Physical Fitness of Medical Students | Jakub Vavřička
Physical Fitness of Medical Students at the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen
Authors: Jakub Vavřička (1), Pavel Brož (1,2), Daniel Follprecht (1), Viktorie Johánková (1), Aleš Kroužecký (1)
Supervisor: Pavel Brož (2)
(1) Department of Sports Medicine and Active Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University (2) Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Haematology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University and University Hospital, Pilsen
State-of-the-Art: Practical experience with physiological data collection and analysis is an essential component of medical education. It enables students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world conditions and better understand physiological variability among individuals. Despite the importance of physical fitness in the medical profession, there is limited data on the fitness level of medical students. This study provides current reference data and investigates associations between anthropometric parameters, strength capacities, and resting lactate values in a large sample of students.
Objective: To assess the physical fitness of medical students through selected strength and metabolic parameters, and to analyze the relationships between anthropometric data, muscular performance, and possibly resting lactate values to better understand their overall physiological condition.
Material and Methods: The study included 347 medical students (231 women), aged 21–28, who voluntarily participated during practical training sessions. Basic anthropometric data—age, height, weight, and BMI—were recorded for all participants. Muscular strength was assessed using a handgrip dynamometer and a back-leg-chest dynamometer to evaluate upper and lower body strength. Resting blood lactate levels were measured prior to any physical exertion. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression models to identify patterns and relationships among the physiological variables.
Results & Discussion: The average BMI was 22.1 (16.36–34.34) for women and 24.5 (19.8–40.32) for men. Handgrip strength averaged 29.65 kg in women and 47.76 kg in men. Back-leg-chest strength reached 100.5 kg in women and 178.37 kg in men. Resting lactate was 1.04±0.47 mmol/L in women and 1.18±0.75 mmol/L in men. The findings suggest that the students’ physical fitness is comparable to that of the general population, with observed gender-based differences. The large sample enables meaningful subgroup comparisons and future trend analysis. Longitudinal monitoring across the course of medical studies would provide valuable insight into potential changes in students‘ physical fitness over time.
Conclusion: Medical students show physical fitness levels comparable to age-matched population norms. This baseline data may guide further research on trends and correlations in physical fitness throughout medical education.
Funding: This work was supported by the Cooperatio Program, research area Immunity and Infection.
Study program: Doctoral study – Internal Medicine | Year of study: 2
ID: 1143
Exercise Effects on Platelet Respiration | Daniel Follprecht
Effect of physical activity on mitochondrial respiration in platelets
Author: Daniel Follprecht (1)
Supervisor: Aleš Kroužecký (1)
(1) Department of Sports Medicine and Active Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen,
Charles University
State-of-the-Art: Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism, and their function reflects overall cellular health. This study examines the relationship between mitochondrial
respiration and physical fitness, focusing on maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max). Findings may improve our understanding of how mitochondrial efficiency, fat metabolism, and metabolic flexibility contribute to the health benefits of physical activity, especially in preventing and managing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
Objective: This project explores the potential of using platelets as a less invasive alternative to
muscle biopsies for evaluating mitochondrial function.
Material and Methods: A cohort of 14 healthy adult participants was recruited and categorized
into sedentary (n=5) and physically active (n=9) groups. During the first visit to the Department
of Sports Medicine and Active Health Sciences, participants underwent anthropometric and
body composition assessments, dynamometric testing, and spiroergometry. At the second visit,
venous blood was drawn for lipid profiling and mitochondrial analysis, and a capillary sample
was taken for basal lactate measurement. Mitochondrial respiration in platelets was assessed
using the Oroboros O2k device under three conditions: resting, post-anoxia, and after activation
with thrombin.
Results & Discussion: Although no statistically significant correlations emerged between VO₂-
max and mitochondrial respiration in platelets, a consistent trend toward enhanced respiratory
capacity was observed in physically active participants, particularly under stress conditions such as thrombin-induced activation and maximal electron transport system capacity (ETSC). This suggests a more adaptable or resilient mitochondrial phenotype. Moreover, active individuals exhibited a lower metabolic age relative to their chronological age, indicating systemic metabolic benefits of physical activity. These findings highlight the potential of platelet-based assessments as a minimally invasive, repeatable tool to reflect metabolic fitness and support its use in broader research contexts.
Conclusion: While statistical significance was not achieved, observed trends support the hypothesis
that platelet mitochondrial respiration reflects differences in metabolic fitness. This pilot study confirms the method’s feasibility and supports further research in populations with higher cardiometabolic risk.
Study program: Doctoral study – Physiology and Pathological Physiology | Year of study: 2
ID: 1105
Quantifying Psychiatrization | Vojtěch Pišl
Senescent cells gene expression in Colorectal Cancer in relation to DNA repair capacity and chemotherapy resistance
Author: Vojtěch Pišl (1)
Supervisor: Jan Vevera (1)
(1) Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University and University Hospital, Pilsen
State-of-the-Art: Psychiatrization comprises of a material and cultural aspect, the later of which refers to interpreting mental traits and states previously considered psychiatrically benign as instances of psychopathology. Such cultural aspects of psychiatrization may negatively affect public mental health because perceiving an adverse experience as psychopathological may increase its perceived severity, trigger additional distress and interfere with intuitive coping strategies. Thus, interpreting an experience as a mental health problem may become self-fulfilling. Computational linguistics may be used to track cultural changes, algorithmically quantifying specific cultural dimension from a large corpus of texts.
Objective: The current study expects that ordinary experiences are increasingly viewed through the psychiatric lens. We predict that psychiatric terminology is normalized, being used in non-clinical contexts, and everyday adjectives describing mental states and traits are gaining clinical connotations.
Material and Methods: In an exploratory study utilizing computational linguistics, fragments of texts containing diagnostic (e.g. “ADHD” or “anorexia”), everyday psychological (e.g. “shy” or “sad”), or control keywords (e.g. “large” or “loud”) were retrieved from a large (> 4bn words) corpus of Czech journalist texts published offline between 1990 and 2022. A linguistic marker of the cultural aspects of psychiatrization was developed: the clinicalness, calculated as lexical proximity towards the clinical discourse using the wordscores algorithm. The expected correlation between time and clinicalness was measured by Kendall’s coefficient for each of 46 keywords.
Results & Discussion: Clinicalness was increasing for everyday adjectives describing human emotions and behaviors (median τ=.07) and less so control adjectives (median τ=.03), but not in diagnostic terms (median τ=.01). These findings support the notion of an increasing psychiatrization. For an individual, such psychiatrization could lead to stigma, self-stigma, additional mental health problems and unnecessary prescriptions. Culturally, psychiatrization could lead to a diversion from the inclusive society due to a tendency to adjust culture to what is seen as normal and change what is seen as pathological. To psychiatry, such psychiatrization may mean a pool of additional patients asking for treatment of matters that would have not otherwise been interpreted as a psychiatric problem or as a problem at all.
Conclusion: Our exploratory, linguistic data are consistent with the notion of increasing psychiatrization of ordinary experiences but not with normalization of mental disorders. Confirmatory research is needed to verify the observed increase in pathologization of everyday adjectives.
Study program: Doctoral study – Neurology and Psychiatry | Year of study: 4
ID: 1072
Detransition in Transgender Patients | Daniela Kestlerová
Evaluation of detransition in transgender patients
Authors: Daniela Kestlerová (1,2)
Supervisor: Luděk Fiala (1,2)
(1) Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University and University
Hospital, Pilsen (2) Department of Sexology, Sexological Institute, First Faculty of Medicine,
Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague
State-of-the-Art: Detransition refers to the process in which an individual who has undergone a gender transition (a change in gender identity, such as hormonal therapy or surgery) decides to return to their original gender identity. Detransition can occur in the following forms: discontinuation of hormonal therapy, reverting to the original name and social role corresponding to the sex assigned at birth, and in some cases, attempts at reverse surgical procedures if they were performed during the transition. The process of detransition is a relatively new and complex phenomenon that is gaining attention from both the professional and general public. The transition process and gender dysphoria have been studied extensively over time, while detransition remains poorly understood.
Objective: The goals of this study are primarily focused on evaluating the number of Czech
transgender patients, who opt for detransition. The secondary aim of the study is to assess
the reasons leading individuals to detransition, with a particular focus on psychosocial and
health-related factors.
Material and Methods: A retrospective study will be conducted initially, focusing on the total
number of individuals who have undergone both transition and subsequent detransition. Another method of data collection will involve in-depth semi-structured interviews with participants.
These interviews will explore personal experiences with transition and detransition, the motivations and reasons that led to detransition, as well as the psychological, social, and physical aspects associated with the process. In addition to the interviews, participants will also complete questionnaires (WHOQOL-BREF, Beck Depression Inventory, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7). All obtained results will be statistically evaluated.
Results & Discussion: The objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive understanding
of detransition as a phenomenon that remains underexplored within the Czech Republic. Gaining deeper insight into the motivations and factors underlying decisions to detransition may contribute to the refinement of therapeutic approaches and treatment strategies for transgender individuals. The findings of this study may also enhance healthcare providers’ and therapists’ awareness of the specific needs of transgender patients. Furthermore, the results may support advocacy for legal reforms aimed at improving the living conditions of transgender people.
Conclusion: This study is the first to systematically explore detransition in the Czech Republic, aiming to better understand its causes, process, and impact. The findings will help improve care for transgender individuals and guide those considering detransition.
Study program: Doctoral study – Neurology and Psychiatry | Year of study: 3
ID: 1121
Victimization of Transgenders | Jakub Nešpor
Victimization of the patients with gender identity disorders
Author: Jakub Nešpor (1)
Supervisor: Luděk Fiala (1)
(1) Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University and University Hospital, Pilsen
State-of-the-Art: Data on traumatization in Czech patients with gender identity disorders (F64.0–F64.9) are limited to case reports, lacking comprehensive analysis. This grant aims to provide data on comorbidities (F43.0–F43.9) and childhood abuse. We will collect data from 50 patients at LFP UK (2024–2026), assessing victimization, PTSD, and the causes of under-diagnosis. Diagnoses will be made using M.I.N.I. 5.0.0, SCID, and other tools. Clinician focus groups will explore why these comorbidities are not treated. A free handbook will raise awareness, improving diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. We expect one-third of patients will experience victimization, with 20% developing lifelong PTSD.
Objective: Our goal is to present first data on victimization in patients with gender identity disorder (F64.0–F64.9). Using focus groups, we’ll explore why psychiatric effects are not diagnosed or treated. We’ll also publish a free online guide to raise awareness and improve care.
Material and Methods: We will collect data from 50 patients treated at the Psychiatric Clinic of LFP UK (2024–2026) for gender identity disorder (F64.0–F64.9, N50). We aim to determine the prevalence of victimization and violent behavior up to the follow-up date and monitor the effects of severe stress (F43.0–F43.9). In the second phase, a focus group with clinicians will explore reasons for underdiagnosis of comorbidities. Diagnoses will be made using M.I.N.I. 5.0.0 and SCID (DSM-IV) for PTSD. Victimization in the past 6 months will be assessed using the MacArthur Interview, recent violence with the MOAS, and childhood trauma (sexual abuse, corporal punishment) via the CECA.Q questionnaire.
Results & Discussion: The aim of our work is to provide initial data on victimization in patients with gender identity disorder (F64.0–F64.9). We will use qualitative methods, specifically focus groups, to explore why psychiatric consequences of victimization are often undiagnosed and untreated. Additionally, we plan to educate care users and the public by creating a free handbook on victimization, available on the LFP UK website. We hope this will increase patients’ willingness to discuss these issues with doctors. By improving the diagnosis of comorbid disorders, we aim to design effective therapeutic interventions. We expect victimization in one-third and lifelong PTSD in 20% of patients.
Conclusion: This aims to provide the first data on comorbidities and childhood abuse in Czech patients with gender identity disorders (F64.0–F64.9). We will assess victimization, PTSD, and the reasons for under-diagnosis. A free handbook will raise awareness, improving diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.
Study program: Doctoral study – Neurology and Psychiatry |Year of study: 2
ID: 1140