Both patients' groups improved arm function after occupational therapy sessions, but the patients who underwent conventional occupational therapy along with differential training-based occupational therapy recovered their arm function more effectively than their counterparts after conventional occupational therapy.

Objectives. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the anthropometric data of basketball players on the alterations of cardiovascular parameters during the physical load applying the model of integrated evaluation. Material and Methods. The research sample consisted of 113 healthy Caucasian male basketball players, candidates of the Lithuanian National men’s basketball teams. Basketball players were divided into 2 groups: 69 taller and heavier male basketball players (with a higher percentage of body fat) (TMB) and 44 shorter and less heavy male basketball players (with a lower percentage of body fat) (SMB). The amount of fat, expressed in percentage, was measured using the body composition analyzer TBF–300. “Kaunas-Load,” a computerized ECG analysis system, was used to evaluate the functional condition of the cardiovascular system during the load. Results. The TMB group had a lower heart rate during the warming-up phase and the steady state of the load as compared with the SMB group (P<0.05). The JT interval in the TMB group was greater during the warming-up and the steady state as compared with the SMB group (P<0.05). The JT/RR ratio index in the TMB group was found to be lower in the warming-up phase and in the steady state compared with the respective parameter in the SMB group (P<0.05). Conclusions. T he cardiovascular system of taller and heavier male basketball players with a greater relative amount of body fat functioned more economically.

Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate dynamics of body composition and body image in women who perform sedentary work and are attending Zumba or functional training programs. Methods. There were 31 women taking part in this study. They attended Zumba (n = 16) or functional training (n = 15) programs. All participants were asked to fill in Body Image Scale and Body Shape Questionnaire. Participants’ body composition was evaluated by measuring skinfold thickness with a calliper. All measurements were made twice: before and after eight weeks. Results. No statistically significant changes of body composition were found in Zumba and in functional training groups. The results showed that women became more satisfied with their bodies after the functional training program. Conclusion. Body composition did not change significantly after eight weeks of Zumba or functional training, however the reduction of body dissatisfaction was observed after the functional training program.

Physical load is very important and necessary for human organism and for its systems functionality. During bicycle ergometry work we can evaluate the functionality of the human organism. We looked for the complexity measure, which could integrally and simple evaluate organism reaction to physical load.We used ECG RR interval allometric relation and RR interval information dimension. We indicated, that the slope of ECG RR interval allometric relation and information dimension could be used as the RR interval complexity measures, defining all organism reaction to physical load.The study showed that young women RR interval complexity is higher, it means that all organism adaptation to physical load is better, different organism systems better interact together. Significant differences between load and recovery periods detected different adaptation complexity levels.

Research background and hypothesis. Recently, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been the major cause of mortality as a result of poor diet, emotional stress and insuffi cient physical activity. Improvement of dietary habits based on reduction of body weight by short-term or long-term fasting has been observed. While analyzing the effect of fasting, its psychological rather than physiological features are usually emphasized.Research aim was to assess the impact of daily fasting on the changes in women’s cardiovascular functional parameters during physical load. Research methods. Thirty six women performed exercise test on bicycle ergometer (the load increased each minute by 25 W) before and after 24 hours of fasting. After the 1 st  exercise test the subjects used only non-energetic liquid. Evaluation of electrocardiogram (ECG) data was performed applying computerized ECG analysis system “Kaunas–Load“(Institute of Cardiology, LUHS). We analyzed systolic blood pressure (S), heart rate (HR) and JT interval at rest and throughout the load.Research results. After 24 hours of fasting, HR of women at rest and during the fi rst 3 minutes of the load signifi cantly decreased (p < 0.05). Duration of the JT interval decreased during both exercise tests. Longer JT interval was obtained at rest and during the fi rst 2 minutes of the load after 24 hours of fasting (p < 0.05). S at rest and throughout the load was signifi cantly lower after fasting (p < 0.05). Discusion and conclusions. Functional state evaluation of untrained women after 24 hours of fasting during bicycle ergometery test demonstrated dynamical changes of many cardiovascular function variables: lower HR, increased the JT interval, and decreased S.