Influence of Walking Pilgrimage on Changes in Body Composition, Biochemical Parameters, Circulatory and Respiratory Efficiency and Foot Biomechanics in Healthy Women and Men of All Ages.

The aim of the study is to assess the health habits and changes in body composition and exercise capacity as well as blood biochemical parameters of people participating in 14-21-day walking pilgrimages. This type of physical activity can be classified as long-term and multi-stage hiking tours. Among the people participating in the pilgrimage, a significant part of the population are people aged\> 50 years. Moderate physical activity is an important pro-health element, however, it has not been determined yet how long and accumulated activity may affect the health of pilgrims. Suddenly taking up activity and the challenge of walking several hundred kilometres may be a heavy burden for the body, and its effects may have a negative impact on the body. The evaluation of the processes taking place in the body under the influence of this type of physical activity, motivated by religious goals, will expand the scope of knowledge about safety as well as health indications and contraindications for this type of activity. It will also allow identifying adaptive changes and their effects