8% of boys. The difference of straps length had a significant influence on the increase of rotation in upper thoracic spine, thoracolumbar junction and it also had influence on the decrease of lumbar lordosis in the group of girls. Differences in the weight of school bags after one school year have influenced changes in body posture abnormalities, especially in rotation parameters. Backpack straps asymmetry was noticeably stronger in the group of girls and the difference between braces may have an impact on some posturometric parameters. Lack of proper backpack lifting skills tends to create programs and training systems in this regard.

The treatment and prevention of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is currently one of the major challenges in medicine. The impact of working conditions on metabolic risk has not been adequately studied. Our objective was to compare the prevalence of MetS and metabolic risk in two extremely different occupational groups: firefighters and office workers. A total of 143 male subjects (97 firefighters and 46 office workers) from Germany participated in the study. Anthropometric characteristics, metabolic risk parameters as well as laboratory parameters were collected. MetS was diagnosed according to criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. Sedentary occupation showed a significant tendency towards obesity. Abdominal waist circumference was significantly greater in office workers than in firefighters [5.08 CI (1.44–8.71), p = 0.007]. Concerning metabolic risk factors, abnormal HDL, triglycerides, BMI, blood pressure and waist circumference values were more frequently found in office workers than in firefighters. The MetS was detected in almost 33 % of office workers as compared with only 14 % in firefighters (p = 0.015). Regarding MetS in an international comparison, the prevalence of MetS in German office workers was high and in firefighters it was extremely low. Sedentary occupation as an office worker is associated with a high risk of MetS. Both groups need to be made aware of the metabolic risks, and health promoting concepts such as corporate sports activities or education in healthy nutrition need to be implemented to counteract the development of the MetS and cardiovascular risk factors.

Previous studies have shown significant cardiovascular risks in firefighters and that they suffer from cardiovascular events, especially on duty. Otherwise, adequate cardiorespiratory fitness is considered to have a protective effect in reducing cardiovascular complications. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risks factors in firefighters. We enrolled ninety-seven male German firefighters in this cross-sectional study of cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors. We used spiroergometry testing to estimate oxygen consumption to determine cardiorespiratory fitness and to calculate metabolic equivalents. We evaluated cardiovascular risk factors included nicotine consumption, lipid profiles, body composition, resting blood pressure, and heart rate. We evaluated cardiovascular risk factors included nicotine consumption, lipid profiles, body composition, resting blood pressure and heart rate. The comparison of association between cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors was performed by using χ²-test, analysis of variance, general linear regression with/without adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI). This study demonstrated a strong association between lower cardiovascular risk factors and higher cardiorespiratory fitness. There were significantly lower values for BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage and resting systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and total cholesterol (all p < 0.0443, age-adjusted) with increased cardiorespiratory fitness. Only 19.6% (n = 19) of the examined firefighters were classified as “fit and not obese”, 48.4% (n = 47) were “low fit and not obese” and 30.9% (n = 30) were “low fit and obese”. The results clarify that increasing cardiorespiratory fitness is a fundamental point for the reduction and prevention of cardiovascular complications in firefighters. It could be demonstrated, especially for central risk factors, particularly BMI, waist circumference, sytolic resting blood pressure and triglyceride values. Therefore, firefighters should be motivated to increase their cardiorespiratory fitness for the beneficial effect of decreasing cardiovascular risk profile.

Background: Lifestyle habits strongly influence health. It is strongly believed that physical activity may improve cognitive function. We examined the association between two kinds of physical activity and cognitive function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Using a random allocation sequence, 49 patients with type 2 diabetes (metformin, insulin, and diet-controlled) were randomized to a 12-week intervention of either walking 40 min three times a week (n = 17), performing pedometer-controlled activity (E-health, goal 10,000 steps a day, n = 17), or receiving standard care (n = 16 controls). We prospectively examined cognitive function, metabolic parameters, height, and weight. The groups were compared using linear regression adjusted for age. Results: Compared with the control group (n = 16), nonverbal memory improved significantly after the intervention in the walking group (n = 16) (28.2 (+/−6.1) vs. 35.3 (+/−5.3) p < 0.001) and the E-health (pedometer) group ((n = 17) (29.7 (+/−3.9) vs. 35.6 (+/−3.8) p < 0.001). The verbal memory test showed improvement in the walking and E-health groups. Cognitive attention/performance measured by the FAIR-test was also significantly enhanced in the walking group (252.4/304.3 p < 0.001, 51.87 (CI 27.13–76.62)) and the E-health-group (85.65 (CI: 52.04–119.26, p < 0.001)). Abdominal circumference (−3 cm (CI: −9.69–3.31, p < 0.001)), heart rate (−6.50 (CI: −9.69, −3.31, p < 0.001)) and fat percentage (−2.74 (CI: −4.71, −0.76, p < 0.007)) changed significantly in only the walking group. Conclusions: This is the first intervention study in patients with type 2 diabetes that shows that pedometer-supported training significantly improves brain function. Walking additionally improves body composition and waist circumference. Physical activity is an inexpensive treatment with substantial preventative and restorative properties for cognitive and memory brain function in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background: Employment in the administrative sector is characterized by prolonged sedentary work, which has been tied to increased morbidity and compromised health. The aim of this study was to determine cardiovascular, cardiorespiratory and metabolic risk parameters of German office workers (OWs) in comparison to OWs from other nations. Material and Methods: A total of 46 male office workers from the North Rhine-Westphalia region (Germany) participated in the survey. Anthropometric measurements, cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, as well as laboratory parameters were taken. The 10-year cardiovascular risk was calculated by using the Framingham risk score. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was based on the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. Cardiorespiratory status was assessed by exercise spirometry. Results: The analyzed group of OWs demonstrated a high prevalence of preobesity (Body Mass Index 26.4 ± 4 and waist circumference 97.3 ± 11.7 cm) and 58.7% of the OWs showed an abnormally large waist circumference. Cardiovascular risk was correspondingly elevated as compared with other international studies (9.7% ± 9.2%). High risk cardiovascular profiles were detected in 10.7% of the participants and 33% of the OWs in our study group were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The oxygen uptake of the OWs was 34.1 ± 8.1 mL/kg⁻¹·min⁻¹. Conclusions: The German OWs show elevated cardiovascular risk assessed using the Framingham risk score and also a high tendency for metabolic syndrome. The OWs need to be made further aware of the cardiovascular risk and resulting health implications. Implementation of health promotion concepts such as corporate sports activities or nutrition courses should be taken into consideration to counteract cardiovascular risk factors and the subsequent development of cardiovascular disease in later life.