Agnieszka Pluto-Prądzyńska

Background: The alarming trend of rising depression and insomnia among the world’s population, especially in young adults, demands urgent attention from both clinical and lifestyle medicine perspectives. This study aimed to evaluate whether habitual physical activity (PA) could improve sleep quality and depressive symptoms. It explores whether sleep parameters mediate the relationship between training intensity and depression. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the relationships between PA, sleep quality, and depression in 349 participants, predominantly young adults, aged 16–54 (Median: 21, Q1–Q3: 20–23). Depressive symptoms and sleep quality were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). PA parameters, including training intensity and frequency, were evaluated via a study-specific self-report tool. Mediation effects were assessed utilising Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to evaluate direct, indirect, and total effects. Results: Higher training intensity and training volume were associated with lower depressive symptoms. Except for the daytime dysfunction domain, the current data did not support sleep as a mediator in the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms. Participants with 3–5 years of training experience exhibited lower BDI scores compared to those with less than 12 months of experience. Interestingly, the type of PA did not influence BDI or PSQI scores, suggesting that consistency and intensity are more critical than the kind of exercise itself. Conclusions: Systematic, high-intensity PA, especially for a prolonged period of time, is significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms. The exploratory nature of this study highlights training frequency and intensity as potential factors that need further research. These findings highlight the mind–body connection and demonstrate that PA might be an intervention supporting mental well-being.

Background/Objectives: Psilocybin has re-emerged as a promising intervention for neuropsychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety associated with life-threatening illness, obsessive compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. However, conventional randomized controlled trials (RCTs)—the current gold standard in evidence-based medicine—may not adequately capture the therapeutic complexity of psilocybin, which depends not only on pharmacological action but also on contextual, psychological, and interpersonal factors. This critical narrative review aimed to evaluate the adequacy of existing clinical research frameworks for assessing psilocybin’s therapeutic potential and to explore alternative methodologies that may better reflect real-world clinical conditions. Methods: Using the Web of Science Core Collection database, we identified and analysed the ten most cited clinical studies on psilocybin published between 2015 and 2025 inclusive. Additional literature was included through reference cross-checking, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and interdisciplinary sources covering neurobiology, history, and real-world evidence (RWE). The review synthesizes clinical outcomes, methodological constraints, and epistemic considerations relevant to psychedelic-assisted therapy. Results: Evidence from highly cited trials demonstrates rapid and sustained antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of psilocybin, with notable benefits also observed in addiction treatment. However, significant methodological limitations were identified, including selection bias, challenges in placebo design and blinding, small sample sizes, and the underrepresentation of diverse populations. Psilocybin outcomes were strongly influenced by subjective experience and contextual factors such as set and setting. Emerging RWE studies revealed heterogeneous patterns of response and provided insights unattainable through RCTs alone. Conclusions: Psilocybin shows considerable therapeutic promise, but current RCT methodologies capture only part of its clinical effects. Comprehensive evaluation will require larger and more diverse clinical trials, long-term follow-up, standardized psychotherapeutic protocols, and the integration of RWE to reflect real-world practice. Psychedelic-assisted therapy should be conceptualized as a complex intervention that combines pharmacological and psychotherapeutic components.

Introduction: The postmenopausal period is characterized by significant biological and psychosocial changes that can impact women’s physical activity levels and overall quality of life. Physical activity is recognized as one of the key modifiable factors promoting mental health. Still, its role in shaping the emotional domains of quality of life in postmenopausal women remains insufficiently recognized. The study aimed to assess the relationship between physical activity levels and quality of life in postmenopausal women, with particular emphasis on the emotional domains of quality of life, and to determine the role of selected sociodemographic factors. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study included 174 postmenopausal women. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), while quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests with Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc analysis, and multiple linear regression were used, taking into account age and BMI. Results: Higher levels of physical activity were significantly associated with better emotional well-being, higher energy levels, and a more favourable overall health assessment. Physical activity emerged as the strongest and independent variable statistically associated with the emotional domains of quality of life. Educational level and occupational group differentiated the level of physical activity and emotional well-being. Conclusions: Physical activity is an important and independent predictor of emotional quality of life in postmenopausal women. The results emphasize the importance of promoting physical activity as part of mental health prevention in this population.

Background: Winter swimming (WS), defined as brief immersion in cold or icy water, is gaining popularity in Poland as a recreational activity and potential health-promoting practice. Regular exposure to cold has been hypothesized to enhance immune function and reduce susceptibility to respiratory infections, yet empirical data on its relationship with influenza are limited. This pilot study aimed to assess the association between WS and the incidence of influenza and other respiratory infections among adults in Western Poland. Methods: Ninety-four participants (46 men, 48 women; mean age 39.0±12.0 years) were surveyed using a structured questionnaire assessing winter swimming frequency, physical activity, and the occurrence of influenza, common colds, and infection-related medication use. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Mann–Whitney U, and Spearman’s correlation tests, with significance set at p0.05). However, WS participants reported a significantly lower occurrence of common colds compared to non- swimmers (χ²=4.77, p=0.029), with the relationship remaining significant across swimming frequency cat egories (χ²=9.80, p=0.020). Physical activity levels were higher among WS participants (p=0.011) but not independently related to infection outcomes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that regular WS may confer moderate protective effects against mild upper respiratory infections, though its influence on influenza susceptibility remains unconfirmed. Larger longitudinal studies with laboratory-confirmed diagnostics are needed to verify these preliminary observations and clarify underlying mechanisms.

Introduction: To achieve success in international sports competition, swimming training must begin prior to the onset of puberty. Scientific studies exploring the relationship between biological traits and athletic performance in children are most often based on cross- sectional designs, which may limit their ability to account for individual developmental variation. Aims: (1) To analyze the effects of a three-year swimming training programme on selected characteristics of prepubescent girls who began training without prior selection; (2) to identify which examined variables most strongly influence performance in 50m and 400m front crawl. Methods: The experimental group consisted of 14 female swimmers (mean chronological age: 10.48 ± 0.30 years; body mass: 34.99 ± 2.77kg; height: 146.00 ± 3.05cm at baseline) and the control group consisted of 14 girls who participated only in compulsory physical education classes (mean chronological age: 10.52 ± 0.29 years; body mass: 37.93 ± 6.02kg; height: 145.55 ± 3.88cm). Measurements were conducted over three consecutive years. In both groups, body mass and height, maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O₂max), vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), and breath-hold time (BHT) were assessed. Additionally, tests of speed and coordination, lower-limb explosive strength, and abdominal muscle strength were performed. The experimental group also completed timed swimming tests of 50m and 400m front crawl. Results: The most important determinants of 400m performance were explosive strength and body mass. For the 50m distance, maximal anaerobic power was an additional significant factor. Conclusions: Swimming training during the prepubertal period can serve as an effective means of supporting the harmonious physical and functional development of girls, without posing a risk to normal biological maturation.

Aging is a multifaceted biological process characterized by numerous physiological and molecular alterations that profoundly impact health and susceptibility to disease. Among the genetic determinants influencing aging, the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene cluster has emerged as a critical focus of research. This study explored the diverse roles of APOE in both normal and pathological aging, with particular emphasis on its involvement in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We first examined the “physiological” aspects of aging, highlighting cellular and systemic adaptations that support organismal homeostasis. This was followed by an analysis of the pathophysiological deviations underlying neurodegenerative disorders, with AD as a key example. The role of APOE in normative aging was then discussed, including its contributions to lipid metabolism, synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection—functions essential for maintaining both cerebral and systemic health. However, the pathological implications of APOE genetic variants, particularly the ε4 allele, were considered in relation to the increased risk of AD and other age-related diseases. Additionally, the APOE gene cluster, which includes adjacent regulatory and interactive genes, was examined for its potential to modulate APOE expression and function, thereby influencing the aging process. This synthesis underscores the pivotal role of the APOE gene cluster in elucidating the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying aging and age-related diseases, providing a foundation for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.

Background and purpose. The aim of this study is to assess the development of scientific production and to define the thematic scope of research in martial arts biomechanics. The research process focuses on the following research questions: how has research productivity developed in the field of martial arts biomechanics research, who are the main participants (countries, authors) in the accumulation of research product in the field, what are the leading thematic areas that attract the most academic attention. Material and Methods. In the process of selecting the research sample, the Scopus database was used as a source of bibliometric data. The research sample consisted of publications containing the phrases 'biomechanics martial arts in their titles or keywords. A general profiling of publications was carried out to assess trends in scientific production and recognition of leading contributors in the field of research. MS Excel software was used to support the analysis process and visualise the results. Results. The study shows that martial arts biomechanics is a field of research with a relatively short history. The first reports date back to the 1990s. The greatest interest in this subject is among authors from the United States, which is the undisputed leader here just ahead of Brazil and Poland. Most scientific articles of this type appear mainly in the medical and health sciences. Conclusions. It can be seen from the review that the number of articles on martial arts biomechanics is increasing, but fluctuating. This may be due to access to specialised apparatus, without which a precise analysis of the kinetics of human movement and thus of martial arts athletes is not possible. An analysis of the literature on the subject shows that in the collection analysed, kinetic description is not one of the issues represented too often. It has been noted that in the Scopus database on 1991 to 2020, more than 3900 articles on martial arts can be found, with only 187 concerning the biomechanics of martial arts, which constitutes 5 percentage of the entire collection.

Objectives Yoga is an ancient form of physical activity (PA) that encompasses meditation, stretching and breathing techniques. Although the benefits of PA and associated lifestyle interventions are clear, we here addressed the paucity of evidence regarding the specific relationship between yoga and quality of life (QOL) in adults in Poland. We hypothesised that participation in PA and yoga could result in a positive impact on QOL. Design Cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire-based survey. Both the quantitative and qualitative variables were statistically compared. Multivariate analyses were performed using linear regression. Results were determined based on age, sex and education level; a pSetting Questionnaires were delivered to participants online, at high schools and universities, and in elderly communities in Poland. Participants 714 polish citizens aged over 18 participated in the study; there are no specific entry and exclusion criteria besides age. Results Statistically significant differences (pConclusions The study shows that both regular PA and yoga practices could improve QOL; however, PAG-Y produced higher QOL scores than PA of other types. This outcome may be explained by the impact of physiological and psychological aspects within yoga practice. These results suggest that this unique combination impacts health more positively than other kinds of PA alone.