This study examined characteristics of trunk muscles electrical activity in young adults performed in the course of static and dynamic trunk muscles strengthening exercises using different lumbar spine stabilization manoeuvres. Twenty young adults (Mage = 25.5 SD = 2.91) participated in this study. Of the 20, 11 subjects (5 males and 6 females) reported no history of pain, 9 subjects (5 males and 4 females) reported lower back pain (LBP) within the last three months. Subjects performed lumbar spine stabilization manoeuvres (abdominal bracing (AB) and abdominal hollowing (AH)) with static and dynamic abdominal muscles strengthening exercises (i.e., plank, side-bridges, and curl-ups). Noraxon Telemyo twelve channel electromyography device (Noraxon USA, Inc.) was used to record EMG data from rectus abdominal muscle (RA), external oblique muscles (EO), internal oblique muscles (IO), and erector spine muscles (ES). In static exercises such as side-bridge exercise, significantly higher RA muscle electrical activity was recorded with AB manoeuvre compared to AH manoeuvre both on the right side and left side respectively (Z = -2.17; p = 0.03; Z = 3.40; p = 0.001). In dynamic exercises such as curl-up exercise, during the lifting phase, median value of RA muscle activity with AB was significantly higher than with AH (Z = -2.315; p = 0.021). Median value of IO muscles activity with AH was significantly higher than with AB (Z = -3.230; p = 0.001). Our findings indicated that although surface muscles are more activated with AB manoeuvre exercises, deep abdominal muscles are more activated in exercises with AH manoeuvre. These findings can help practitioners design interventions to integrate AH manoeuvre for benefiting persons with lumbar instability.

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.

Abstract. The aim of the research is to observe whether specific developmental disorder of motor function (SDDMF) in infancy affects 6-7 years old children's balance and to find out does physiotherapy (PT) is beneficial for enhancing and maintaining this feature. The study involved 97 right-hand 6-7 years old children. Participants were divided into two groups: study and control group. In the study group, there were children who had SDDMF in infancy being 4-11 months old and participated in a PT program in infancy. Control group participants didn't have SDDMF and PT in infancy. The balance was assessed using a computerized balance platform. The study group had 16 physiotherapy procedures. A data analysis showed significant differences of participants' balance characteristics in frontal and sagittal planes: comparing study and control group results before PT in open eyes with feedback performance. There was a significant difference of balance between the study group before and after a PT with the control group when participants performed tasks with open eyes without a feedback. SDDMF in infancy affects 6-7 years old children's balance and PT is beneficial for enhancing and maintaining these features for 6-7 years old children.

Background.  Osteoporosis  is  an  emerging  medical  and  socioeconomic  threat  characterized  by  a  systemic impairment of bone mass, strength, and microarchitecture. Due to degenerative changes in morphology and structure, the amount of bone fragility and fractures increases affecting balance function. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese mind- body exercise that has the potential to overcome the impairments associated with frailty. Methods. The study involved 13 post-menopausal women with osteoporosis. All subjects participated in Tai Chi exercise program which lasted for eight weeks. Two, one-hour group training sessions were taught per week. Balance assessment was performed three times: before Tai Chi exercise program, after four weeks and after eight weeks of the application of Tai Chi exercise program. Balance measurements were conducted using platform “Sigma Balance Pad” and BESS test. Results. Research findings of “Sigma Balance Pa” showed statistically significant changes ( p < .05) in eyes opened condition while in eyes closed condition no significant changes were observed (p ≥ .05). Results of BESS test revealed statistically significant improvement of static balance after Tai Chi exercise program (p = .033). Conclusions.  Research  results  demonstrated  balance  improvement:  body  sway  and  center  of  pressure displacement speed decreased after Tai Chi exercise program. Further future research of reliability and validity of the BESS in subjects with osteoporosis should be considered.

The aim of this study — to identify how anthropometric measurements are connected with spine sagittal curves inschoolchildren.Anthropometric and sagittal body posture measurements were performed for 405 schoolchildren, age range 10—13years. Such anthropometric measurements as body height, weight, fat mass and fat free mass were assessed. Degreesof thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis as sagittal profile features were evaluated.According to the data analysis could be concluded, that coherence between anthropometric parameters and spine’ssagittal profile differs according to gender. The number of statistically significant connections between these twoparameters’ groups was greater in boys. Anthropometric measurements had greater coherence with thoracic kyphosisin comparison with lumbar lordosis. Body weight and fat mass were statistically significantly different according tokyphosis and lordosis values in boys, although fat-free body mass had no significant difference with sagittal curves’expression. Body weight, fat mass and fat-free body mass among girls were associated only with thoracic kyphosis.