Acute CIT ingestion induces alkalosis, water retention, plasma volume expansion and an increase in post-exercise blood lactate concentration, but does not improve 5,000-m running performance in a warm environment in non-heat-acclimated endurance-trained males.

Objective: Genu valgum (GV), also known as valgus knee, or knock-knee, is a common orthopaedic condition in growing children. Physiological genu valgum have intermalleolar distance of up to 8 cm, the greatest distance being observed between 3 and 4 years, disappearing gradually after the age of 7-8 years. If the longitudinal axis of the knee joint is not aligned by then, physiotherapeutic intervention is called for. Aim:The aim of our study was to determine if garment with elastic straps and pressure applicator could be used in mechanotherapy to correct children's excessive GV. Methods:The study has lasted last 6 years and there has been three study periods. In all study-periods, practical part lasted six months. Inclusion criterias were: subjects were not involved in physical therapy and did not wear orthoses during the study. Once in every month myometric values (tone, biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of m. sartorius, tensor fasciae latae, semitendinosus, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius caput mediale, m. peroneus longus) were determined with MyotonPro (Myoton AS, Estonia); anthropometric (height, body mass, intermalleolar distance), and goniometric (tibiofemoral angle) parameters were measured according to the standard technique. During the last three months children didn't wear garment and final measurement was done to evaluate long term effect of garment. Individual analysis was carried out to evaluate the results. Results:After wearing the garments with pressure and elastic components the changes in the lower limb joint alignment and biomechanical parameters promoted the correction of GV position. Three months after the wearing period the changes occurred the worsening of GV position, which indicates that the muscles could not maintain the condition achieved by wearing the garment. Conclusion:The relationship between applied mechano therapeutic stimulus and changes in the lower limb joint alignment and changes of the biomechanical parameters are individual. Study continues with upgrading a device where a new solution is found using digital technology to measure tensile strength at a desired period.

One of the inevitable and crucial elements of a physiotherapist’s work, in addition to professional competence, is physical fitness. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the level of health and physical fitness of the first year physiotherapy program students in Tartu Health Care College (THCC) and Kaunas College of Applied Sciences (KCAS). The subjects were 20 and 29 physiotherapy students, respectively. The students’ physical fitness has been assessed by the following tests: Hand grip test, Stork test, ACSM’s push up test, Biering–Sorensen test, ACSM’s curl up test, YMCA sit– and– reach test, and Harvard step–test. The physical fitness level of THCC students were average and below average in different categories. Only the endurance of the abdominal muscle of THCC male students was “excellent”. However, the health indicators (BMI and waist-hip ratio) of both gender of THCC remained within normal range. In most tests, both male and female students from KCAS received a good grade and their avarage fitness level was better than students from THCC. Despite the fact that BMI results of KCAS students remained within normal range and did not differ from THCC students result, their waist–hip ratio was higher. This may indicate an increased abdominal obesity and thereby health risk. In conclusion, the fintess level of the first-year physiotherapy students of THCC is not satisfactory that can negatively affect their future health and coping with future work.

Background: There are non-invasive methods of correcting genu valgum (GV), but to date, there is no method to evaluate mechanotherapeutic intervention that does not restrict child’s natural movements while the process is on-going so that timely decisions could be made on effectiveness of intervention. The aim of study was to develop and assess the comfortability of garments with elastic straps and pressure applicator (GESPA) and the reliability and user-friendliness of “GVcorrect” app, which aims to catch the elastic straps’ pressure level (mN). Methods: 6 children (5–7 y) with intermalleolar distance ≥5 cm wore GESPA daily for 3 months. Anthropometrical and goniometrical measurements were done according to standard technique; tone and biomechanical parameters of skeletal muscles determined with MyotonPRO; feedback about GESPA and “GVcorrect” collected via questionnaire. Results: Based on feedback from children and parents, new, more comfortable and user-friendly GESPA were designed; several updates were made to “GVcorrect” app; new goals were set for the next phase of the study. Conclusions: GESPA and the “GVcorrect” app serve their purpose, but there are still a number of important limitations that need to be removed before the product can be marketed. The study continues with product development until a medical device certificate is obtained.

Body composition and physical ability affect the life quality and health condition of elderly people. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare body composition and physical ability of regularly trained and non-trained elderly women. 22 elderly women in the average age 74 years were divided into two groups based on their physical activity: twice a week training and non-training groups. Body weight, body height, blood pressure and waist-hip ratio were measured, and the body composition was evaluated with a SECA 525 analyser. A handgrip strength test, a “Timed Up and Go” test, “Five Times Sit to Stand” test were also performed by the participants. Based on the results of the study, the following conclusions were made: regularly training women had lower body mass index and systolic blood pressure than non-trained women in the same age; regularly training women had lower body fat mass and higher total body water, fat-free mass and muscle mass than non-training women in the same age; regularly training women had greater hand grip strength than nontraining women in the same age; regularly training women performed “Five Times Sit to Stand” test and “Timed Up and Go” test faster than non-training women in the same age.