Armeo®Spring therapy improves movement efficiency and contributes to a better quality of life.

Objectives: The main objective was to explore the effect of exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation on quality of life in the subacute state of ischemic stroke.

Background: Central upper extremity hemiparesis affects self-care, social participation, and quality of life. Exoskeleton devices serve as a therapeutic tool and an assessment tool that offers precise tracking of patient progress and evaluation of impairment.

Determination of the prevalence and predictors of ventricular thrombus with assessment of the risk of systemic embolization to the CNS in patients after acute myocardial infarction using magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography and cardiac markers - a prospective, unicentric, observational study.

Background: Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation is one of the well-known and serious complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to the risk of systemic arterial embolization (SE). To diagnose LVT, echocardiography (TTE) is used. Late gadolinium-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DE-CMR) is the gold standard for diagnosing LVT.

Effect of Virtual Reality Therapy on Quality of Life and Self-Sufficiency in Post-Stroke Patients.

: The consequences of stroke have a significant impact on self-sufficiency and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation has the potential to impact these modalities, but information on timing, volume, and intensity is not yet available. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (1:1) was to evaluate the impact of conventional rehabilitation combined with VR on self-care and domains of HRQoL in patients ≤6 months post-stroke.

Comparison of performance and anthropometric parameters in paediatric competitive athletes during COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic.

Objectives: In 2020, measures against the spread of COVID-19 were adopted, including nationwide school closures, restrictions on the free movement of persons and leisure time sports activities. The aim was to assess the impact of COVID-19-associated restrictions on the performance of paediatric and adolescent competitive athletes by comparing basic anthropometric and performance parameters.

Methods: The sample comprised 389 participants (115 girls, 274 boys).

What are the real associations of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) with body mass index and age?

Introduction: Insulin resistance (IR), a key pathogenesis mechanism of metabolic disorders, can be tested using homeostatic model assessment (HOMA). HOMA-IR quantifies peripheral tissue IR, whereas HOMA-β determines insulin secretion. The cross-sectional study aimed to examine non-linear associations of HOMA indices with age when adjusting for body mass index (BMI), and thus to investigate the indices' ability to reflect the real development of glucose metabolism disorders over time.

Molecular Hydrogen Positively Affects Physical and Respiratory Function in Acute Post-COVID-19 Patients: A New Perspective in Rehabilitation.

Molecular hydrogen (H) is potentially a novel therapeutic gas for acute post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients because it has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis, and antifatigue properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 14 days of H inhalation on the respiratory and physical fitness status of acute post-COVID-19 patients. This randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study included 26 males (44 ± 17 years) and 24 females (38 ± 12 years), who performed a 6-min walking test (6 MWT) and pulmonary function test, specifically forced vital capacity (FVC) and expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1).

Optimal Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) Cut-Offs: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Czech Population.

The key pathogenetic mechanism of glucose metabolism disorders, insulin resistance (IR), can be assessed using the Homeostasis Model Assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). However, its application in clinical practice is limited due to the absence of cut-offs. In this study, we aimed to define the cut-offs for the Czech population.

Total and high-molecular-weight adiponectin levels and prediction of insulin resistance.

Introduction: Adiponectin is a peptide secreted by adipocytes; its reduction is associated with obesity-related disorders, including insulin resistance (IR). The study analysed levels of total adiponectin and its high-molecular-weight (HMW) oligomer in a group of metabolically healthy adults and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to evaluate these levels as potential predictors of the presence of IR.

Materials And Methods: The study comprised 269 metabolically healthy adults and 300 patients with T2DM.

Comprehensive Group Therapy of Obesity and Its Impact on Selected Anthropometric and Postural Parameters.

Objective: Obesity is a multifactorial disease. This non-infectious epidemic has reached pandemic proportions in the 21 century. Posture is a dynamic process referring to an active maintenance of body movement segments against the action of external forces.

Effect of Physical Activity in Treatment of Paediatric Obesity.

The aim of the study was to compare the differences in anthropometric parameters, maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and physical activity (PA) between groups of 146 obese boys and 128 obese girls. We tried to describe the relationships between changes in PA and changes in VO₂max, body fat, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference. We found statistically significant changes in VO₂max and waist circumference only in the group of boys and significant changes in VO₂max in the group of girls.

Positive effect of yoga on cardiorespiratory fitness: A pilot study.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in developed countries. An integral part of primary prevention is physical activity. One form of physical activity to be potentially used is yoga, but this activity is associated with lower energy expenditure than that recommended for prevention.

Total and High Molecular Weight Adiponectin Levels and Prediction of Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetic Patients.

The study aimed at assessing the potential use of lower total and HMW adiponectin levels for predicting cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Concentrations of total adiponectin or high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin decrease in association with the development of metabolic dysfunction such as obesity, insulin resistance, or T2DM. Increased adiponectin levels are associated with a lower risk for coronary heart disease.

[With children against obesity].

The project "With Children Against Obesity" (www.sdetmiprotiobezite.cz) is an original and innovative prevention website, which is currently unparalleled in the Czech Republic.

[A multifactor epidemiological analysis of risk factors for pancreatic cancer in women].

Study Objective: A multifactor analysis of risk factors for pancreas cancer in women.

Material And Methods: A case-control study was conducted in three centres in the Czech Republic (Olomouc, Ostrava, and České Budějovice) in 2006-2009. In total, 226 women (129 pancreas cancer cases, 97 controls) were included in the study.

Evaluation of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in a group of obese Czech children.

Objective: The study aimed to determine the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in a group of Czech obese children, to evaluate the incidence of insulin resistance according to HOMA-IR in this group, and to consider the diagnostic value of HOMA-IR in early MS detection in obese children using the logistic regression models for analyzing the relations between HOMA IR and MS.

Subjects And Methods: Anthropometric and laboratory examinations were performed in a group of 274 obese children aged 10-17 years.

Results: MS was established in 102 subjects (37%).

Central facial paresis and its impact on mimicry, psyche and quality of life in patients after stroke.

Aim: Using functional scales and face video analysis, changes in central facial paresis are monitored in patients with stroke after orofacial therapy and correlations between changes in mimicry, mental function and overall quality of life of patients after stroke are made.

Materials And Methods: A prospective randomized study of patients after stroke with facial paresis. The functional status of the experimental group of 50 cases with orofacial regulation therapy and 49 control cases without mimicry therapy is observed after four weeks of rehabilitation.

The incidence of metabolic syndrome in obese Czech children: the importance of early detection of insulin resistance using homeostatic indexes HOMA-IR and QUICKI.

Common alimentary obesity frequently occurs on a polygenic basis as a typical lifestyle disorder in the developed countries. It is associated with characteristic complex metabolic changes, which are the cornerstones for future metabolic syndrome development. The aims of our study were 1) to determine the incidence of metabolic syndrome (based on the diagnostic criteria defined by the International Diabetes Federation for children and adolescents) in Czech obese children, 2) to evaluate the incidence of insulin resistance according to HOMA-IR and QUICKI homeostatic indexes in obese children with and without metabolic syndrome, and 3) to consider the diagnostic value of these indexes for the early detection of metabolic syndrome in obese children.

Acute effects of right ventricular pacing on cardiac haemodynamics and transvalvular impedance.

Aims: To assess the acute side-effects of right ventricular (RV) stimulation applied in apex and mid-septum, in order to establish the optimal lead location in clinical practice.

Methods: During pacemaker implantation, the ventricular lead was temporarily fixed in the apex and then moved to mid-septum. In both positions, surface and endocardial electrograms and transvalvular impedance (32 cases), left ventricular (LV) pressure (23), and transthoracic echocardiography (10) were acquired with intrinsic activity and VDD pacing.

Dehiscent scar in the lower uterine segment after Caesarean section and IVF infertility treatment: a case report.

Aims: Caesarean section is the most common obstetric operation associated with short and long term risks, one of which is uterine scar dehiscence. In this case report we describe four cases of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF+ET) treatment where the embryo was transferred into the uterus with known scar dehiscence in the lower uterine segment after a previous Caesarean section (SC).

Methods: All transfers of embryos were ultrasound guided directly into the middle of uterine cavity.

[Carcinoid and its cardiac manifestation].

A case report concerning patient diagnosed with a rare carcinoid showing typical symptoms is presented. Although essentially a cancer disease, this condition usually shows slow progression and tends to follow a favorable course with good prognosis if treated properly, assuming patients reasonable compliance. We intend to highlight its typical clinical picture as well as the rarely occurring cardial manifestation leading to rapid progression and ultimately fatal outcome in a non-compliant patient who preferred alternative to evidence based medicine.

Clinical anatomy aspects of functional 3D training -- case study.

Introduction: Functional 3D training originating in rehabilitation and physiotherapy routines, is modelled on the basis of a patient's functional impairment and muscle function test results. 3-D functional rehabilitation comprises two key components. The first is three-dimensional movements of the body and the second is restoration of function, The aim of 3D training is not only to improve physical fitness and muscular coordination, it is recommended for all age groups regardless of health status.

Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and C-reactive protein levels as indicators of insulin resistance development.

Background: Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (aFABP) has recently been identified as a potential circulating marker for metabolic syndrome. C-reactive protein (CRP), a sensitive marker of inflammation, is increased in individuals with diabetes and metabolic syndrome due to the development of subclinical inflammation. The study uses logistic regression models to analyze the relations between aFABP and CRP along with other parameters of insulin resistance.

Potential markers of insulin resistance in healthy vs obese and overweight subjects.

Background: Insulin resistance can lead to the metabolic syndrome, which may have cardiovascular and metabolic consequences. The study aimed at verifying the serum concentration levels of the adipose tissue proteins adiponectin, adipocyte-fatty acid binding protein (a-FABP) and acylation stimulating protein (ASP), and the potential use of these markers for early diagnosis of insulin resistance.

Methods And Results: Healthy subjects (Group A, n = 53), overweight subjects (Group B, n = 29) and obese subjects (Group C, n = 51) were studied.

Obesity, hypertension and insulin resistance in childhood--a pilot study.

Background: Obesity and arterial hypertension are a serious risk factor for insulin resistance patients leading to diabetes and other disorders. Obesity is one of the most common nutritional problems in developed countries. Actually the incidence of obesity is increasing considerably, obesity is emerging in alarming rates between the last 10 years.