Therapy based on performing activities seems to be more effective for pain reduction and the ability to perform daily life activities than conventional treatment methods.

Szczygieł E, Zielonka K, Mętel S, Golec J. Musculo-skeletal and pulmonary effects of sitting position -a systematic review. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2017; 24(1): 8-12. doi: 10.5604/12321966.1227647 Abstract Introduction. Year after year, we spend an increasing amount of time in a sitting position. Often, we sit with poor posture, as indicated by numerous pain syndromes within the musculoskeletal system. Several reports confirm that body posture and the amount of time spent in a seated position have extensive implications for our health. Previous studies and a literature review suggest there is limited knowledge regarding an ergonomic sitting position. Objective. The aim of the study was to analyze the research relating to a proper sitting position and the consequences of incorrect sitting posture. A database search was conducted in Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. Selection was made on the basis of titles, then abstracts and full texts of the studies. No limits were applied to the date of publication. Conclusions. Incorrect sitting posture contributes to many disorders, especially in the cervical and lumbar spine. It also determines the work of the respiratory system. Most authors suggest that maintenance of the physiological curvature of the spine is crucial for the biomechanics of the sitting position, as well as the location of the head and position of the pelvis. It raises awareness of work-related hazards and the introduction of education on the principles of proper seating. It is necessary to draw attention to the risks associated with work performed in a sitting posture, and education on the principles of ergonomical sitting.

Introduction. Year after year, we spend an increasing amount of time in a sitting position. Often, we sit with poor posture, as indicated by numerous pain syndromes within the musculoskeletal system. Several reports confirm that body posture and the amount of time spent in a seated position have extensive implications for our health. Previous studies and a literature review suggest there is limited knowledge regarding an ergonomic sitting position. Objective. The aim of the study was to analyze the research relating to a proper sitting position and the consequences of incorrect sitting posture. A database search was conducted in Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. Selection was made on the basis of titles, then abstracts and full texts of the studies. No limits were applied to the date of publication. Conclusions. Incorrect sitting posture contributes to many disorders, especially in the cervical and lumbar spine. It also determines the work of the respiratory system. Most authors suggest that maintenance of the physiological curvature of the spine is crucial for the biomechanics of the sitting position, as well as the location of the head and position of the pelvis. It raises awareness of work-related hazards and the introduction of education on the principles of proper seating. It is necessary to draw attention to the risks associated with work performed in a sitting posture, and education on the principles of ergonomical sitting.

Objective: Our aim was to determine the influence of pulmonary rehabilitation conducted in therapeutic salt mine chambers on the functional fitness of older adults. Methods: The study included 22 individuals of age >65 years with chronic respiratory conditions. The patients underwent the Fullerton test before and after a 3-week outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation in the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine Health Resort. Results: After the rehabilitation stay, the results showed statistically significant improvements within five of the six parameters evaluated. In the Arm Curl, the mean number of repetitions within 30 s increased from 14.55 ± 3.63 to 16.68 ± 3.83 and in the Chair Stand from 11.86 ± 2.55 to 14.41 ± 2.95. Beneficial changes were observed in the Back Scratch, but without statistical significance. In Sit and Reach results increased from -2.3 ± 11.11cm to 2.14 ± 9.19 cm. Time for performing the 8-Foot Up and Go decreased from 6.63 ± 1.27 s to 5.8 ± 0.86 s and in 2-Minute Step results increased from 88.27 ± 20.64 to 96.55 ± 16.38 repetitions. Conclusion: Functional fitness of examined older adults with pulmonary disorders has increased after a rehabilitation and treatment stay in underground salt mine chambers. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Backgrounds: As people age, they are more likely to experience balance disturbances. Pulmonary rehabilitation is recognized as a core component in the management of older adults with chronic respiratory diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the dynamic balance and chest mobility of older adults participating in speleotherapy combined with pulmonary rehabilitation, endurance and strength training. Methods: The study group consisted of 51 older adults with chronic respiratory disorders who participated in a 3-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme in underground salt chambers in the ‘Wieliczka’ Salt Mine Health Resort. These individuals underwent the Four Square Step Test (FSST) and circumferential chest mobility measurement before and after the outpatient rehabilitation programme conducted 135 m underground. Results: Before rehabilitation in the underground salt chambers, half of the results (50%, 22 patients) were below the norm in the assessment of chest mobility between maximal inhale and exhale. The average time needed to perform FSST decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 10.2 ± 1.9 s before the stay to 9.1 ± 1.7 s after the stay and the average increase in chest mobility increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 4.5 ± 5.5 cm to 5.4 ± 2.8 cm. Conclusions: Speleotherapy combined with pulmonary rehabilitation, endurance and strength training increased the dynamic balance and chest mobility of older adults with chronic respiratory diseases, as measured by the FSST and circumferential chest expansion assessment.