Abstract
Author(s): Katarzyna Zborowska, Daria Jorg, MichaÅ Berestecki, Violetta Skrzypulec-Plinta
Introduction. The paper discusses physical activity of transsexual persons at various stages of their lives and at various stages of treatment and diagnosis. Aim. The aim of the study was to find out whether consecutive stages of development and diagnosis or treatment may affect the level of physical activity in transsexuals. Material and methods. The study was conducted in a group of 101 transsexuals (30 male-to-female and 71 female-to-male individuals) at various stages of diagnosis and treatment. The subjects filled in the authors’ questionnaire which consisted of questions concerning physical activity. It was divided into three developmental stages and four stages of diagnosis and treatment. The information obtained was analyzed in terms of correlations, and a univariate analysis of variance was conducted. Results. The level of physical activity varied markedly between female-to-male and male-to-female individuals. Physical activity occurred to be higher in the latter group at each stage of diagnosis and treatment. In female-to-male persons, the level of physical activity increased with consecutive stages of treatment. No similar relationships were noted for both female-to-male and male-to-female respondents with respect to the stages of development. In the latter group, no such relationship was found with respect to the stage of diagnosis and treatment either. Conclusions. The level of physical activity in transsexuals slightly varies depending on the stage of diagnosis and treatment. No correlations were observed with respect to the stage of development. Moreover, it was found that male-tofemale and female-to-male respondents differ considerably in terms of the level of physical activity, self-acceptance and satisfaction with their bodies