Changes in plant species richness in some riparian plant communities as an result of their colonisation by taxa of Reynoutria (Fallopia)

This study deals with the current issue of the synanthropisation of plant cover which manifests itself, amongst other ways, in the spreading of species outside the limits of their natural distribution range. The aim of the studies undertaken for the present report was to estimate the type and scale of threat posed by alien plant species to native plant diversity. The studies were carried out using the example of Reynoutria (Fallopia) species (knotweeds), which are considered to be invasive in our country as well as in other regions of the world. This is an attempt to determine the impact of these plants on the composition and diversity of the natural components of the herb layer in floodplain forest. Investigations were performed on permanent study plots localised in patches of floodplain forest which have been preserved in the valleys of the So≥a, Bia≥a and Jasienica rivers. The results of the field studies have confirmed the hypothesis that Reynoutria species exert a negative influence on the native components of the floodplain forest herb layer. This impact is, however, different with regard to the various life forms and ecological habitat groups of the plants. The increase of surface coverd by knotweeds does not significantly influence the development of early spring geophytes which are able to complete their full life cycle

Changes in plant species richness in some riparian plant communities as an result of their colonisation by taxa of Reynoutria (Fallopia)

This study deals with the current issue of the synanthropisation of plant cover which manifests itself, amongst other ways, in the spreading of species outside the limits of their natural distribution range. The aim of the studies undertaken for the present report was to estimate the type and scale of threat posed by alien plant species to native plant diversity. The studies were carried out using the example of Reynoutria (Fallopia) species (knotweeds), which are considered to be invasive in our country as well as in other regions of the world. This is an attempt to determine the impact of these plants on the composition and diversity of the natural components of the herb layer in floodplain forest. Investigations were performed on permanent study plots localised in patches of floodplain forest which have been preserved in the valleys of the So≥a, Bia≥a and Jasienica rivers. The results of the field studies have confirmed the hypothesis that Reynoutria species exert a negative influence on the native components of the floodplain forest herb layer. This impact is, however, different with regard to the various life forms and ecological habitat groups of the plants. The increase of surface coverd by knotweeds does not significantly influence the development of early spring geophytes which are able to complete their full life cycle

Kinesiophobia in People with Multiple Sclerosis and Its Relationship with Physical Activity, Pain and Acceptance of Disease

Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic demyelinating disease. Factors that reduce the occurrence of symptoms include physical activity (PA). However, the data indicate that PA levels among people with MS are lower than those of healthy peers. The cause may be kinesiophobia. The aim of the study was to determine the level of kinesiophobia among people with MS and its relationship with age, disease duration, functional status, PA, and degree of acceptance of the disease. Materials and Methods: Eighty people aged 35–69 were examined: 60 women (75%) and 20 men (25%). The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was used to determine the level of disability (median: 3.50; min–max: 1–6). The research questionnaire consisted of a metric section, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and Modified Baecke Questionnaire for Older Adults for physical activity. Results: Of the respondents, 52.50% were characterized by a high level of kinesiophobia (>37 points). Correlation analysis: TSK and PA showed the following: r = −0.363 (p = 0.001). Regression explains kinesiophobia in 44% (R2 = 0.4364; p p p p Conclusions: The problem of kinesiophobia is significant in MS patients, and its predictors are the functional status of the patients, low degree of acceptance of the disease, and low level of physical activity. The age and duration of the disease do not determine the problem of fear of movement

Kinesiophobia in Stroke Patients, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disesase

Background: Stroke (S), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD) are chronic neurological diseases that are a challange for public health and represent a real social problem. Physical activity (PA) improves functional performance, reduces various symptoms in PD and MS, in stroke- reduced neurological impairment of patients and provides a chance for independence. One of the main obstacles in successful rehabilitation is patients’ movement passivity. The reason might be the psychological aspects, in particular fear of movement—kinesiophobia. Aim: To determine how many patients with S, MS, and PD suffer from kinsiophobia and what factors influence this process. Methods: Fifty patients after stroke, eighty one MS patients and sixty one PD patients were consecutively recruited from hospital and outpatients clinics. The sociodemographic data, self- assesment of fitness, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) and The Modified Baecke Questionnarie for Older Adults for physical activity were collected. A score >37 was considered to indicate a high level of kinesiophobia according to the TSK. Results: High level of kinesiophobia was shown in 66.67% of the subjects. TSK medians in particular illnesses were above the cut-off score and amounted: S—42.50 points; MS—38 points; PD—42.00 points. Regression showed 15% of fluctuation of variance (R2 = 0.1498; p < 0.0001), where regression factor showed: for mobility self-assessment: b = −0.2137 and for the age b = 0.0065. Conclusions: Kinesiophobia among the patients suffering from S, MS and PD concerns most of the subjects. Predictors of kinesiophobia are: limitations connected with functioning and age. The meaning of kinesiophobia in neurological disorders requires further research

Isolation Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic in People Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease and Activity, Self-Assessment of Physical Fitness and the Level of Affective Disorders

Background: Staying at home for long periods and limiting various types of activities and social contacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have negative consequences for health. This is especially true for people suffering from chronic diseases, in whom an appropriate level of activity and social contacts delay the progress of the disease. This group includes people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease—PD. Aim: It was decided to investigate the effect of COVID-19 isolation related to self-assessment of physical fitness, physical activity, and the level of anxiety and depression in people with PD. Methods: The study included 30 patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. We compared the results of the pre-pandemic questionnaire and the telephone interview with the same questions—after the period of isolation due to COVID-19. The questionnaire included questions about physical activity and fitness self-assessment. The level of affective disorders was tested using HADS. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the physical activity of the respondents after isolation related to COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Self-assessment of physical fitness also decreased, but the differences were not statistically significant. In the post-isolation study, only 50% of the respondents had normative values for anxiety and only 40% for depression. The analysis showed that the level of physical activity—the independent variable, explains anxiety in 30% and depression in 27%. Conclusions: Pandemic isolation has significantly reduced physical activity in PD patients. There was a certain drop in the self-esteem of physical fitness in these people. Physical fitness is an important predictor of preventing the affective disorders of anxiety and depression. The effects of isolation due to COVID-19 require further research