Polish Girls Research Articles

BMI at menarche and timing of growth spurt and puberty in Polish girls - longitudinal study.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between BMI at menarche and selected growth spurt parameters, such as age at take-off of the pubertal growth spurt (ATO), age at peak height velocity (APHV), growth spurt duration (APHV-ATO), and the pubertal growth rate. Methods: The study group consisted of 243 girls aged 10-16 years. Several measurements of body height and weight have been taken for each girl during the girls' development (longitudinal study). Nutritional status has been assessed using the IOTF (Cole et al. 2000; Cole et al. 2007). Girls were asked about their age at menarche. To investigate the growth rate, the age at TO and PHV for each girl was calculated using AUXAL.3 software and a structural model JPA2. Statistical analyses were made in Statistica 12.0 using Kruskal-Wallis test Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple regression analysis. Results: The mean age at menarche for the entire group was 12.59 (Me = 12.52, Min = 9.9, Max = 16.2). There was a significant statistical relationship between the level of BMI and age at menarche. The age at menarche decreased significantly with increasing levels of nutritional status (H = 33.2, p < 0.001). Also, TO and PHV occurred earlier in girls with higher values of BMI indicator (TO: H = 12.25, p < 0.05; PHV: H = 12.25, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The level of nutritional status at the age of menarche is significantly related to growth and the rate of biological maturation in girls. Higher BMI at menarche is associated with an earlier occurrence of menarche, TO and PHV.

Upbringing of girls as reflected in the activities and views of Blessed Marcelina Darowska

The article presents the life and educational activities of Blessed Marcelina Darowska, the cofounder of the Convent of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and her views on upbringing of young women. Mother Marcelina’s perception of education of girls in the 19th century seemed modern and beyond her time. In her opinion, there was a need of putting a stop to producing “parlour dolls” and provide young women with practical education. For the betterment of the country, she set up schools in Jazłowiec, Jarosław, Niżniów and Nowy Sącz. The girls attending the schools were brought up according to the system developed by Marcelina Darowska, based on religious and patriotic values. The Convent of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed VirginMary continues the work commenced by its founder; over time Mother Marcelina’s message remains valid and serves the subsequent generations of young Polish girls.

Evidence of a significant vitamin D deficiency among 9\u201313-year-old Polish children: results of a multicentre study

PurposeTo evaluate the extent to which the population of Polish preadolescents is vitamin D deficient and to assess seasonal variations in vitamin D status.Participants and methodsA total of 720 healthy children aged 9–13 years (409 girls, 311 boys) residing in 6 representative geographical locations in Poland were studied. A parental-assisted questionnaire provided data on nutritional habits, vitamin D supplements and sun exposure. Serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin was determined twice, after the winter in March and after the summer in October.ResultsIn March, vitamin D deficiency (25–50 nmol/L) was found in 64%, and severe deficiency (< 25 nmol/L) in 20.2% of children. In October, the deficiency and severe deficiency were still noticed in 25.9 and 0.1% of children, respectively. The mean serum concentration of 25-OHD was 52% higher in October (55.4 ± 14.0 nmol/L) than in March (36.4 ± 13.5 nmol/L), (p < 0.01). In children with 25-OHD < 50 nmol/L in March, their 25-OHD concentration increased by 64% through March to October (32.5 ± 8.2 vs. 53.2 ± 7.9 nmol/L, p < 0.01). An association was found between 25-OHD concentration and regular consumption of vitamin D supplements, cod-liver oil and fish.ConclusionsThe majority of preadolescent Polish boys and girls show vitamin D deficiency after the winter period, although a distinct amelioration over summertime is found in this age group. There is a need to implement effective prevention and intervention strategies in the management of vitamin D deficiency among schoolchildren in Poland, with the supplementation throughout the entire year.

Sociocultural Appearance Standards and Risk Factors for Eating Disorders in Adolescents and Women of Various Ages.

The main aim of the present study was to verify the level of impact of sociocultural appearance standards (passive awareness and active internalization) have on body dissatisfaction, the desire to engage in a relentless pursuit of thinness, the adoption of a perfectionistic attitude toward the body, and the development of a tendency to engage in bulimic eating behavior, which can develop in adolescent girls and women of varying ages. The study group comprised 234 individuals: 95 secondary school girls, 33 high school girls, 56 female students, and 50 employed women, all of whom were living in southern Poland. Participants were not diagnosed with any psychiatric disorders (including eating disorders). The variables were measured using the Polish version of Garner’s Eating Disorder Inventory and the Polish Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Physical Appearance and Body Image Inventory [based on the SATAQ-3 (Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire Scale-3)]. The findings revealed that the youngest Polish girls (aged 12–15) reported the highest level of risk factors for eating disorders. Among the entire study group, the internalization of appearance standards and the pressure associated with various media messages were determined to be predictors of the pursuit of thinness, regardless of age and body mass index values. The second most significant variable explained by the internalization of sociocultural standards was body dissatisfaction. The internalization of sociocultural norms provided a significant explanation of bulimic tendencies only in the youngest girls. Perfectionism proved not to be affected by the sociocultural impact of mass media. The adult women had the lowest average scores over the entire study population regarding exposure frequency to body images in mass media and regarding the experience of pressure exerted by sociocultural norms. The high level of internalization of sociocultural appearance standards seems to be significantly linked to body satisfaction in women aged 30 and older. Young adolescent girls constitute a high-risk group for a specific psychological proneness to developing eating disorders as a result of the sociocultural influence exerted by mass media. The obtained study results can prove helpful in creating education programs in preventive healthcare aimed particularly at the youngest adolescents.

Health- and Taste-Related Attitudes Associated with Dietary Patterns in a Representative Sample of Polish Girls and Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Study (GEBaHealth Project).

Attitudes can be predictors of certain health-related behaviours. The attitudes of young females towards health and taste have not been yet fully examined and their associations with dietary behaviours remain unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate if attitudes are associated with dietary patterns in a representative sample of Polish girls. The study population consisted of 1107 girls, aged 13–21 and living in Poland. Attitudes were assessed using the Health and Taste Attitudes Scale (HTAS) and categorised as negative, neutral or positive. Dietary data was obtained using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Dietary patterns (DPs), derived previously with a Principal Component Analysis (PCA), were ‘Traditional Polish’, ‘Fruit and vegetables’, ‘Fast food and sweets’ and ‘Dairy and fats’. The associations between attitudes and DPs were assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficients and logistic regression. The reference group were girls with neutral attitudes. Odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for age, socioeconomic status (SES), and body mass index (BMI). The correlations between attitudes and DPs ranged from −0.28 for attitudes towards health and ‘Fast food and sweets’ and ‘Traditional Polish’ DPs to 0.33 for attitudes towards health and the ‘Fruit and vegetables’ DP (p < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, the strongest associations within health-related HTAS subscales were observed between negative attitudes towards natural products and the ‘Fast food and sweets’ DP (OR: 10.93; 95% CI: 3.32–36.01) and between positive attitudes towards health and the ‘Fruit and vegetables’ DP (OR: 5.10; 3.11–8.37). The strongest associations within taste-related HTAS subscales were observed between positive attitudes towards craving for sweet foods and the ‘Traditional Polish’ DP (OR: 1.93; 1.43–2.61) and between positive attitudes towards using food as a reward and the ‘Dairy and fats’ DP (OR: 2.08; 1.22–3.55) as well as the ‘Fast food and sweets’ DP (OR: 2.07; 1.14–3.74). Positive attitudes towards health were associated with a pro-healthy dietary pattern characterised by the consumption of fruit and vegetables, while negative attitudes towards natural products as well as a strong craving for sweets and using food as a reward were associated with less healthy dietary patterns. To improve the dietary habits of girls and young women, positive attitudes towards health should be strengthened and supported by emphasizing the sensory values of pro-healthy foods.

(Post)communist homelessness? Identity and belonging in Dagmara Dominczyk’s Th e Lullaby of Polish Girls

Studia Migracyjne – PrzeglÄ d Polonijny » 2018 (XLIV) » Nr 4 (170) » (Post)communist homelessness? Identity and belonging in Dagmara Dominczyk’s Th e Lullaby of Polish Girls A A A

Physical Activity, BMI and Body Weight Perception Among 15-year-old Boys and Girls in Poland in The Light of International Comparisons

BackgroundThe wrong subjective assessment of body mass may have consequences for the health, quality of life and proper functioning of adolescents in society.AimThe purpose of the study is to provide a detailed analysis of the discrepancies between the objective and subjective assessment of body mass by 15-year-old boys and girls in Poland against the background of international statistics and to assess the effect of physical activity on the level and directions of these discrepancies.Material and methodsThe data concerned 72037 schoolchildren from 42 countries, including 1484 in Poland. The measure of objective body mass was the BMI categorized according to Cole’s criteria. Research focused on the relation between the mean BMI and the subjective perception of their body mass by adolescents and the discrepancy in this assessment. In addition, the level of physical activity (MVPA) was taken into account.ResultsIn Poland the percentage of adolescents with overweight was lower than the international average and amounted to 12.3% vs. 15.2%. The percentage of 15-year-old boys with overweight in Poland is nearly three times higher than girls of the same age (18.7% vs. 6.5%) and is at the mean level for Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) countries. According to international statistics, the percentage of adolescents who consider themselves overweight is 32.7%, which is two times higher than the percentage of actual excess body weight. Polish girls are systematically first in the ranking of those who consider themselves too fat. It was demonstrated that Polish girls with a normal BMI for their age who consider themselves too fat are on average slimmer than their peers in other countries. There is a correlation between Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) and the accuracy of self-assessment of body mass and the type of mistakes made in that assessment, which is more clearly marked among boys.ConclusionThere are clear geographical and cultural differences in the level of discrepancies between the objective and subjective assessment of body mass among teenagers. Physical activity modifies these discrepancies.

Perceived Health and Nutrition Concerns as Predictors of Dietary Patterns among Polish Females Aged 13-21 Years (GEBaHealth Project).

Health-related concerns can often be factors influencing health-related behaviours. It remains unclear whether a high level of concerns is associated with pro-healthy or unhealthy dietary behaviours and whether any associations between nutrition-related concerns and dietary behaviours exist in a population of girls and young women. The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between perceived health and nutrition concerns and dietary patterns in a representative sample of Polish young females. Data was collected in 2012 through a cross-sectional quantitative survey within the GEBaHealth (Girls Eating Behaviours and Health) project in a group of 1107 Polish girls aged 13–21 years old. Dietary patterns were identified by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based on dietary data collected with Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs). Nutrition and health concerns were assessed separately by two indices: Health Concern Index (HCI) and Nutrition Concern Index (NCI); both based on the Health Concern Scale (HCS). The associations between perceived health and nutrition concerns and each dietary pattern were investigated using logistic regression analysis. Displaying a higher level of health concerns increased the chances of adherence to the upper tertile of ‘Fruit & vegetables’ pattern (adjusted odds ratio [adj. ORs]: 1.46, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 1.02–2.10). Displaying a lower level of health concerns increased the chances of the adherence to the upper tertiles of ‘Traditional Polish’, ‘Dairy & fats’, ‘Fruit and vegetables’ and ‘Fast food & sweets’ patterns (adj. ORs: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.31–2.67; 1.66, 95% CI: 1.18–2.34; 1.57, 95% CI: 1.11–2.22; 1.52, 95% CI: 1.08–2.13; respectively). No significant associations were found between levels of nutrition concerns and dietary patterns in the adjusted model. We found associations between self-perceived health concerns and dietary patterns in our study sample, suggesting health concerns can be an important predictor of dietary behaviours in girls and young women. To increase the effectiveness of healthy eating, an emphasis should be laid on health, reinforced with awareness of nutrition, when advising on food-related decisions.

The Polish Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale: Preliminary Evidence on Validity and Cross-Cultural Comparison

Anxiety disorders are one of the most widespread psychological diseases in adolescence, which may lead to impairment in several areas of life and has been demonstrated a risk factor of other psychiatric disorders. One of the most widely used self-report measures to assess multiple symptoms of anxiety in youth is the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS). Literature suggests that anxiety symptoms vary across cultures to some extent. It has been found that individuals from collectivistic culture report higher levels of anxiety disorders than those from individualistic culture. Poland is a country whose culture was traditionally collectivistic; but now Poland is undergoing social and economic system transformation, which is taking it closer to individualistic culture. However, SCAS has never been validated in Polish samples, and thus the current study aimed (1) to assess the psychometric properties (structural validity and reliability) of SCAS in a sample of 303 Polish adolescents, (2) to examine gender differences, (3) to test the divergent validity of SCAS by relating it to the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and (4) to compare the mean levels with Chinese (collectivistic) and Italian (individualistic) samples. The results confirmed that the Polish version of SCAS showed good reliability and validity. Polish girls showed higher physical injury and generalized anxiety/overanxious symptoms than boys. Furthermore, Polish adolescents reported higher levels of anxiety than Italian youth but lower levels of anxiety than their Chinese counterparts. Implications for professionals and researchers are discussed.

Self-Reported Dietary Restrictions and Dietary Patterns in Polish Girls: A Short Research Report (GEBaHealth Study).

Dietary restraint is a commonly reported practice observed among young females. The practice remains controversial and can be interpreted as a beneficial self-regulating behavior or the opposite, an eating disorder that may have a detrimental effect on health. The aim of this short report was to investigate if dietary restrictions are associated with dietary patterns in a representative sample of Polish girls. Analyses were carried out on data from the Girls’ Eating Behavior and Health (GEBaHealth) study. The sample included 1107 girls, ranging in age from 13 to 21 years old. Restrictions regarding food quantities and selected food groups were assessed using a standardized interview. Dietary patterns were identified with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), based on dietary data collected with Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs). Logistic regression analysis was used to study the associations between self-reported restrictions and each dietary pattern. In the total sample, 30.5% of girls reported following some food restrictions. The most common restrictions regarded consumption of sugar and/or sweets (23.7%), high-fat foods (22.4%), and fats (21.3%). Girls who declared following any restrictions, restrictions in food quantity and restrictions in the consumption of sugar and/or sweets, high-fat foods, fats, cereals and/or bread and/or potatoes were more likely to adhere to the “fruit and vegetables” (considered pro-healthy) dietary pattern (adjusted odds ratios (ORs): 1.55, 95% CI: 1.14–2.12; 1.61, 95% CI: 1.17–2.21; 1.81, 95% CI: 1.30–2.52; 1.46, 95% CI: 1.04–2.06; 1.96, 95% CI: 1.38–2.80 and 3.25, 95% CI: 1.97–5.37, respectively), and less likely to adhere to the “fast foods and sweets” (unhealthy) and “traditional Polish” (rather unhealthy) patterns, compared to girls who declared no restrictions. Declared restrictions in the consumption of foods high in sugar, fat, and starch were observed in girls in the “fruit and vegetables” pattern and were uncommon in girls with unhealthy dietary patterns. Although cautious interpretation is needed when considering restrictions in the overall quantity of food consumed, the results indicate that dietary restrictions of sugar, high-fat foods, fats, and starch may be considered predictors of both pro-healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns in the population of Polish girls.

Comparing dietary patterns derived by two methods and their associations with obesity in Polish girls aged 13-21 years: the cross-sectional GEBaHealth study.

To compare dietary patterns (DPs) derived by two methods and their assessment as a factor of obesity in girls aged 13-21 years. Data from a cross-sectional study conducted among the representative sample of Polish females ( n = 1,107) aged 13-21 years were used. Subjects were randomly selected. Dietary information was collected using three short-validated food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) regarding fibre intake, fat intake and overall food intake variety. DPs were identified by two methods: a priori approach (a priori DPs) and cluster analysis (data-driven DPs). The association between obesity and DPs and three single dietary characteristics was examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Four data-driven DPs were obtained: 'Low-fat-Low-fibre-Low-varied' (21.2%), 'Low-fibre' (29.1%), 'Low-fat' (25.0%) and 'High-fat-Varied' (24.7%). Three a priori DPs were pre-defined: 'Non-healthy' (16.6%), 'Neither-pro-healthy-nor-non-healthy' (79.1%) and 'Pro-healthy' (4.3%). Girls with 'Low-fibre' DP were less likely to have central obesity (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17, 0.75) than girls with 'Low-fat-Low-fibre-Low-varied' DP (reference group, OR = 1.00). No significant associations were found between a priori DPs and overweight including obesity or central obesity. The majority of girls with 'Non-healthy' DP were also classified as 'Low-fibre' DP in the total sample, in girls with overweight including obesity and in girls with central obesity (81.7%, 80.6% and 87.3%, respectively), while most girls with 'Pro-healthy' DP were classified as 'Low-fat' DP (67.8%, 87.6% and 52.1%, respectively). We found that the a priori approach as well as cluster analysis can be used to derive opposite health-oriented DPs in Polish females. Both methods have provided disappointing outcomes in explaining the association between obesity and DPs. The cluster analysis, in comparison with the a priori approach, was more useful for finding any relationship between DPs and central obesity. Our study highlighted the importance of method used to derive DPs in exploring associations between diet and obesity.

Social distances decrease of body height and the maturation rate of Polish girls in urban and rural population in the period 1967–2009

The aim of the study is to present social distances in biological development of youth in the period of changes in economic and political situation in Poland.&#x0D; Material and methods: 1. Nationwide study of children and adolescents aged 7.5 to 19.5 years started in 1979 and repeated every decade till 2009, 2. Survey conducted in the region of eastern Poland in 1987 and 2007, 3. Study of rural girls repeated four times between 1967 and 2001. The differences in body height and age at menarche between the inhabitants of towns and rural areas, as well as the differences between rural girls determined by diversified source of income for the family, will be presented. The age at menarche (AM) in each study was calculated using probit method. A monotonic decrease in body height differences between the inhabitants of towns, and girls living in rural areas was observed. On the basis of nationwide studies arithmetic means of the differences in terms of age were 1.9 cm in 1979 and 0.82 in 2009. At the same time, differences in the AM among girls in compared agglomerations decreased from 0.36 to 0.26, respectively. In eastern region of Poland the difference in body height between the residents of towns and villages in 1987 was 1.76 cm, and in 2007, only 0.38 cm; the difference of AM decreased from 0.41 to 0.14 years.&#x0D; The research conducted on inhabitants of rural areas has shown the earliest maturation and slightly greater body height for girls from landless families and the latest maturation and the smallest body height for the daughters of farmers. The differences in AM between the two groups decreased from 0.53 years in 1967 to 0.15 in 2001. The political transformation (1989) unequally influenced people on different levels of urbanization, different socio-professional groups and residents of various regions of the country, but was reflected in the results of anthropological research.&#x0D; The largest social advancement measured in terms of acceleration of maturation in the period covered by the research was characteristic for rural girls, especially the daughters of farmers.

Associations between physical activity patterns and dietary patterns in a representative sample of Polish girls aged 13-21 years: a cross-sectional study (GEBaHealth Project).

BackgroundSimilar to other countries, trends of decreasing levels of physical activity (PA) and an increasing prevalence of unhealthy dietary patterns are observed among girls in Poland. Better understanding of potentially inter-related behaviours within this population can help to design tailored interventions. The purpose of this study was to determine associations between PA patterns and dietary patterns in a representative sample of Polish girls.MethodsGirls aged 13-21 years (n = 1107) were randomly selected for the study. PA was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Long (IPAQ-L). Dietary data were collected with food frequency questionnaires. PA patterns and dietary patterns were drawn separately by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Logistic regression was used to find the associations between PA patterns and dietary patterns.ResultsFour major PA patterns (‘School/work activity’, ‘Active recreation’, ‘Yard activity’ and ‘Walking and domestic activity’) and four dietary patterns (‘Traditional Polish’, ‘Fruit & vegetables’, ‘Fast food & sweets’ and ‘Dairy & fats’) were identified. Level of PA was the highest in the upper tertile of ‘School/work activity’ pattern (mean 1372.2 MET-minutes/week, 95 % Confidence Intervals [CI]: 1285.9–1458.5). Girls in upper tertiles of ‘Yard activity’, ‘Active recreation’ and ‘School/work activity’ patterns had significantly higher chances of being in the upper tertile of the ‘Fruit and vegetables’ dietary pattern (odds ratio [OR] 2.17, 95 % CI: 1.50–3.14, p < 0.0001; OR 2.02, 95 % CI: 1.41–2.91; p < 0.001 and OR 1.76, 95 % CI: 1.24–2.51, p < 0.01 respectively; all adjusted for confounders) in comparison to bottom tertiles. Weak, but significant inverse associations were found between upper tertiles of ‘Active recreation’ and ‘Yard activity’ patterns and unhealthy dietary patterns.ConclusionsWe found associations between PA patterns and dietary patterns in the population of Polish girls. Girls with the highest adherence to the ‘School/work activity’ pattern had the highest levels of PA and presented pro-healthy dietary behaviours. School should be recognised as potentially efficient and important setting to maximise girls' PA potential. The after-school time is the area that should also be targeted to increase daily PA or to at least sustain the level of PA after completing education.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3367-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Serum vaspin concentrations in girls with anorexia nervosa.

Vaspin (VASP) is a protein detected in pre- and mature adipocytes, the production and secretion of which may be conditioned by nutrition status. VASP may also play a role in the regulation of food intake. Since to date, there are no available studies on serum vaspin concentrations in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), the aim of our study is to assess serum vaspin concentrations in girls with AN in comparison to healthy subjects and determine its relationship with body weight, body masss index (BMI) and insulin. In this cross-sectional study vaspin serum concentrations were evaluated using a commercially available ELISA kit in 47 Polish girls hospitalized due to restrictive AN and 39 healthy controls (H). The mean serum concentration of VASP in girls with AN was significantly higher than in the H group. These differences were also noted after adjustment for body masss index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and insulin levels. There were no statistically significant correlations between the serum concentrations of VASP and body mass, BMI, BMI-SDS, insulin and HOMA-IR in the AN or healthy group. Serum vaspin levels in lean subjects are regulated in different mechanisms than previously reported in obesity. It should be established if elevated serum vaspin levels in girls with AN may contribute to low food intake in these patients.

Serum omentin levels in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa and obesity.

It is believed that omentin is secreted by stromal cells of adipose tissue and modulates insulin sensitivity. Data from a few studies have shown lower serum omentin in obese children and higher in anorexia nervosa. However, to date, there is lack of research on serum omentin concentrations in adolescent patients in a wide range of body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance. In this cross-sectional study omentin-1 serum concentrations were evaluated using commercially available ELISA kit in 47 Polish girls with restrictive anorexia nervosa (AN), 50 with simple obesity (OB) and 39 healthy controls (C). The mean serum omentin-1 concentration in girls with AN was statistically significantly higher than that of C and OB girls. Statistically significant (P<0.0001) negative correlations between the serum concentrations of omentin-1 and body weight (r=-0.73), BMI (r=-0.75), standard deviation score for body mass index (BMI-SDS) (r=-0.75), insulin (r=-0.81) and HOMA-IR index (r=-0.82) were seen in the entire examined population. We conclude, that omentin-1 is the nutritional marker reflecting body weight and insulin resistance. Our findings support the hypothesized role of omentin in maintenance of body weight and regulation of appetite and suggest the adaptation of its secretion to body weight and glucose metabolism.

Dynamics of comprehensive physical fitness in artistic gymnasts aged 7-10 years

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the somatic development and comprehensive physical fitness of artistic gymnasts aged 7-10 years. Materials and methods: Gymnasts (n = 307), split up into four age groups performed eight Eurofit tests. The results were evaluated in points according to the development standards prepared in scale T for the Polish girls population. Results : The gymnasts obtained the highest growth rate in balance test - FLB (13 points), arm and shoulder muscular endurance test - BAH (7 points) and speed of the upper limb movement test - PLT (4 points) out of eight physical fitness tests. Conclusions. High and very high level of performance in the six Eurofit tests and increased total number of points in the subsequent age groups of artistic gymnasts proved high effectiveness of training in shaping the key components of a comprehensive physical fitness in artistic gymnastics - balance, strength, endurance, speed and flexibility. Relatively little progress in isometric hand strength (HGR) and standing broad jump (SBJ) suggests a significant influence of genetic factors on the level of these abilities. The results provide an objective information useful in optimizing control system of training effects in comprehensive physical fitness and optimization of artistic gymnasts training at the comprehensive stage of sports training.

The Lullaby of Polish Girls

The Lullaby of Polish Girls

Validation of maturity offset in a longitudinal sample of Polish girls

This study attempted to validate an anthropometric equation for predicting age at peak height velocity (PHV) in 198 Polish girls followed longitudinally from 8 to 18 years. Maturity offset (years before or after PHV) was predicted from chronological age, mass, stature, sitting height and estimated leg length at each observation; predicted age at PHV was the difference between age and maturity offset. Actual age at PHV for each girl was derived with Preece–Baines Model 1. Predicted ages at PHV increased from 8 to16 years and varied relative to time before and after actual age at PHV. Predicted and actual ages at PHV did not differ at 9 years, but predicted overestimated actual age at PHV from 10 to 16 years. Girls of contrasting maturity status differed in predicted age at PHV from 8 to 14 years. In conclusion, predicted age at PHV is dependent upon age at prediction and individual differences in actual age at PHV, which limits its utility as an indicator of maturity timing in general and in sport talent programmes. It may have limited applicability as a categorical variable (pre-, post-PHV) among average maturing girls during the interval of the growth spurt, ~11.0–13.0 years.

Influence of socioeconomic factors on age at menarche of Polish girls

The aim of the study is to determine the influence of socioeconomic factors on age at menarche in Polish girls. Questionnaire data of 2016 girls were collected during the cross-sectional research. Within the socioeconomic variables parents' education, urbanization, number of children in the family and date of menarche were considered. To examine the effects of the analyzed socioeconomic factors on age at menarche, the analysis of variance and the Kaplan-Meier method were used. To estimate the mutual relations between the analyzed variables, the method of classification and regression trees (CART) was applied. The socioeconomic factors significantly affect age at menarche. The latest crossed threshold of puberty is observed in girls whose parents inhabit rural areas. Family size also affects age at menarche: girls from large families are the latest who have crossed the pubertal threshold. The method of classification and regression trees indicates that the most important predictive factor is the number of children in the family. The obtained results confirmed the complex effect of the analyzed variables. A factor that conditions occurrence of menarche most of all is the number of children in the family and then the urbanization degree of mother's place of residence. Further research is clearly required--especially research including analyses of mutual relations between variables and their complex effect.

Secular trends in pupils’ assessments of physical education lessons in regard to their self-perception of physical fitness across the educational systems of Czech Republic and Poland

Observation of trends in physical education plays an integral role in motor-development diagnostics and in encouraging physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. This study aims to elucidate the current state of and trends in pupils’ assessments of physical education lessons (PELs) in different education systems in the context of self-perception of physical fitness. The research was conducted during PELs taught by student teachers at primary schools and high schools in the Czech Republic and in Poland. Schools were selected annually between 2000 and 2011 according to the student teachers’ places of residence. In total, the research involved 25,988 Czech pupils and 21,205 Polish pupils. At the end of each PEL, an anonymous questionnaire was distributed. The Czech and Polish versions contained cognitive, emotional, health, social, attitudinal, and creative dimensions and the supplementary dimension “pupil’s role”. For the analysis, pupils were divided according to their self-perceived physical fitness (SPF) as marked in the questionnaire (low or high). Polish and Czech pupils who evaluated themselves as having high physical fitness gave PELs higher evaluations, both overall and in individual dimensions, than those who evaluated themselves as having low physical fitness. During three 4-year periods between 2000 and 2011, a decline in positive PEL evaluations occurred in all groups, except among Polish girls with low SPF. A low positive-assessment rate was found in Czech girls with low SPF. The lowest rate was found in Czech boys with low SPF. The Polish system of education includes more weekly PEL and offers vocational training for PE teachers, facilitating more positive evaluation of PEL by pupils compared with the Czech system. It is necessary to focus on meeting the needs of pupils with low SPF during teacher training and in teaching.