The results of overcoming specific tests for the physical abilities of the Military Academy cadets show that the physical education curriculum only slightly improves the development of physical skills of cadets during a 4-year study. The existing program shows the best results in the pull-ups test of the ground troops, and the worst in the multiple motor control tests (endurance, strength and speed).

Background/Aim. Obesity is an established risk factor for numerous chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of well-balanced different caloric restriction (CR) diets on anthropometric parameters and standard biochemical cardiovascular risk markers [lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] in overweight/obese females. Methods. Participants (age 20-40 years) were randomized into 3 different CR diet groups: the group I-restriction of 20% calories from baseline energy requirements, the group II-restriction of 50% calories from baseline energy requirements and the group III-alternating daily diets with 70%/30% restriction. The study lasted 42 weeks. Anthropometric parameters were measured at the start and after 4, 8, 20 and 42 weeks after dietary intervention beginning. Biochemical markers were determined at baseline and after 20 and 42 weeks from dietary restriction start. Results. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and body fat (in %), in the different CR diet groups significantly decreased after 42 weeks. Body weight was less 11 kg in the group I and 12 kg in the groups II and III. WC was reduced by 11 cm in the groups I and III and by 10 cm in the group II. Different CR diets had the same effects on body fat (a reduction of 15% of body fat). Total cholesterol decreased by 7% in the group I and by 8% in the group III. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol decreased by 14% in the group I and by 13% in group III. There were no significant changes in total and LDLcholesterol levels in the group II. The atherogenic index presented as trigliceride/high density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio decreased by 0.22 in the group I, by 0.25 in the group II and by 0.32 in the group III. Various CR diets had the same effects on reducing the hs-CRP levels. Conclusion. Different CR diets with the same macronutrient content are equally effective in reducing body weight, WC and body fat, improve cardiometabolic risk factors and decrease level of proinflammatory hs-CRP in overweight/obese females.

Background/Aim. Overweight/obesity has become important health problem in developed countries. It may be related to a presence of low-grade inflammation in white adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and its relation to anthropometric parameters in overweight and obese females. Methods. This study included 200 apparently healthy, overweight and obese women (18-45 years). Their standard and alternative anthropometric parameters [body mass index (BMI), percentage of fat (%F), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI)] were determined and correlated to serum CRP concentration. Results. Average CRP level was 5.56 ± 2.43 mg/L, and it significantly positively correlated to all investigated anthropometric parameters. There was significant difference between overweight and obese group in all investigated anthropometric parameters, as well as in CRP values. When investigated separately, according to BMI, values regarding obese females showed significant correlation between CRP and every investigated anthropometric parameter. In overweight subjects, no such correlation was recorded. In the obese group, all investigated parameters were significantly related to F. In overweight subjects, body weight (BW), BMI, WC and WHtR showed significant relation to F. Conclusion. The significant difference between the overweight and obese group in all parameters of central obesity was found as well as in the CRP levels. In the obese group, we found strong correlation between adiposity measured by fat percentage and parameters of central obesity, while in the overweight group WHR and BAI did not correlate to fat percentage. Our results confirmed that CRP is a valuable marker of metabolic risk in obese females, and BMI, although not so new, is still reliable parameter of adiposity.

Background/Aim. Chronic renal disease is one of the growing problems all over the world. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important indicator for those with a chronic disease, such as chronic renal disease, because it may serve as predictor of mortality and hospitalization. The aim of this study was to assess HRQoL in patients on chronic maintenance hemodialysis (HD), and compare it with patients suffering from hypertension (HTA), and normal controls of the same age and gender (C). Methods. The study enrolled 224 males and females older than 18 years: 67 in the HD group, 78 in the HTA group, and 79 in the C group. HRQoL was assessed in all groups using 15-D questionnaire. Results. Significantly higher level of education was recorded in the HD group compared to other two groups. In the HD group there were significantly less employed persons (9%) and significantly more retired (67.2%). All groups were similar regarding an average monthly income and marital status. We found significantly lower total HRQoL score in patients in the HD group, compared to normal controls (0.78 ± 0.16 vs. 0.89 ± 0.10 in the HTA and 0.95 ± 0.06 in the C group) as well as specific scores in almost all investigated domains, except in speech, eating and mental functions. Patients in the HD and HTA groups had similar self-reported quality of life in additional 3 domains: hearing, elimination and distress, while the HD group reported significantly lower scores in remaining 9 domains: mobility, vision, breathing, sleeping, usual activities, discomfort and symptoms, depression, vitality and sexual activity. Patients in the HTA group had significantly lower scores than normal controls in 8 domains (hearing, sleeping, elimination, usual activities, discomfort and symptoms, depression, distress and vitality) as well as in total quality of life, while in remaining 4 domains there was no significant difference (mobility, vision, breathing, sexual activity). Conclusion. Both investigated chronic diseases lead to impairment of HRQoL, which is substantially stronger in hemodialysis than in hypertension. Considering the relationship between depression and HRQoL measures, it may be useful to treat depression of HD patients in order to improve their quality of life.

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