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Agata Lebiedowska, Magdalena Hartman-Petrycka, Anna Stolecka-Warzecha, Wiktoria Odrzywo&lstrok;ek, Ma&lstrok;gorzata Bo&zdot;ek, S&lstrok;awomir Wilczy&nacute;ski Department of Basic Biomedical Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, PolandCorrespondence: Agata Lebiedowska, Department of Basic Biomedical Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Kasztanowa Street 3, Sosnowiec, 41-200, Poland, Tel +48 269 98 30, Email alebiedowska@sum.edu.plPurpose: This pilot study aims to explore how skin parameters and body composition impact the tolerance to EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) stimuli in women, particularly focusing on pain tolerance in response to varying intensities of EMS. This research seeks to understand what is essential for optimizing EMS applications.Patients and Methods: The study involved 16 females (age 35.9 ± 12.3). Body composition and anthropometric measurements were taken, including BMI (Body Mass Index), weight percentage, WHtR (Waist to Height Ratio), WHR (Waist-Hip Ratio), and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. High-frequency ultrasound scans were conducted to assess skin parameters. The EMS stimulation was performed using an Evolvex (InMode, Israel), with applicators placed around the abdomen and intensity adjusted according to patient tolerance, recorded at the pain threshold.Results: The maximum tolerated EMS stimulus varied from 12V to 55V, with a median of 33V. Body weight showed a strong positive correlation (R=0.76, p< 0.001) and hip circumference (R=0.66, p< 0.001) with EMS intensity. Body fat mass (R=0.61, p=0.012) and visceral fat area (R=0.55, p=0.029) were positively correlated with EMS intensity. However, no significant correlations were observed between EMS tolerance and muscle tissue parameters or total body water content. The study also found that skin structure parameters showed no significant impact on EMS tolerance.Conclusion: The study reveals that women’s tolerance to EMS stimuli is influenced by various factors. Anthropometric parameters like hip circumference, body weight, skinfold, and BMI are strongly correlated with EMS tolerance. Body composition factors, particularly adipose tissue characteristics such as body fat mass and percentage, also significantly impact EMS intensity requirements, with no notable correlation to muscle tissue or water content. However, variations in skin structure, including thickness and density, do not significantly affect EMS tolerance. These insights are crucial for tailoring personalized EMS therapy to enhance effectiveness and comfort in both aesthetic and rehabilitative applications.Keywords: EMS, body composition, BIA, high-frequency ultrasound

Wiktoria Odrzywo&lstrok;ek,1 Anna Deda,2 Julita Zdrada,1 S&lstrok;awomir Wilczy&nacute;ski,1 Barbara B&lstrok;o&nacute;ska-Fajfrowska,1 Aleksandra Lipka-Trawi&nacute;ska1 1Department of Basic Biomedical Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland; 2Department of Cosmetology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, PolandCorrespondence: Wiktoria Odrzywo&lstrok;ek, Department of Basic Biomedical Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 41-200 Sosnowiec, ul. Kasztanowa 3, Katowice, Poland, Tel +32269 98 30, Email wiktoria.odrzywolek@wp.plPurpose: Acne vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory disease accompanied by lesions affecting the structure of the skin. Chemical peels are one of the methods of reducing acne vulgaris. There is still a lack of quantitative methods of assessing impact of cosmetic procedure on the skin. Skin condition depends on skin texture characterization; therefore, the analysis that provides data about the textures can be helpful in assessing the effectiveness of cosmetic treatments.Patients and Methods: The study involved 24 volunteers with acne lesions. Each participant underwent 4 treatments using chemical peels at two-week intervals. Before, during and after procedure clinical photography were made. To assess effectiveness of chemical peeling in acne lesion reduction, we were used gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) analysis. Qualitative assessment of acne severity was made by 12 experts in dermatology.Results: After a series of treatments, the GLCM contrast value decreased in each area of the face, and the GLCM homogeneity value increased, which means that the number of acne lesions was reduced. Expert assessment according to the IGA scale confirms the effectiveness of therapy with both salicylic and glycolic acid and pyruvic acid.Conclusion: The results of this study prove that GLCM analysis is a useful tool for assessing the effectiveness of chemical peel treatments. It can also be used for quantitative assessment of skin texture.Keywords: gray-level co-occurrence matrix, acne, chemical peelings, acne treatment, skin texture