Search

Objectives This paper assesses the effect of neurophysiological rehabilitation in children with postural defects on the depth of thoracic kyphosis, lateral spinal deviation and rotation of spinal motor segments. Material and Methods A total of 201 patients aged 8–15 years old with a postural defect diagnosed by medical examination were enrolled. The analyzed parameters were determined using the DIERS system before the first therapeutic session and after 4 weeks of therapy. The angle of thoracic kyphosis, lateral deviation of the spine and spinal rotation were assessed. The therapy employed techniques associated with the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and Vojta’s approaches. The results were analyzed separately for both sexes and for patients rehabilitated solely with Vojta’s techniques vs. patients rehabilitated according to combined Vojta’s and PNF techniques. The χ2 test was used for statistical analyses, at p < 0.05. Results There was improvement in the angle of thoracic kyphosis, ranging from 0.14 (among boys with kyphosis < 42°) to 5.47 (among girls with kyphosis ≥ 42°), spinal rotation, from 0.37 (among boys with kyphosis ≥ 42°) to 4.33 (among patients with kyphosis ≥ 42° rehabilitated solely according to Vojta’s method), and lateral deviations, ranging from 1.32 mm (among boys with kyphosis < 42°) to 2.99 mm (among patients with kyphosis ≥ 42° rehabilitated solely according to Vojta’s method). Conclusions Neurophysiological rehabilitation of patients with postural defects produced positive effects by improving the angle of thoracic kyphosis, spinal rotation and lateral deviation of the spine. Children with reduced thoracic kyphosis achieved less improvement in the kyphosis angle, lateral spinal deviation and spinal rotation than children with kyphosis ≥ 42°. The DIERS Formetric System enables precise monitoring of therapeutic outcomes. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(1):25–32

Introduction : Infectious diseases are still a significant medical and social problem in the contemporary world. The most effective and at the same time the least expensive way to become protected against infectious diseases is vaccinations. Appropriate education of the society referring to the prevention of infectious diseases such as measles, diphtheria, or pertussis can contribute to changing the attitudes of many parents to mandatory and recommended vaccinations. Aim of the research: The analysis of the impact of the level of knowledge on making decisions about administering preventive vaccinations. Material and methods : The study included 370 participants (308 women and 62 men). They were students of Lublin universities and young parents living in the Lublin voivodeship. The research tool was an author-made questionnaire consisting of 20 closed questions. For the statistical analysis of research results the methods of descriptive statistics, the χc2 test, and Cramer’s V correlation coefficient were used. Results : As many as 98% of the respondents exhibiting a higher level of knowledge declared future regular vaccinations of their children in accordance with the official recommendations. Among people with a low level of knowledge, only 45% declared such regularity in their children’s vaccination. As many as 62% of the respondents who lacked knowledge on vaccinations failed to have voluntary vaccinations administered. In comparison, among those with high level of knowledge, 50% never had recommended vaccinations administered. Conclusions : The level of knowledge has a significant impact on the decisions on administering preventive vaccinations in the studied population. Respondents who had a higher level of knowledge more frequently declared administering vaccinations regularly, both to themselves and their children.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify factors that contribute to the development of burnout among physiotherapists with different length of service in physiotherapy. Material and Methods: The following research tools were used to study burnout: the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LSQ), based on FLZ (Fragebogen zur Lebenszufriedenheit) by Frahrenberg, Myrtek, Schumacher, and Brähler; the Burnout Scale Inventory (BSI) by Steuden and Okła; and an ad hoc questionnaire to collect socio-demographic data. The survey was anonymous and voluntary and involved a group of 200 active physiotherapists working in Poland. Results: A statistical analysis revealed significant differences in overall life satisfaction between length-of-service groups (p = 0.03). Physiotherapists with more than 15 years of service reported greater satisfaction than those with less than 5 years and between 5 and 15 years of service. The results suggest that burnout in those with 5-15 years of service is higher in physiotherapists working in health care centers and increases with age and greater financial satisfaction, while it decreases with greater satisfaction with friend and family relations and greater satisfaction with one's work and profession. In those with more than 15 years of service, burnout increases in the case of working in a setting other than a health care or educational center and decreases with greater satisfaction with one's work and profession. Conclusions: Job satisfaction and a satisfying family life prevent burnout among physiotherapists with 5-15 years of service in the profession. Financial satisfaction, age and being employed in health care may cause burnout among physiotherapists with 5-15 years of service. Physiotherapists with more than 15 years of service experience more burnout if they work in a setting other than a health care or educational center and less burnout if they are satisfied with their profession.

Purpose: The aim of the work is to study the osmotic stability and morpho-functional features of peripheral blood erythrocytes of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome depending on the level of exercise tolerance and associated risk factors. groups of factors that may be the cause, so the development of measures to eliminate them is an urgent problem today, which requires the development of effective ways to correct chronic fatigue syndrome. It is known that the peripheral part of erythron actively responds to changes that occur in the whole body after the action of various factors, including those factors that lead to chronic fatigue syndrome. Material and methods of research. The examination was performed on the basis of the Department of Vascular Neurology of the Central Clinical Hospital of Ivano-Frankivsk. The study involved 30 patients aged 55-65 years (mean age 60.6 + 1.2 years), who were divided into 3 groups: 1 gr. included 10 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and a high level of exercise tolerance. The 2nd group included 10 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and the average level of exercise tolerance, the composition of 3 gr. included 10 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome associated cardiovascular pathology (angina pectoris, hypertension) and low exercise tolerance (3 gr.). Results. It is established that chronic fatigue syndrome proceeds in 3 phases and has natural stages of development which are characterized by three groups of etiological factors and the corresponding levels of teletransitivity to physical activity, each of which corresponds to a certain erythrocyte profile and level of osmotic stability of erythrocytes which are offered to use as prognostic and diagnostic characteristics. chronic fatigue syndrome. Conclusions. The study of the quantitative composition of peripheral blood erythrocytes and hemoglobin, as well as their ratio (color index) in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome on the background of low levels of exercise tolerance revealed a decrease in erythrocytes and hemoglobin by 42% and 25%, respectively, indicating the presence of anemic hypoxia. 2. In conditions of chronic fatigue there is a decrease in osmotic resistance of erythrocytes, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of osmotically stable erythrocytes with a gradual decrease in the concentration of NaCl solution (3.0%; 0.5%; 0.46%; 0.3%). 3. In chronic fatigue there is a deterioration of membranes in peripheral blood erythrocytes, as evidenced by a decrease in their osmotic stability and an increase in the number of irreversibly altered forms of РВЕ, as well as a decrease in peripheral blood erythrocytes, which is closely correlated with decreased tolerance to exercise.

Purpose: to study the types of cardiohemodynamic response of the organism and morpho-biochemical changes of erythrocytes of peripheral blood of volleyball players to physical activity of maximum aerobic capacity. Material and methods In 18 highly qualified volleyball players aged 22.0±0.60 years, cardiohemodynamics (by functional methods), functional changes (by biochemical methods) and the structure of erythrocytes (using scanning electron microscopy) were studied before and after the maximum (3.5 W/kg of body weight) of physical activity. Results. It was found that maximal physical activity causes significant changes in cardiohemodynamics, which result in morphological rearrangement of peripheral blood erythrocytes (increase in erythrocyte deformation index) and closely correlate with biochemical changes (decrease in ATP concentration and increase in magnesium concentration in erythrocytes). Possible mechanisms of realization of features of reaction of an organism of volleyball players to physical activity of the maximum aerobic power depending on type of regulation of blood circulation and morpho-biochemical changes of erythrocytes of peripheral blood are discussed. Conclusions. Physical activity of maximum aerobic power in highly qualified female volleyball players reveals the typological features of the cardiohemodynamic response of the body of volleyball players, which is expressed by conformational changes in peripheral blood erythrocytes and depends on the concentration of individual macroelements in these cells and on the type of cardiohemodynamics.

Introduction: Cervical segment is a part of the spine which is the most exposed to stress and dysfunction. Aim: The aim of the study is to analyze the body posture of bus drivers and, especially, functional assessment of cervical spine mobility segments. Material and methods: The study included a group of 40 people, consisting of professionally active drivers working in public transport, 20 of whom were the men under 40, and the remaining 20 were the men over 40. The study used the original study card. Results: There was dependence between the subjects' length of service and the appearance of hand numbness. There was dependence between protraction angle and length of service. Most of the study subjects (67.5%) report the presence of back pain syndromes. Among the study subjects, 45.0% declare that they do sports / physical activity improving their condition. In the case of rectus abdominis muscle strength, the majority of the surveyed (60.0%) cannot sit unassisted. Conclusions: The bus driver is exposed to a lot of stress every day, resulting, i.a. from the responsibility he bears for passengers in the vehicle, as well as from heavy traffic, which leads to changes in myofascial tensioning, resulting in the incidence of pain.

Coronary calcification is one of the features that characterize atherosclerosis. The location of a calcific plaque may vary from case to case [1]. Some distal locations may affect procedural outcomes of coronary angioplasty, resulting in impaired device deliverability. In these cases, guiding extension catheters have been widely introduced into practice to overcome the problem of poor deliverability and guiding catheter support. In some patients, calcified lesions are located distally and rotational burr deliverability is also impaired.

In the literature, we find information about the impact of changes in the shape of the spine on the efficiency of equivalent reactions, and we also find information about the methods and effects of physiotherapy in improving equivalent reactions. However, there is a lack of publications showing the process of changes taking place over time and defining their nature at individual stages of treatment. The aim of this study is to present the process of monitoring the expression of balance in patients aged 8–12 years with postural disorders, in the course of the therapeutic process. The shape of the spine and the efficiency of equilibrium reactions in standing posture and during gait were assessed in all the subjects. The subjects were put into two groups: with a shape-of-spine disorder and without one. The recommended set of therapeutic activities in home conditions lasted about 20 min and was performed by the child with a parent’s supervision. The therapeutic program was based on elements of neurophysiological methods: Vojta and PNF. The following parameters were measured: the maximum movement of the center of pressure (CoP) in the frontal plane during gait, the maximum movement of the CoP in the sagittal plane, the movement of the CoP in the frontal plane in static conditions and the movement of the CoP in the sagittal plane in static conditions. Six statistically significant differences were recorded, and all of them were related to measurement I. The Friedman test result was statistically significant for all the indexes. Post hoc analyses were performed using the Dunn–Bonferroni test. The children with shape-of-spine disorders had a lower efficiency of equivalent reactions in relation to the children without disorders. The therapy with the application of neurophysiological methods in the treatment of shape-of-spine disorders improved equilibrium reactions in these patients. Long-lasting and thorough observations of the therapeutic process in children with shape-of-spine disorders should include the monitoring of the efficiency of equilibrium reactions.

IntroductionCivilization development coupled with contemporary lifestyle leads to a systematic increase in postural disorders. An analysis of factors that may provoke postural disorders indicates that such a stimulus may be the diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles. Moreover, abnormal activity of the rectus abdominis muscles may affect balance disorders through reduced spinal stabilization and disturbed body statics. There is an increase in body posture abnormalities between the ages of 6 and 9 related to new school duties.Purpose of the StudyThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the shape of the spine and the width of the linea alba in children aged 6–9 years.Material and MethodThe study was designed to evaluate parameters determining the shape of the spine, and the width of the linea alba in healthy children aged 6–9 years. The study participants were divided into two groups based on the width of the linea alba. The study group with the width of the linea alba >10 mm and the control group with the width of the linea alba ≤ 10 mm. The study group were included 37 children and the control group 24 children. The examination of the linea alba width was performed by a radiology specialist using a linear transducer and SAOTE- My Lab Classc-type ultrasound at rest and during contraction of the rectus abdominis muscles. Parameters describing the shape of the spine were measured using the Diers Formetric 4D system: trunk inclination, trunk imbalance, pelvis tilt, pelvic torsion, kyphotic apex, lordotic apex, kyphotic angle, lordotic angle, rotation angle, trunk torsion, lateral deviation. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using a Paired t test for comparison of differences between the results in the study and control groups and Pearson's test to assess the correlation between the width of the linea alba and parameters describing spinal alignment.ResultsIn both groups, the parameters describing the shape of the spine did not differ from the norms accepted as typical for the age norm. The only statistically significant difference between the study and control group concerned the trunk inclination, which was negative in the study group, signifying a shift of the entire spine axis backwards beyond the vertical.ConclusionsThere is a correlation between the shape of spine and the width of the linea alba in terms of selected parameters determining the body posture in the sagittal plane, which concern: the position of the lumbar lordotic apex, trunk inclination and the depth of the lumbar lordotic angle. The width of the linea alba is not explicitly related to abnormalities of pelvic and spinal alignment in the frontal and transverse planes.

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a condition manifested by unilateral thickening and/or shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It can lead to local or global consequences (i.e., forced position and limitation of mobility of the cervical spine and head, delay of motor development). Early recognition of CMT symptoms and the implementation of conservative treatment, considered effective in the majority of cases, are an important part of physical therapy in CMT. The aim of the study is to review literature presenting the methods of physical therapy in CMT and to create the authors’ own proposals for treatment, based on the results of this review. Based on subject-matter literature and our own experience, algorithms for the rehabilitation procedure have been proposed, presenting the general scheme of action in CMT and management depending on the clinical form and age of the child in whom therapy was started (up to 5 months and after 6 months). The authors’ proposed algorithm did not strictly specify the frequency of sessions with a physiotherapist, because this is the resultant of many factors. The main ones include the child's age on the day of initiation of therapy, the clinical form of torticollis, the presence of muscle tone disorders and/or skull asymmetry, but also, the correctness of performing exercises proposed as part of the home-based programme, regularity of therapy and compliance with postural programme principles.

Objectives This paper evaluates the efficacy of using the McKenzie and Vojta methods for patients with low back pain and the use of the DIERS Formetric 4D system as an objective diagnostic tool. Material and Methods The study enrolled 28 patients aged 15–17 years old. The patients were hospitalized at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Świętokrzyskie Center for Pediatrics in Kielce with a diagnosis of back pain associated with a discopathy. The patients were rehabilitated according to the McKenzie and Vojta methods. Assessment by means of the DIERS Formetric system had taken place before the first therapy session and on the day that pain was eliminated to evaluate trunk inclination, angle of thoracic kyphosis, angle of lumbar lordosis, lateral deviation, trunk torsion, surface rotation and pelvic obliquity. Pain intensity and change in pain intensity over time were assessed by means of a numerical rating scale. Results Pain intensity was reduced to 0 over 3–12 days. The study participants demonstrated reduction in anterior trunk inclination of the mean value at 1.83°. The angle of thoracic kyphosis was also reduced by 7.95°. The angle of lordosis increased by 7.6°. The lateral spinal curvature was reduced by 8.92 mm. There was a reduction of 4.64° in trunk torsion. Surface rotation was reduced by 1.61° and pelvic obliquity was reduced by 3.78°. Conclusions In discopathic patients, postural parameters comprising trunk inclination, angle of thoracic kyphosis, angle of lumbar lordosis, lateral deviation, trunk torsion, vertebral rotation and pelvic obliquity fail to reach Hartzmann’s physiological reference ranges. A therapeutic intervention based on the Vojta and McKenzie methods may normalize the posture to physiological reference ranges and is effective in the treatment of patients with back pain. The DIERS system is an objective tool for tracing the effects of therapy in patients with back pain. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(1):33–41

BackgroundThe unique repetitive nature of ballet dancing, which often involves transgressing endurance limits of anatomical structures, makes dancers prone to injury. The following systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in the treatment of injuries in ballet dancers.MethodsThe review was performed in line with the PRISMA statement on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Ovid Embase, Cochrane, Medline, PEDro, Google Scholar) were queried. The study populations comprised active ballet dancers and/or ballet school attendees with acute and chronic injuries and those with persistent pain. There were no restrictions regarding age, sex, ethnicity or nationality. The Modified McMaster Critical Review Form for quantitative studies was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies reviewed in accordance with the relevant guidelines.ResultsOut of the total of 687 articles subjected to the review, 10 met the inclusion criteria. Diverse physiotherapeutic interventions were described and effectiveness was assessed using different parameters and measurements. Overall, the results indicate that physiotherapy interventions in ballet dancers exert a positive effect on a number of indices, including pain, ROM and functional status.ConclusionsDue to the small amount of evidence confirming the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions in ballet dancers after injuries and methodological uncertainties, it is recommended to improve the quality of prospective studies.

IntroductionBalance is key to controlling body posture. Balance is typically assessed by measures of the body's vertical orientation, obtained by balancing out the forces acting on different body segments. The ability to maintain balance is assessed by evaluating centre of pressure (CoP) displacement; such assessments are typically used to evaluate responses to a treatment process.Purpose of studyThis study evaluated the efficiency of compensatory reactions in children according to the extent of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis.Materials and methodThe study enrolled 312 children aged 8‒12 years, including 211 patients with postural disorders: thoracic kyphosis outside the 47‒50-degree range and lordosis outside the 38‒42-degree range (study group). A control group was also recruited and comprised 101 children without postural disorders. The DIERS formetric 4D system was used to assess posture and CoP displacement.ResultsChildren in the study group showed a significantly greater range of CoP displacement than children in the control group. The kyphosis angle correlated with the maximum CoP displacement in the coronal plane and the maximum CoP displacement in the sagittal plane during gait. The kyphosis angle also correlated with the maximum CoP displacement back in the static test. The size of the lordosis angle correlated with the maximum displacement of CoP in the coronary plane during gait, and with the maximum displacement of CoP toward the left, forward, and backward in the static test. The correlation coefficient of the lordosis angle with displacement of the CoP in the sagittal plane was 0.999.ConclusionsWe found an association between kyphosis and lordosis and the amplitude of CoP displacement, which may reflect the postural control system's response to biomechanical destabilisation caused by changes in kyphosis and lordosis.The lordosis angle correlation strength for displacement of CoP in sagittal plane is 0.999 and adopts a linear value.

Introduction: In the natural process of wound healing a scar is formed, which by its build, colour, and function does not resemble healthy tissue. This concerns not only the appearance of the outer integument, but above all, the deeper layers, which are also subject to the process of scarring. In some cases, a disorder of the decomposition and synthesis of collagen takes place and then hypertrophied scars and colloids are formed. Therefore, in physiotherapeutic practice, a scar should be seen in the three-dimensional aspect. Oncology patients can have so-called silicone dressings applied in the healing process of hypertrophied scars and colloids. The therapy using plasters with silicone gel is safe and non-invasive. Aim of the research: To assess the impact of silicone plasters on postoperative scars in the rehabilitation of women after mastectomy. Material and methods : The study, in which women after mastectomy took part, was performed in the Holycross Cancer Centre in Kielce. The assessment of a postoperative scar was based on the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Results and conclusions: Silicone dressings applied on a postoperative scar influenced its flexibility, colour, and size. The achieved results are satisfactory, and the applied method is effective and promising. However, the methods used to assess the scar, which are commonly recommended but not quite objective, raise some reservations and doubts among the authors.

ObjectivesThe current understanding of hypermobility and its diagnostic criteria is still insufficient to create a complete and systematic clinical presentation of the disorder. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) amongst a cohort of jazz dancers, by analyzing its presence in accordance with a number of diagnostic criteria, and to verify potential risk factors for joint hypermobility in jazz dancers.Methods77 jazz dancers from the Polish Dance Theater were examined (58 female and 19 male). The prevalence of JHS was assessed using the following diagnostic tools: a structured interview, Beighton score, Grahame & Hakim questionnaire, and Sachse's criteria, in the modified version proposed by Kapandji.ResultsThe prevalence of JHS in this cohort of jazz dancers differed significantly, depending on which criteria were adopted (p = 0.001) with Beighton score, Grahame & Hakim questionnaire, and Sachse's criteria identifying 64.9%, 74% and 59.7% of the sample as JHS respectively. Hypermobility was significantly more prevalent in women than men (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated a significant prevalence of joint hypermobility in jazz dancers and corroborates the findings of other researchers, indicating the need for unified diagnostic criteria for JHS in dancers.

According to the World health Organization (WHO), “physiotherapy is a comprehensive and coordinated use of medical, social, professional supplies and educational measures in order to adapt patients to new lifestyle and allow them to get better physical fitness.” In the case of patients who suffer from cardiovascular diseases it refers to complex cardiological rehabilitation (CRR). Constant elements of CRR: review of clinical status of patient, optimization of pharmacological treatment, rehabilitation — gradual and controlled exercises adapted to individual possibilities. At the time of CRR implementation, the period of early rehabilitation (stages I, II) and the period of late rehabilitation (stage III) are distinguished.

This review of available literature aims to present models of co-operation between the patient and the doctor, the consequences of employing these models, and the ways of building relationships. In order to ensure a comprehensive view of this issue and trace the dynamics of changes in this area, we decided to review the relevant literature published since the 1950s. The databases we queried contained academic opinion papers, reports of empirical studies, and publications in psychology of health. Used databases: Academic Search Complete, eBook Academic Collection, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, and PsycINFO. The analysis focused on the association between the models of patient-doctor relationship and adherence to treatment ( adherence or compliance; adherence to treatment ). The paper contains descriptions of how models have changed, followed by a detailed characterisation of the paternalistic and partnership-based approaches, also with regard to possible effects on the patient’s willingness to adhere to medical instructions.

Objectives: Recently in Poland as a result of the high rate of aging population and high rates of morbidity, a growing demand for the physiotherapist profession is observed. The results of this study can be used to formulate principles for better organization of physiotherapist's workplace in order to prevent occurrence of burnout. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of gender on satisfaction with life and burnout among active physiotherapists. Material and Methods: The survey was anonymous and voluntary, and involved a group of 200 active physiotherapists working in health care units and educational centers in Poland. The study group was selected randomly and incidentally. Each respondent received a demographic data sheet and a set of self-rating questionnaires (Life Satisfaction Questionnaire, Burnout Scale Inventory). Results: Burnout among men decreased along with increasing satisfaction with one's work and occupation, friends, relatives and acquaintances, sexuality, and increased due to greater satisfaction with one's housing status. Burnout among women decreased along with increasing satisfaction with one's health, free time and friends, relatives and acquaintances, and increased due to work at a setting other than a health care unit or educational center. Statistical analysis failed to reveal any significant differences with regard to the BSI domains and with regard to the overall burnout index as well as with regard to the assessment of satisfaction with life between female and male physiotherapists. Conclusions: Satisfaction with children, marriage and partnership, with one's work and occupation, interactions with friends, relatives and acquaintances and sexuality may contribute to reduction of burnout among men. Women who are satisfied with their children, family, health, free time and contacts with friends, relatives and acquaintances are less prone to burnout. Weak financial situation among women and deficiency of free time among men can induce burnout. Improving staff happiness may contribute to decreasing burnout.

Introduction: In the second half of the twentieth century, there was a significant increase in the incidence of civilisation diseases caused by the increasing pace of life, and a greater degree of industrialization and the ubiquitous stress. This phenomena was accompanied by the problem of unemployment and an aging of a population. An annual increasing number of people staying at long-term sick leave and people who completely lose their ability to work was the reason for the introduction by Social Insurance Institution a system of rehabilitation within the prevention of disability pension which mission is to help people to return to active work. Thanks to the rehabilitation system insured people gain not only the health improvement and functioning of the body but are given a chance to recover or improve ability to work which they lost as a result of the disease. Aim of the study : Finding the most common reasons for medical referrals to rehabilitation of the organ motion within the prevention of disability pension by Social Insurance Institution comparing gender, age, occupation, co-existing illnesses and disease entity which is the basis for referral to rehabilitation. Methodology: There was analysed information about finished rehabilitation among 1529 patients who were rehabilitated to be more efficient within the prevention of disability pension of Social Insurance Institution in Non-Public Health Establishment “Medicus” in Kielce. Results : In the period 2005–2011 there was a group of 1529 patients who were rehabilitated within the prevention of disability pension of Social Insurance Institution, including 549 women (37%), and 980 men (63%). In all age groups both among women and men the basic disease entity was the disorder of roots of the nerves (G54). Overcharging of the spinal structures occurred often within men whose main forms of activity were connected with physical effort and women whose occupation was mainly a clerical work. Conclusions : In all age groups, regardless of gender, the largest group were people with disorder of roots of the nerves and nerve plexus (G54). There was no relationship between the work performed and the presence of specific diseases.

Introduction: The level of life quality of people with alcohol dependence is significantly influenced by socio-demographic factors such as: gender, marital status and having a family. Additionally promoting anti-health behaviors such as smoking or using psychoactive substances among those with alcohol dependence also reduces the quality of life in this population. Aim of the research: The purpose of this project was to determine the impact of selected psycho-social and medical factors on the quality of life in alcohol-dependent patients in relation to the duration of abstinence. Study data served to determine whether there is a correlation between the presence of selected psycho-social and medical factors and a patient’s subjective perception of his/her quality of life. Material and methods: The study involved alcohol-dependent patients undergoing treatment in the Residential Alcohol Addiction Therapy Department of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Lublin. In the first stage of the study, the severity of the alcohol problem was assessed with the MAST and CAGE tests and quality of life was assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire. An Original Socio-Demographic Questionnaire was also used. In the second stage of the study, the SF-36 scale was used to evaluate the quality of life. The Original Socio-Demographic Questionnaire was also used. Results : The socio-economic factors that had a statistically significant impact on the quality of life of the alcohol-dependent individuals comprised sex, marital status and having a family. Marital status was shown to be one of the most important family-related factors significantly influencing the quality of life. Having a family was not a factor associated with subjective improvement of the quality of life during abstinence for alcohol-dependent individuals. Awareness of socio-economic and medical factors influencing quality of life in individuals addicted to alcohol and gambling is an important component of assistance given to those people. It allows the therapeutic plan to be adjusted to the individual needs of each patient, which increases treatment efficacy. Conclusions: A significant influence of the socio-demographic factors such as gender or marital status on the quality of life of people with alcohol dependence was observed. A positive correlation between promoting anti-health behavior such as smoking or using psychoactive substances and the level of life quality of people with alcohol dependence was noted.

Introduction: Dementia syndromes are an increasing medical and social problem in today’s world. Preservation of the best possible quality of life in dementia patients relies on prolonging their independence in daily life for as long as possible. Dementia patients require increasing support as the disease progresses and will ultimately become dependent on the help of others. Aim of the research: To assess the level of mental and physical performance and nutritional status in patients with dementia syndromes in long-term residential care. Material and methods : The study group comprised 62 patients with dementia syndromes resident in a Medical and Nursing Care Facility in Pustków. Selected aspects of quality of life were investigated with the Barthel scale, GDS scale according to Reissberg, Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) and Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scale. Results: In our study men performed better than women on the Barthel scale, 58% of all patients were rated moderately severe on that scale, 36% were severe and 7% were mild. Assessment of the current severity of dementia on the GDS scale showed that 28% of the patients had very severe dementia, 27% had mild deficits, 27% had moderate deficits, 11% had moderately severe dementia and 6% had borderline dementia. In a mental state assessment according to the AMTS scale, men scored higher than women. This difference indicates less memory deficit and better psychological and physical status among men. With regard to nutritional status, our study revealed a risk of malnutrition in 65% of the patient and actual malnutrition in 7%. Conclusions : The Barthel scale, rating the performance of dementia patients with regard to activities of daily life, classified more than half of the patients as „moderately severe”. Women had lower mean scores than men in the Barthel scale, AMTS scale and GDS scale, indicating that dementia is more prevalent among women than among men. The findings of the present study document a risk of malnutrition in dementia patients in long-term residential care.