Evaluation of measurement reliability for selected indices of postural stability based on data from the GYKO Inertial Sensor System

The main aim of this study is to use comprehensive statistical analyses to evaluate measurement reliability of selected variables that characterize postural stability. The study examined twenty-nine healthy non-athlete students. The examinations were performed twice, with a one-week interval. The Microgate GYKO inertial sensor system was used to evaluate the reliability of variables that characterize postural stability. The relative reliability of the repeated test was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Next, the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were computed. Relative reliability of the repeated test for all analysed variables of ICC ranged from 0.31 to 0.75. For four variables, ICC values were ca. 0.7, i.e., they can be considered as good. For four other variables, ICC ranged from 0.41 to 0.54, with these values considered fair. Satisfactory reproducibility of postural stability measurements using the GYKO inertial sensor system demonstrates that it can offer an inexpensive and efficient alternative to measurements that use force balance platforms.

The Impact of Intermittent Hypoxic Training on Aerobic Capacity and Biometric-Structural Indicators among Obese Women-A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Obesity, a common lifestyle-related condition, is correlated with factors like inadequate physical activity. Its connection to diverse health issues presents a significant challenge to healthcare. This pilot study investigated the effects of hypoxic training on aerobic capacity and biometric-structural indicators in obese women. The secondary objective was to determine the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of the planned research procedures and their potential for larger-scale implementation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty-one non-trained women with first-degree obesity were randomly assigned to even normobaric hypoxic training (H + E), normoxic training (E), passive exposure to hypoxia (H), and a control group (C). Training sessions were conducted three times a week for four weeks (12 training sessions). Body composition parameters were assessed, metabolic thresholds were determined, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was measured before and after interventions.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that training in hypoxic conditions significantly affected somatic parameters, with the H + E group achieving the best outcomes in terms of weight reduction and improvements in body composition indicators (p < 0.001). Normoxic training also induced a positive impact on body weight and body composition, although the results were less significant compared to the H + E group (p < 0.001). Additionally, training in hypoxic conditions significantly improved the aerobic capacity among the participants (p < 0.001). The H + E group achieved the best results in enhancing respiratory endurance and oxygen consumption (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this pilot study suggest, that hypoxic training can be effective for weight reduction and improving the aerobic capacity in obese women. Despite study limitations, these findings indicate that hypoxic training could be an innovative approach to address obesity and related conditions. Caution is advised in interpreting the results, considering both the strengths and limitations of the pilot study. Before proceeding to a larger-scale study, the main study should be expanded, including aspects such as dietary control, monitoring physical activity, and biochemical blood analysis.

Influence of training and selection on postural stability and its relationship with sport level in judo practitioners aged 11-14 years

The aim of this study is to determine the influence of training and selection on postural stability and its relationship with the sports level of judo practitioners aged 11-14 years. The study group consisted of 21 children judokas, aged 11-12, and 80 of their non-training peers, as well as 19 adolescent judokas, aged 13-14, and 76 of their non-training peers. The judokas were surveyed during regional championships. The level of achievement was determined by the place taken in the tournament. The balance was assessed with the use of a CQ Stab 2P stabilographic platform (CQ Elektronik System, Poland). The device recorded the position of the foot center of pressure (COP) from 6 sensors; 3 of them being located in each platform plate. The following parameters describing the movement of the foot COP were analyzed: total path length calculated in both axes (SP); mean COP inclination (MA), size of the surface area delineated by COP (SA); mean COP frequency (MF). Significantly higher values of SP, MA, and SA were noted in non-training children (aged 11-12), while MF values were significantly higher in young judokas. The same regularity was found in the older age group. Upon comparing the means between children judokas and adolescent judokas, significant differences were noted in the case of SP and MF. In both cases, higher mean values were found in the younger judoka group. A similar comparison in the non-training group indicates statistically significant better values of all analyzed indicators in the 13-14 year-old group, except for MF. Upon examining the relationship between the values of the parameters characterizing the balance level and the sports level, both in the group of training children and adolescents, insignificant values of correlation coefficients were obtained.

Comparison of personality differences of Polish mountaineers

A noticeably increased interest in mountain climbing, both as the form of extreme sport and a form of tourism, has been observed in Poland recently. The assumption of this study is that practicing different varieties of mountaineering influences the personality of Polish climbers in a different manner. The aim of the research was to compare the personality differences of Polish mountaineers. To this aim, the population of Polish high-performance mountaineers was studied (N = 81; including 39 women and 42 men). Due to the type of mountaineering practiced, the respondents were divided into Alpine climbers (n = 48) and Himalayan climbers (n = 33). The average age of the surveyed climbers is 33.85 years. The Big Five model was used including the NEO-FFI Personality Questionnaire and the analyzes were performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics statistical method package, version 27.0. Statistically significant differences were noted only for agreeableness F(1.77) = 5.05, p = 0.027. The Alpine climbers showed a higher level of agreeableness than the Himalayan climbers. After taking into account the Sidak amendment, significant differences in the level of agreeableness were found only among women. Comparisons between other personality traits were not statistically significant. There is a significant difference between the personalities of Polish Alpine climbers and Polish Himalayan climbers in the dimension of agreeableness only among women: female Alpine mountaineers are more agreeable than Himalayan mountaineers. It was presumed that in terms of ethics in the high mountains, the social competences of Alpine mountaineers are much more developed than that of Himalayan mountaineers.

Relationships between selected indices of postural stability and sports performance in elite badminton players: Pilot study

The main aim of this study was to determine the relationships between postural stability and the place in the ranking of badminton players. The study examined 10 elite players from Polish national badminton team. The scope of the study included basic somatic characteristics, such as body height, body weight, BMI, and training experience. A Microgate GYKO inertial sensor system was used to assess the postural stability of athletes. Using Spearman's rank correlation, cause-and-effect relationships between the place in the sports ranking and the analyzed variables characterizing postural stability were recognized. Depending on the distribution and homogeneity of variance, the significance of differences in variables that characterize postural stability between players of different sports skill levels (two groups) was calculated. The Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney's U-test was used for this purpose. In general, the athletes with higher positions on the ranking list presented a higher level of postural stability in both tests, which is also confirmed by the normalized values. However, for all variables of postural stability, no statistically significant correlations with sports ranking were observed. Higher values of Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were found for the test performed in the one-foot standing test compared to the two-foot test. The results obtained indicate that particular attention in badminton training should be paid to the development of the level of postural stability in order to improve sports performance.

Spectral Analysis of Torsional Vibrations Measured by Optical Sensors, as a Method for Diagnosing Injector Nozzle Coking in Marine Diesel Engines

The study aimed to verify whether it is possible to diagnose the coking of a marine diesel engine injector nozzle by performing a spectral analysis of the crankshaft’s torsional vibrations. The measurements were taken using laser heads, clocked at 16 MHz. The reasons for selecting this type of optical sensors are described as well. The tests were carried out under laboratory conditions, using a test stand with a Sulzer 3AL 25/3 engine, operating under a load created by a Domel GD8 500–50/3 electric generator. A unique method is presented in the paper, which enables the measuring and calculation of torsional vibrations of engine crankshafts. The method was developed at the Chair of Marine Power Plants at the Maritime University of Gdynia. It has been proven that the distribution of differences in the values of individual harmonic components depends on the location of a defective injector nozzle in the cylinder.

Can Kinect aid motor learning in sportsmen? A study for three standing techniques in judo

Our objective was to examine how exercises with the second generation of the Microsoft Kinect sensor may aid in the process of motor learning in young judo practitioners. We addressed improvements in spatio-temporal accuracy during execution of three standing techniques in judo, in a simple paradigm designed to study short-term practice effects. Two groups of judokas, 12 athletes each—one aided with Kinect and our dedicated software vs a group of controls—were asked to mimic previously recorded master-level performances of the three techniques, established as benchmarks by a two times world champion in judo. In five training sessions, athletes of the aided group used a virtual-reality setup in which they trained with a virtual representation of the master displayed on a large screen with a simultaneous real-time visualisation of their own movements in the form of an avatar based on body joint localisation, as determined by Kinect, which also measured their performance. The control group used Kinect in the 1st and 5th session, which was necessary for the measurements that constituted the basis for subsequent statistical comparisons, whereas the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th session in this group was guided by a coach, without the use of the Kinect setup. In addition, athletes of the two groups had unrestricted access to a video recording of the master performing the three throws. We found statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in the accuracy of executing the three techniques between the 1st and the 5th training session for the aided group but not for the control group. We conclude that incorporating Kinect based exercises into a judo training programme may be a useful means to supporting motor learning, therefore enhancing training efficiency, and thus improving performance.

Effects of Karate Fights on Achilles Tendon Stiffness Measured by Myotonometry

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of karate fights on Achilles tendon stiffness in karate competitors. Eleven male karate fighters participated in the present study. A handheld MyotonPRO device (MyotonPRO, Myoton Ltd, Estonia) was applied to measure Achilles tendon stiffness in karate fighters. The Achilles tendon was tested 5 cm above the tuber calcanei. Stiffness measurements were performed before and after eight sparring fights. Each fight lasted 2 min and was separated by a 2 min rest period. Achilles tendon stiffness for the dominant leg increased significantly from before fights (751.57 ± 123.493 N/m) to immediately after fights (809.43 ± 160.425 N/m) (p = 0.012). Presented results should be used by strength and conditioning coaches in training programs as a way to decrease the risk of injury.

Assessment of the antioxidant effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid in healthy men exposed to muscle-damaging exercise

The aim of this study was to compare the indices of glutathione antioxidant system and oxidative damage level in resistance trained and untrained subjects and to assess the antioxidant action of alpha-lipoic acid in trained men exposed to muscle-damaging exercise. Thirteen trained and twenty untrained men (NT) participated in the comparative study. Then trained men were randomly assigned to T(CON) group (control) or T(ALA) group (alpha-lipoic acid, 600 mg . day(-1), for 8 days) and performed isometric/isokinetic effort of quadriceps muscles. The study has shown the significantly higher erythrocyte levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in T(CON) than NT but no differences in plasma lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and protein carbonylation (PC). However, total thiol (TT) concentration was two-fold lower in T(CON) than NT group. alpha-Lipoic acid variously influenced the post-exercise levels of GSH (+40%), GR (-24%) and GPx (+29%), but markedly reduced by over 30% the resting and post-exercise TBARS and PC in T(ALA) compared with T(CON). TT concentration significantly increased in T(ALA) but it did not reach the high level which was found in untrained group. It is concluded that alpha-lipoic acid supplementation diminishes oxidative damage. It does not abolish differences in glutathione antioxidant system between untrained and trained subjects but modulates a pro-antioxidant response to the muscle-damaging exercise.

The comparison of antioxidant and hematological properties of N-acetylcysteine and alpha-lipoic acid in physically active males

The aim of this study was to follow up whether the modification of pro-antioxidant status by oral thiol administration such as N-acetylcysteine and alpha-lipoic acid affects the hematological response. Twenty-eight healthy men participated in two independent experiments. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four groups: controls (C(NAC) and C(ALA)), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). 1200 mg of N-acetylcysteine, 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid or placebo were administered for 8 days in two doses. NAC or ALA administration significantly elevated plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) and reduced protein carbonylation (PC) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) by more than 30 %. The reduced glutathione (GSH) and hematological parameters changed only in response to NAC administration. NAC significantly elevated the level of GSH (+33%), EPO (+26%), Hb (+9%) and Hct (+9%) compared with C(NAC). The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) also increased by more than 12% after NAC. The numerous negative or positive correlations between the measures of TAS, PC, TBARS and hematological parameters were found, which suggest the NAC-induced interaction between pro-antioxidant and hematological values. Our study has shown that both N-acetylcysteine and alpha-lipoic acid intake reveal an antioxidant action, but only N-acetylcysteine improves the haematological response.

Biliary tract complications following 52 consecutive orthotopic liver transplants

Biliary tract complications were analysed after 52 consecutive orthotopic liver transplants performed in 51 patients between September 1996 and April 1997. Reconstruction of the bile duct consisted of end-to-end choledochocholedochostomy without a T-tube (CC), (n = 40), and Roux-end Y choledochojejunostomy (CDJ) (n = 12)--six for children transplants, four for sclerosing cholangitis, one for cryptogenic cirrhosis and in one retransplantation. There was no intraoperative mortality. Biliary complications occurred in six liver transplants (11.55%). Early biliary complications (up to 3 months after operation) consisted of four bile leaks, for which ultrasonographically guided drainage was effective in one, endoscopic procedures in two and surgical repair in one case. Late biliary complications (3 month-onwards) consisted of one anastomotic stricture--reoperation was required, and one ampullary dysfunction, where endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Biliary complications are rather frequent after orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT) and can be treated effectively and do not cause excessive mortality. T-tubes and stents are not to be recommended.

Liver transplant without a venovenous bypass

The problem whether to use or not to use a venovenous bypass in liver transplantation is the point of a discussion and the subject of controversies among anaesthetists and transplant surgeons. Some emphasize the advantages of using a venovenous bypass such as stabilization of the blood flow resulting from maintaining appropriate venous inflow to the heart, maintenance of perfusion pressure in the kidneys, decrease in bleeding and greater comfort for the operating surgeon. The opponents observe possible complications such as air embolism, thrombi of cannulated vessels, a hypothermia hazard, prolongation of the operation. The operation without application of extrasystemic venous circulation could be a good method especially for the patients with no circulatory failure before the operation but for experienced anaesthetists and transplant surgeons only.

The influence of income, education, and work status on women's well being

This article, based on data from the Commonwealth Fund 1998 Survey of Women's Health, examines the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and women's health. Women living in poverty are less likely than their higher-income counterparts to have health insurance and use preventive services, and more likely to have access problems, suffer from chronic illnesses, and report low overall health scores. Women with low educational attainment are also less likely to have health insurance and to use preventive services, and more likely to report poorer health status than women with a college education. We conclude with implications for public policy.

[The role of Shouldice's operation in treating inguinal hernia]

Clinical estimation of Shouldice procedure in the surgical treatment of inguinal hernia was performed in the group of 95 patients (102 operations) treated in the Second Department of General and Vascular Surgery Clinic at Zabrze between 1994 and 1996. Their ages ranged from 18 to 78 years with an average 53.6. The sex index (men to women) was 11:1. The bilateral hernia was found in seven cases and all of them were treated surgically at the same time. The most treated hernias was considered as type II and V by Gilbert classification. Among treated patients there were six cases of recurrence hernia earlier operated according to other procedures (mainly Bassini, Girard, Halsted, and artificial knitted-graft placed up intraperitoneally). In 28 cases of fascia transversalis large deficiency (the third and fourth type of Gilbert classification) authors used the two-layer modification method of reconstruction instead four layer of hernial canal posterior wall reconstruction the typical for Shouldice procedure. It was sufficient in all cases without respect to hernia size and fascia transversalis deficiency. There were no complications in postoperative periods. The recurrence of hernia, appeared only in one patient (0.98%) nine months after operation. In authors opinion, the Shouldice procedure is the most effective among all classical ways of inquinal hernia repairs.

[Does intraoperative transcranial doppler monitoring improve results of carotid endarterectomy?]

We evaluated the role of intraoperative transcranial Doppler sonography in improvement of carotid endarterectomy results. We analyzed the outcome of 38 carotid endarterectomies (CEA) performed in 22 female and 16 male patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis, aged between 43 and 78 years (av. 61.8 years). Constant measurements of peak and average velocity (Va) were taken during following stages of CEA:-after anaesthesia--during 120 s crossclamp test, -after shunt insertion (5 patients),-immediately after and 5 min after crossclamp release.

RESULTS

We obtained following values of Va in particular stages of CEA:-after anaesthesia 0.54 m/s (0.38-1.08),-during 120 s crossclamp test 0.25 m/s (0.12-0.58),-after shunt insertion 0.47 m/s (0.32-0.78),-immediately after crossclamping 0.72 m/s (0.51-1.40),-5 min. after crossclamp release 0.62 m/s (0.42-1.27). In 2 cases no blood flow velocity increase was found after shunt insertion. The immediate correction of shunt positioning was done. In 2 other patients no hemodynamic effect after CEA was detected (no blood flow velocity increase in MCA and at the same time, no neurological impairments were noticed). After quick investigation inferior carotid artery kinking above the arteriotomy site and its stenosis after suturing were found. Both of these abnormalities were removed and since that moment the blood flow velocity in MCA increased, in comparison with preoperative values.

CONCLUSIONS

intraoperative transcranial doppler monitoring 1) allows to identify any kind of blood flow disturbance in MCA during each stage of CEA which appears before neurological impairment, 2) gives the possibility of shunt functioning evaluation, 3) enables to avoid intraoperatively unpredictable situations that may result in imminent cerebral ischemia, 4) 70% decrease of blood flow velocity in MCA is the indication for shunt insertion, 5) proved to be very helpful in (in 10% of our material) improving the results of all carotid endarterectomies.

[Level of copper in plasma and tissue of patients with esophageal and large bowel cancer]

Using the technique of atomic absorption spectrophotometry copper level was determined in cancerous tissues and in unchanged homologous tissues and in the plasma of 32 patients with digestive tract cancer (17 patients with squamous oesophageal cancer and 15 with large bowel adenocarcinoma). For examination the tissues were used, removed during operation. In the control group plasma copper concentration was determined. The purpose of the work was to establish whether the increased metabolism of cancerous tissue caused cumulation of copper in cancerous cells (as it was found in cases of many other microelements), and whether it caused a significant fluctuation of plasma copper level. It was found that in patients with large bowel cancer and oesophageal cancer the mean copper concentration in cancerous tissues was lower than that in unchanged homologous tissue. It was also found that the plasma copper level in patients with cancer was not differing from normal values.

[Respiratory insufficiency in patients with myasthenia gravis]

We evaluated 20 patients who required prolonged mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure associated with myasthenia gravis. All 20 patients survived and were weaned from the ventilator after 3 to 14 days (mean 6.5 days) of respiratory support. Progressing bulbar symptoms and respiratory infection were the most frequent causes of the myasthenic crisis. During a period of assisted mechanical ventilation, anticholinesterase medication was interrupted and the patients were treated with steroids and antibiotics. Plasmapheresis may be considered in the management of myasthenic crisis.

Effect of silicic acid on surface potential of erythrocytes

A potential-generating effect of ortho-silicic acid on the surface potentials of erythrocyte membranes was demonstrated by a potentiometric method using platinum electrodes. With concentration rising from 10(-7) to 10(-4) the silicic acid reduced potential of washed erythrocytes which reached the final concentration a value about 36 mV. Higher concentrations of acid caused haemolysis.

Studies on the activity of cholinesterase included on silica gel

Cholinesterase was immobilized in silica gel. The activity of the bound enzyme was determined by comparing the concentrations of hydrogen ions in the solution entering and leaving the reactor, filled with a suspension of the insoluble enzyme in Sephadex.