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This article aims to compare the international tools assessing the quality of life and to carry out their multifaceted qualitative analysis, emphasizing spatial aspects (architecture, urban planning) and demographic changes. Comparative analysis of three guidelines and 13 rankings includes a comparison of a wide range of domains (2–15), criteria (4–66), and indices (22–223). The already observed worldwide trends of aging societies and increasing urban populations have largely drawn the attention of researchers to the urban life quality. Since the early 1990s, many international tools have been developed for that purpose. Although urban practitioners progressively rely on instruments measuring urban quality of life, in the development of urban policy, there is still little research comparing the already available appraisal instruments in view of their measurement criteria. The results of the research on the global tools show that there are major differences between them, either in view of the purpose, the contracting authorities, research focus group, scale, or in view of the importance of spatial and demographic factors. Such findings can contribute to the development of local guidelines and recommendations for self-government authorities and communities, in this the seniors and future generations, in view of improving the urban life quality.

1. Short-term Kinesiology Taping on the rectus abdominis muscle does not cause a change in force-velocity parameters of trunk flexors. 2. Isolated application on the rectus abdominis muscle may be insufficient to cause a change in force-velocity parameters following such a short application time.

Introduction. The purpose of the work is an evaluation of the efficiency of therapeutic programmes applied for manual skills in self--service eating, as well as for the motion range of chosen upper limb joints in children aged 2-6 years with mental retardation. Methods. The research was carried out among 2 groups of children, 12 members each. The methods used to evaluate the effects of the therapy included Sagittal Frontal Transverse Rotation (SFTR) as per international Standard orthopaedic Measurements (iSoM) and Gunzburg's PPAC inventory as adapted by Witkowski. The study presents the results of the therapy in a group run with the Vojta method and in a group run with other paediatric physiotherapy methods. Results. The research results have shown no essential difference between the groups at the first measurement (before therapy), a statistically significant difference (an improvement in mobility and function) in the second test in both examined groups, and statistically significant results of comparing the first and second measurement for both methods, mostly in favour of the Vojta group. Conclusions. The Vojta method therapy is more effective than the other therapeutic methods in improving both upper limbs motion and the self-service function of eating.Citation: Wójtowicz d, Roshko J, Ptak A, dębiec-Bąk A, Skrzek A. The efficiency of rehabilitation for self-service eating in institutionalized children aged 2-6 years with mental and motor retardation. Physiotherapy Quarterly. 2017;25 (2):10-16; doi: https://doi.org/10.5114/pq.2018.73367. © University School of Physical Education in Wrocław d. Wójtowicz et al. Rehabilitation for self-service eating in 2-6-year-olds 11 Physiotherapy Quarterly (formerly Fizjoterapia) 2017, 25 (2) physiotherapyquarterly.pl

The aim of this study was to assess if there are any objective changes in the viscoelastic parameters of the erector spinae muscle after Vojta stimulation. The study involved 22 healthy children at an average age of 7 months and with an Apgar score of 8–10 points, who were referred for rehabilitation due to a slight delay in the phases of psychomotor development. The first group consisted of 11 children with increased muscle tone (IMT) and the second group consisted of 11 children with non-increased muscle tone (nonIMT). All study participants received a one-time Vojta therapy session, which was continued for 4 weeks by parents at home. The viscoelastic parameters of the dorsal extensor muscle were measured three times. In the first study group, changes in the viscoelastic parameters of the extensor muscles of the back occurred immediately after the therapy at the first examination, whereas changes in the supporting and extensor function of the limbs occurred in both groups at the second examination. Analysis featuring an objective assessment allows physiotherapists to diagnose local changes in the viscoelastic parameters after the implementation of therapy. These studies are the first pilot studies to be continued with a 30- or 60-day follow-up.