Digital Commons Network^™

Strength And Conditioning Habits Of Polish Amateur Endurance Runners, Zbigniew Jost, Maciej Chroboczek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Correctly performed Strength & Conditioning (S&C) training is important in terms of improving sports performance. This survey was to check S&C habits among amateur runners in Poland. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire dealt with 1) personal and anthropometric data, 2) advancement / fitness level and 3) training habits, which was correctly filled in by 923 people. The participants were matched to five fitness levels (LG1–LG5) depending on sex (W/M) and the selected distance (5K/10K/Half-Marathon). Results: More than half of the respondents (n = 467, 50.6%) considered S&C as very important. The most frequently used S&C activities were uphill runs …

Association Analysis Of The Oprm1 Polymorphism Gene And Personality Traits Among A Cohort Of Professional Athletes., Remigiusz Recław, Agnieszka Boroń, Krzysztof Chmielowiec, Jolanta Chmielowiec, Katarzyna Prabucka, Milena Lachowicz, Łukasz Zadroga, Przemysław Guła, Maciej Brożyna, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

In sports research, genetic studies linked to the traits of the temperament, in addition to medical examinations and other physiological and biochemical tests, would enrich the scope of possibilities and successes that a competitor can accomplish. This could be beneficial for the protection of both mental and physical health. The study group comprised 391 male volunteers. Out of these, 222 sports subjects and 186 were non-addicted. The temperament and character questionnaire (TCI-R) was used to determine personality traits such as novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward addiction and perseverance, as well as self-direction, cooperation and self-transcendence. Genotyping OPRM1 rs1799971 was carried …

Parental History Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors And Childhood Cardiometabolic Risk: The Preventive Effects Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Waist Circumference Within Offspring, Caroline Brand, Arieli Fernandes Dias, Camila F. Fochesatto, Anelise Reis Gaya, Sean Carroll, James P. Hobkirk, Jane D. Pollo Renner, Cezane P. Reuter

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: In addition to childhood obesity status, the family history of cardiovascular disorders might be used as a tool for screening youth to identify those at the highest risk of developing metabolic impairments later in life. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine associations between parental history of cardiovascular disease risk factors and childhood cardiometabolic risk, and to examine the role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and obesity in mediating the relationship between parental history and global cardiometabolic risk. Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed with 2,213 Brazilian youth. The cardiometabolic risk factor (CMRF) score, CRF, and waist …

Effects Of Physical Activity On Self-Efficacy Of Patients With Bronchial Asthma, Carolin Schulze

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Due to higher exposures to fine dust, increased smoking and prevalence of obesity and stress, an increase in the diagnosis of bronchial asthma can be expected, which requires adequate, scientifically tested, alternative therapy methods. The current study investigated the effects of regular physical training on general and disease-specific self-efficacy. Materials and Methods: Overall 82 participants with mild to moderate medicated asthma (63% female, mean age = 41.88 ± 10.43 years) took part in the study. They were randomly divided into three groups: (1) no intervention, (2) progressive muscle relaxation and (3) physical activity intervention. Intervention lasted ten weeks with …

Relative Age Effect At Men’S Volleyball World Championships Over Time, Marcin Śliwa, Mariusz Buszta, Jerzy Sadowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Relative age effect (RAE) in sport is extensively described in the literature. However, there is scarcity of data on how to avoid problems in the talent identification process and, consequently, how to avoid dropping out or losing a potential volleyball talent. The aim of the study was to carry out a retrospective analysis of RAE at Men’s U-19 and U-21 World Championships as well as Men’s World Championships over the last 12 years and to investigate possible differences in quarterly age distribution depending on anthropometric features, geographical regions the teams under study came from as well as their performance …

The Transgenerational Transmission Of Physical Attractiveness Perceptions: Role Of Parents' Physical Activity And Nutrition Habits In Modelling Body-Focused Health Attitudes And Body Shape Perception In Five-Year-Old Offspring, Agata Kamionka, Mariusz Lipowski, Sebastian Lizińczyk, Urszula Sajewicz-Radtke, Bartosz Radtke, Ariadna Łada-Maśko, Dariusz Olszewski-Strzyżowski, Małgorzata Lipowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Observing parents’ body-focused behaviours during middle childhood is one of the initial ways in which children model their perceptions of pro-health attitudes and their connection to physical attractiveness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parents' health behaviours, their appearance, and the perceptions of adult body types (skinny, medium, obese) by their five-year-old children. Moreover, the role of gender in the above relationship for both children and parents was also examined. Materials and methods: This study participants were 680 families with five-year-old children (330 girls). Participation was limited to the moth-er-father-child triad. The Beauty and Health Scale, Healthy …

The Effects Of Complex Elastic Band Training On Physical Fitness Components In Junior Female Handball Players, Mehrez Hammami, Ryland Morgans, Piotr Zmijewski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 10-week complex elastic band training (CEBT) program on athletic performance in junior female handball players. Methods: Participants (16.2 ± 0.5 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG; n = 16) or control group (CG; n = 14). The IG group performed CEBT twice a week during the 10-week intervention, which included eight 35-minute sessions, progressing in number of sets and band resistance for each specific exercise. The CG maintained regular in-season training. The modified T-test (T-half), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump …

Relationship Between Functional Movement Screen Scores And Postural Stability In Football Players: An Asymmetrical Approach, Yücel Makaracı, Kazım Nas, Kerem Gündüz, Mehmet İleri

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Unilateral preference is dominant due to the intensive use of sport-specific movements in football. However, little is known about the possible correlation between unilateral functional movement and the center of pressure-based postural performance. The main aim of this study is to examine the correlation between functional movement screen (FMS) and postural stability in football players from an asymmetrical perspective. Materials and Methods: Fifty professional football players (male n = 25; age 21.40 ± 1.94 years; female n = 25; age 21.04 ± 1.24 years) volunteered for this study. All subjects completed a FMS test consisting of seven items and …

Adaptive Changes In Young Football Players Working In A Modified Tactical Periodization Model Based On The Example Of Endurance., Marta Szymanek-Pilarczyk, Michał Jakub Nowak, Jacek Wąsik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Adequate endurance is a critical element of success in football, both at professional and amateur levels. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of training based on a modified wave (repeating) periodization model on the endurance of players aged 12–16 at the RKS Raków Academy in 2018–2022.

Material and Method: The analysis involved football players aged 12 to 16 with 4–8 years of training experience, involved in a program called "wave periodization". Two tests were performed each year, one in June (Test A) and the other one in December (Test B). Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS) and Velocity Intermittent …

Influence Of Beta And Theta Waves As Predictors Of Simple And Complex Reaction Times In Examined Groups Of Judo Athletes During The Vienna Test, Magdalena Pronczuk, Tomasz Chamera, Alicja Markiel, Jerzy Markowski, Jan Pilch, Piotr Żmijewski, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This research aimed to investigate which waves, Theta or Beta, are significant predictors of visual simple and complex reaction times during the Vienna test, using regression modeling. The research material comprised the test results of male judo athletes (n = 24), selected through mixed sampling (purposive and random). The study was conducted in two cycles, differentiated by frequency but with the same duration of EEG biofeedback sessions, in both the control and experimental groups. The first cycle of the study consisted of 15 sessions held every other day. Each training session lasted for 4 minutes. The second series …

Effects Of Attending To A 12-Week Structured Physical Activity Program On Fitness And Self-Perception Levels Of Obese Primary Schoolchildren, Yetkin Utku Kamuk, Spiridon Kamtsios

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a major health problem especially for schoolchildren both physically and mentally. The study was conducted to assess the effects of the structured physical activity (PA) program on the physical fitness (PF) and self-perception levels of obese schoolchildren. Materials and Methods: A total of 67 students aged 9-11 were recruited and the experimental group (n = 27) was attended to exercises once per week for 60 mins for 12 weeks. Self-perception Scale for Children and PF tests were applied as pre- and post-tests. Results: 12-week PA sessions improved obese schoolchildren’s self-perception levels in general self-worth, athletic …

The Effects Of Resistance Training On Jumping And Selected Power Variables Of The Lower Limbs In Female Soccer Players, Tomasz Chamera, Magdalena Prończuk, Piotr Smok, Miłosz Drozd, Małgorzata Michalczyk, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of a 6-week intervention of combined soccer training with resistance training on strength and power variables in highly trained female soccer players. It was hypothesized that 6 weeks is sufficient for a significant improvement in jumping ability and power to occur due to the intervention. The study involved 34 female soccer players of the top women’s league (22 ± 5 years old, body height 167 ± 5 cm, body weight 60 ± 8 kg). The players were divided into two groups of 17 participants. The control group performed 3 …

The Impact Of Home Confinement By Covid-19 On Mood State And Adaptive Behaviors In Spanish Swimmers, Jose Carlos Jaenes, David Alarcon Rubio, María José Arenilla-Villalba, Dominika Wilczyńska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the mental condition of aquatic athletes during COVID-19 lockdowns and identify factors that could predict changes in their emotions and mood disturbances. Materials and Methods: The sample was composed of 506 competitive swimmers (ages 15-36) in four aquatic specializations, with 82.4% competing at the national level. Data was collected through questionnaires between April 10th and May 1st, 2020. Results: Female athletes had higher levels of unpleasant mood states and were generally more vulnerable to the lockdown's harmful effects. Team athletes had higher levels of friendliness, which may be a coping strategy for difficult situations. …

The Col27a1 And Col11a1 Gene Variants Are Not Associated With The Susceptibility To Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture In Polish Athletes, Zhuo Sun, Aleksandra Bojarczuk, Pawel Cieszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Sports injuries are the most common cause of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. Previous research has demonstrated links between some of the COL27A1 and COL11A1 genetic variants and musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries. However, no previous research has investigated the COL27A1 rs1570460 and the COL11A1 rs3753841 in the context of ACL rupture in any population. Thus, our study aimed to assess the association between specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), i.e., COL27A1 rs946053 and COL11A1 rs3753841, and the occurrence of ACL injury (ACL-I) in a cohort of Polish athletes. Methods: The study enrolled 233 athletes with ACL-I (161 males and …

Relative Age Effect Of Female And Male Handball Players Participating In Olympics Games Tokyo 2020, Paweł Krawczyk, Adam Dyjas, Adam Szeląg, Maciej Cedro

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine whether the relative age effect (RAE) was present among handball players participating in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Materials and Methods. The study involved a group of handball players participating in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. All data was collected from the website of the IHF. The research material consisted of data on the players’ dates of birth, which were broken down by four quarters (Q1: January 1–March 31, Q2: April 1–June 30, Q3: July 1–September 30, Q4: October 1–December 31) and two semesters (S1: January 1–June 30, S2: July 1–December 31). The …

Acute Effects Of Three Different Stretching Techniques On Hamstring Flexibility In Professional Football Players, Erkan Erol, Ramazan Yıldız, Ayşe Yıldız, Fatih Emre Doğan, Bülent Elbasan

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Hamstring injuries are common in physically active people and athletes. Lack of hamstring flexibility is the one of the most important characteristics of hamstring injuries in athletes. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of three different stretching techniques on hamstring flexibility in professional football players. Materials and Methods: Fifty-five male football players between the ages of 18–20 years old were involved in the study. The participants were divided into 3 groups: static stretching, neuromobilization and Mulligan traction straight leg raise (TSLR), respectively. Each participant’s dominant lower extremity was assessed with a straight leg raise test (SLR) …

Differences In Actn3, Ace, And Adbr3 Polymorphisms Between Croatian National Team And Non-National Team Elite Soccer Players, Lana Ružić, Ivan Radman, Branka R. Matković

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study investigated the differences in ACTN3, ACE and ADRB3 variants in top-level soccer players who entered the Croatian National Team and the ones who did not but played for two best Croatian teams. Material and Methods: The buccal swabs were collected from 56 soccer players playing for the Croatian National Team (N = 31) and/or for one of the two most prestigious Croatian soccer clubs (N = 25). Each participant’s genotype was determined by analyzing the single-nucleotide polymorphism. The ACTN3 gene (rs1815739) on chromosome 11 and the ACE (rs1799752) gene on chromosome 17 were determined. Results: No significant …

Age-Related Physical And Performance Changes In Young Swimmers: The Comparison Of Predictive Models In 50-Meter Swimming Performance, Erkan Demirkan, Tugrul Özkadı, İsmet Alagöz, Esin Çağla Çağlar, Furkan Çamiçi

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Abstract: Introduction: The purpose of the study was to investigate the age-related anthropometric and motor performance changes over time and their contributions to swimming style-specific performance in young different chronological age swimmers. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on a total of forty swimmers who were divided into 2 groups. The Anthropometric meas-urements were executed from 12 body parts, and body composition analysis was determined by using the skinfold method. The motor performance tests were performed for the assessment of standing horizontal jump, handgrip strength, flexed-arm hang strength, sit-up, flexibility, aerobic endurance, speed, agility, and balance. Simple Linear Regression …

Genetic Variants And Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture – Elastin Proteins Gene And Fibromodulin Gene Polymorphisms, Ewelina Lulińska, Joanna Żelazny, Agnieszka Lulińska, Elżbieta Grzywacz, Aleksandra Stroińska-Pluta, Marek Sawczuk, Magdalena Stanulewicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common ligament injuries of the knee and often require reconstruction. The etiology of the molecular mechanisms of rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is poorly understood, and many external and internal factors have been associated with it, including genetics. This study aimed to investigate the association of sequence variants in the ELN and FMOD candidate genes with ACL ruptures based on the essential biological functions of these two proteoglycan-encoding genes in maintaining the structural integrity of tissues and regulating fibrillogenesis. Material and Methods: The partici-pants consisted of 229 (164 …

Predictors Of Meeting Physical Activity Recommendation Before And During Covid-19 Pandemic In Adults, Ayda Karaca, Sinem Hazir Aytar, Funda Akcan, Necip Demirci, Emine Caglar

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the variables that predict whether WHO's global recommendation for physical activity (PA) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic can be met among adults. Material and Methods: A total of 921 adults voluntarily participated in this study. A demographic information form and the Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire for Turkish people were administered by self-report. The participants were also asked whether they regularly do PA and if the duration of PA is over 150 minutes. Results: The number of adults doing regular PA at the level recommended by WHO significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and …

Physical Activity In Managing Stress Among Managers During The Covid-19 Pandemic – A Systematic Review, Anna Hryniewicz, Anna Gmiąt, Magdalena Jaroch-Lidzbarska, Mariusz Lipowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic managers experienced additional stress connected with taking responsibility for workers at the time of a worldwide crisis. Maintaining a high level of physical activity in this specific group possibly could have contributed to keeping both management skills and health condition at a high required standard. The purpose of this review is to verify the range of scientific interest on the subject of physical activity among managers as a stress coping strategy during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: For this systematic review six studies were chosen (two of them are qualitative descriptive, three are cross-sectional, one …

Physiotherapists’ Work In Public Perception, Andrzej Lewandowski, Jadwiga Sarwinska, Zuzanna Piekorz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The aim of the study is to determine basic physical traits of physiotherapists and indicators of their occupation according to social expectations. Material and Methods: 2121 people of different sex, age and education participated in the study. The preferences were categorized by sex and the education level. The test for equality of two percentage structures based on statistics ‘Z’ and the test for equality of proportions based on Fisher-Snedecor’s test were implemented. Results: The preferences for the physical traits are consistent with those commonly expected, and the high level of fitness is expected in the context of significant psychological …

Adaptation Of The Love–Hate Scale For Sports Fans Into Turkish: A Validity And Reliability Study, Sercan Kural, Oguz Ozbek, Bulent Gurbuz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This research has been conducted so it can help to understand the feelings of love and hatred towards the opposing team and their supporters of football club fans and to determine and control the fans’ aggression. Objective: This study aims to adapt the Love–Hate Scale for Sports Fans (LHSSF) to the Turkish context to evaluate the fanatic (love and hate) feelings of football fans. Methods: The study groups consisted of 205 football fans aged 18–58 years (mean age = 30.11). The original version of the scale consists of seven items and two sub-dimensions. To test the construct validity of …

Force–Velocity Profiles In Crossfit Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study Considering Sex, Age, And Training Frequency, Juan Antonio Párraga-Montilla, José Carlos Cabrera Linares, Pedro Jiménez Reyes, Manuel Moyano López, Victor Serrano Huete, José Alfonso Morcillo Losa, Pedro Ángel Latorre Román

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The force–velocity profile has been analysed previously in different sports modalities; nevertheless, it has not been analysed in CrossFit. Objective: The aim of this study was to report neuromuscular characteristics of CrossFit athletes using their individual force-velocity profile, investigating differences according to sex, age, and training frequency. Materials and Methods: 72 males (33.17 ± 6.86 years; BMI: 25.93 ± 3.64 kg/m²) and 18 females (30.11 ± 6.92 years; BMI: 23.53 ± 3.98 kg/m²) participated in this study. The force-velocity profile was calculated using Samozino’s method. Furthermore, neuromuscular characterization was completed with a squat jump and …

Health Outcomes Of Fitbit, Garmin Or Apple Watch-Based Interventions: A Systematic Review Of Systematic Reviews, Hossein Motahari-Nezhad, Fateme Zare, Hadi Akbari, Aslan Sadeghdaghighi

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: A rising number of systematic reviews of smartwatch clinical effectiveness have been published; however, the findings are conflicting and need further investigation. Our purpose was to assess the methodological and evidence synthesis quality of meta-analyses of the therapeutic efficacy of Fitbit, Garmin, or Apple Watch-based interventions. Material and Methods: Systematic searches were carried out with three electronic databases from inception to October 2021. Full text systematic reviews originally published in English in peer-reviewed journals describing meta-analyses of all clinical outcomes of Fitbit-, Garmin-, or Apple Watch -based interventions were eligible for this study. The Amstar-2 scale and GRADE were …

The Effect Of Core Training On Dynamic Balance And Strength Endurance In Junior Field Hockey Players, Senthilkumar Ramasamy, John Franklin, Pitchaimani Govindhara, Suganya Panneerselvam

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The objective of this study is to find the effectiveness of core muscle strength training on dynamic balance and muscle endurance among junior field hockey players. Material and Methods: The study was conducted with 30 regular junior hockey players (15 in the control group and another 15 in the experimental group). The modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) and Biering-Sorensen muscle endurance tests are used to assess dynamic balance and endurance. In the control group, the participants continued their formal training without undergoing any intervention. At the same time, the players in the experimental group performed the core muscle …

Does A Six-Week Intervention With Added Respiratory Dead Space Volume In Swimming Improve Haematological And Immunological Status?, Stefan Szczepan, Kamil Michalik, Rafał Hebisz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of study was to investigate if differences appeared in haematological parameters after a 6-week moderate-intensity swimming intervention with added respiratory dead space volume (ARDSV) in recreational swimmers.

Material and methods: A sample of 22 individuals were divided into an experimental (E) and a control (C) group, tested for maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max). The intervention involved 50 min. of front crawl swimming performed at 60%VO₂max twice weekly for 6 weeks. ARDSV was induced via tube breathing (1000ml) in group E during each intervention session. Haematological parameters measured before and after the intervention included red …

The Potential Role Of Selected Body Composition Phenotypes In The Interpretation Of The Exercise-Induced Components Of The Insulin-Like Growth Factor Systems, Gökhan Umutlu, Nevzat Demirci

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Increased adiposity leads to impaired physiologic growth hormone secretion and low and high body mass index (BMI) values increase health risks. However, BMI only measures results in variations in fat-free mass (FFM), fat-free mass index (FFMI), normalized fat-free mass index (NFMI), and body fat mass (BFM). This study evaluated the insulin-like growth factor system responses to the given exercise and their interaction with the changes in BMI, FFM, FFMI, and NFFMI in healthy male participants. Material and methods: A randomized controlled trial with a parallel groups study design was used. Thirty healthy male participants (age: 21.33 ±1.24 years) were …

Effect Of Post-Activation Potentiation On The Force, Power And Rate Of Power And Force Development Of The Upper Limbs In Mixed Martial Arts (Mma) Fighters, Taking Into Account Training Experience, Alan Langer, Angelina Ignatieva, Patricia Fischerova, Magdalena Nitychoruk, Artur Gołaś, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. The aim of the study is to determine the optimal load for generating the highest value of force, power and the rate of power and force development (RFD and RPD) in the upper limb of mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters with the use of activation and explosive exercises. The training period of MMA players was included in the research. Material and Methods: Twenty-nine MMA fighters participated in the study and were divided into two groups depending on the length of their training period (under and over 5 years). The subjects did 2 ballistic push-ups before the study and after-wards …

The Effect Of Caffeine On Countermovement Jump Performance In Recreationally Trained Women Habituated To Caffeine, Dawid Gawel, Magdalena Kaszuba, Zuzanna Komarek, Robert Krawczyk, Marta Bichowska, Marcin Jasinski, Robert Trybulski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. The main goal of this study was to examine the effect of acute intake of 3 mg/kg/body mass (b.m.) of caffeine (CAF) on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in recreationally trained women habituated to CAF. Material and Methods. 17 healthy recreationally trained women habitually using CAF participated in the study. The experiment followed randomized, cross-over, double-blind design under three different conditions: control test (CONT) or consumed placebo (PLAC) or consumed 3 mg/kg/b.m. of CAF (CAF-3). Each participant performed 2 sets of 2 CMJ. The following variables were recorded: concentric peak velocity (PV), peak power (PP) and jump height (JH). Results. …