Background:To evaluate the long-term impact of preterm birth on respiratory function in female patients born preterm, we undertook spirometric examinations twice, as they reached the age of puberty, then follow-up examinations of part of the same cohort in adulthood. We sought evidence that preterm birth is correlated with poorer spirometric results into adulthood.Methods:A total of 70 girls (aged 12.2 ± 1.5 years in 1997) who had been born preterm (at 34.7 ± 1.86 weeks, none having experienced bronchopulmonary dysplasia) took part in spriometric examinations in 1997 and again in 1998. Of those, after a gap of 17 years, a group of 12 were successfully recontacted and participated in the 2015 examination as adults (then aged 27.6 ± 2.6 years, born at 34.5 ± 1.92 weeks). We compared spirometric results across the adolescent and adult examinations, and compared the adult results with an adult reference group.Results:The percentage values of FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 s), FVC (forced vital capacity) and MVV (maximal voluntary ventilation) showed significant improvement between the two examinations in the early adolescent period. In adulthood, FEV1%pred (percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s) showed no statistically significant difference. The mean values of both FVC and FVC%pred (percentage predicted forced vital capacity) for the preterm-born group were lower than for the reference group, but this was not statistically significant. The preterm-born group showed lower values of such parameters as forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of FVC, MEF25 (maximal expiratory flow at 25% of forced vital capacity) and FEV1/FVC as compared with the reference group, but again without statistical significance.Conclusions:(1) A somewhat below-norm level of respiratory parameters among preterm-born girls entering pubescence may attest to continued negative impact on their respiratory system.(2) A significant improvement in their spirometric results 1 year later may indicate that pubescence helps compensate for the earlier negative effect of preterm birth.(3) No significant differences were seen in lung function in preterm-born adults as compared with a reference group of adults, although the preterm-born group did exhibit lower values of all parameters studied and more frequent obstructive disorders.

Introduction: Morphological and functional changes in cells, tissues and organs causing characteristic for old age reduction of the efficiency of all organs, and therefore decrease in the level of physical fitness. To determine its level, to find areas of weakness and select optimal physical activity programs that will improve the quality of life and health of older people it is necessary to multi-dimensional assess the level of physical fitness. The aim of this study is to evaluate the fitness level of students of the University of the Third Age in Warsaw Almamer with Fullerton Functional Fitness Test in relation to American standards. Material and methods: The study was conducted on a 40-person group of students of the University of Third Age Almamer in Warsaw, at the age of 60-70 years. Mobility assessment was based on a comparison of results obtained by the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test with standards developed by the authors test for the U.S. population. Results: In all trials conducted with Fullerton Test women got positive results after normalization to the mean and standard deviation of the U.S. population peers. The greatest variation among the test subjects compared to American standards test result was observed in flexion of the forearm. Conclusions: The tested listeners of UTW characterized a good level of physical fitness Fullerton The test evaluated in relation to American standards. According to the authors, developing standards for the test used in Polish conditions would contribute to a more reliable assessment of people over 60 years old.

s u m m a r yWe investigated the impact of two consecutive training sessions on spirometric and anthropometric parameters in 23 older healthy women. Spirometric and anthropometric measurements were taken before the program, after a short high-intensity training program, and again after 12-week regular mildintensity exercises. We found significant differences between vital capacity (VC)% at baseline versus after 2 weeks. The 12-week values were better than at baseline, but lower than those that had been achieved after the intensive training. There were no changes in other respiratory parameters. However, chest expansion was significantly improved after 12 weeks. Intensive physical exercise training was confirmed to be beneficial for older women, possibly slowing down the deterioration of some spirometric parameters [VC%, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 )%, obstruction] sustaining improved quality of life.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the long-term consequences of preterm birth on anthropometric parameters in women in adolescence and into adulthood.MethodsSeventy girls born preterm (age 12.22 ± 1.52 years) and 48 born at term participated in the first stage. Eighteen years later, 13 of the same women participated in a follow-up and were compared with a control group of 27 women. We compared anthropometric results across the two examinations, and in the second stage, also assessed body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis.ResultsNo significant differences were found in anthropometric parameters or the content of individual components of the body between the preterm-born and control groups. However, the preterm-born group showed a tendency for higher average fat mass and lower fat-free and soft lean mass compared with the control group, and had a significantly higher mean waist–hip ratio.ConclusionsPreterm birth does not adversely affect somatic development in girls during adolescence, but shows a correlation with an elevated waist–hip ratio in adulthood.

Introduction: Physical fitness has a direct impact on daily motor function. The level of fitness generally increases with age to reach a maximal level for a given individual at around 20-30 years of age, after which it begins to gradually decrease - with the pace of the decrease depending on the type of physical activity engaged in. At every age, physical fitness can be improved by the right physical training. One factor that frequently limits participation in various types of physical activity is insufficient free time. Older individuals frequently have more free time, yet do not spend it in an active way. At the same time, elderly individuals are becoming an increasingly sizeable group within society. That means that soon a large share of Poland's population will consist of individuals with low motor fitness. To mitigate this, organizations are being formed where older individuals can participate in motor-exercise classes. This type of activity can have a positive impact on the condition of older individuals, who represent an ever-larger part of society. It is thus possible to boost the physical fitness of the elderly, and doing so is very important for this population segment's health. The objective of this study is to identify the level of physical fitness of elderly individuals who participate in the Third Age University at the Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw, and to trace the evolution of their physical fitness after 3 months of motor-exercise classes. Materials and methods: The physical fitness of 31 women was tested. All were female participants in the Third Age University at the Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw. The mean age of the subjects was 65.3 years (SD 4.42), with mean body mass 66.4 kg (SD 7,44) and mean height 157.7cm (SD 5,11). Their body mass index (BMI) ranged between 21.5 and 31.7, with the mean value being 26.5. The test was conducted twice, after an interval of 3 months. The objective was to identify an exercise regime that would cause a given individual's heart rate to increase to 130 bpm. Results: The individuals studied showed a low level of physical fitness. A 3 month period was sufficient to effect an improvement in the physical fitness of elderly individuals Conclusions: 1. Physical capacity subjects is low. 2. Using regular physical activity adapted specifically for the needs of older people can improve physical performance in elderly people. 3. A period of three months is sufficient to improve physical performance in the elderly.