Health and Physical Education Commons^™

Medicine Balls Training In The Sequence Of Complex Handball Training Versus Only Handball Training: Effects On Physical Fitness In Pre-Adolescence Female Handball Players, Natalia Chukhlantseva

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The inclusion of the training process of pre-adolescent female athletes with additional means helps to optimize exercise influences. The study aims to estimate the influence of a 16-week program of handball training with medicine balls in comparison with a program of handball training on the physical and special training of beginner handball players. Methods: Female athletes were randomly divided into an experimental (n = 30; 11.23 ±0.41 years) and a control (n = 32; 10.99 ± 0.4 years) group. Training sessions of both groups were conducted according to the existing curriculum, but the experimental group replaced part …

Extended Range Of Motion Does Not Induce Greater Muscle Damage Than Conventional Range Of Motion In The Bench Press Exercise, Patryk Matykiewicz, Michał Krzysztofik, Adam Zając

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Range of motion (ROM) of resistance exercise affects the muscle damage magnitude and the recovery-time course. Thus, the main aim of this study was to compare conventional and extended ROM in the bench press exercise on neuromuscular fatigue assessed by velocity changes during bench press throw, as well on the exercise-induced muscle damage evaluated by creatine kinase (CK) activity in the blood. Material and Methods: A total of fourteen healthy, well-trained males performed 5 sets of the bench press exercise at 70% of one repetition maximum with either standard (STD) and cambered (CMB) barbell until reaching volitional failure. CK …

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 …

Abductor And Adductor Strength Relation To Sprint Performance In Soccer Players, Paulina Królikowska, Artur Gołaś, Petr Stastny, Jakub Kokstejn, Wojciech Grzyb, Michal Krzysztofik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The hip muscle strength plays an important role in sprinting and non-contact injuries, where their role in soccer players needs to be recognized. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the strength of hip abductor (Abd), hip adductor (Add) and linear sprint performance (5 m and 35 m). Sixteen professional soccer players (Second Polish League) participated in the study (age = 24 ± 3.2 years, body mass = 75.3 ± 9.58 kg, height = 179 ± 5.6 cm, soccer training experience = 8 ± 2.9 years). 5 m and 3 m linear sprint performance was described by: peak …

The Role Of Emotional States And Mental Techniques In Dancesport: A Systematic Review, Sara Aliberti, Gaetano Raiola, Domenico Cherubini

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Psychological states during competition seem to be an important factor to determine successful performance. Therefore, the analysis of emotions is essential to understand how emotions can support sports performance. This systematic review aimed to summarize the studies examining the influence of emotional states on dancesport (DS) performance and the use of mental techniques to improve psychological preparation to face the competition. Material and methods. Web of Science, Scholar, Scopus and Pubmed databases were used to search studies. The screening process was summarized within the PRISMA 2020 flowchart. Results. Only 9 articles met our inclusion criteria. The results demonstrated that …

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. …

Self-Determination Theory As A Possible Explanation For The Motivation Of Norwegian Outdoor Life Students, Arne Martin Jakobsen

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study, based on the self-determination theory (SDT) by Deci and Ryan (1985), investigates the motivation among outdoor life students at universities and colleges in Norway. It also examines how students score on basic psychological needs, such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and their frequency of engagement in outdoor activities. The significance of the nature experience and the activity itself for the outdoor life students were analyzed, along with the extent to which the SDT can explain these two variables. Material and methods: The participants completed two standardized questionnaires. Results: The results showed a high degree of internal motivation …

Directions Of Attack And Their Effectiveness Of Male Judo Medalists At The Olympic Competitions., Amar Ait Ali Yahia

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: To perform a technical action, the elite judo athlete examines the direction of attack relative to the opponent's body position. This study aimed to analyze and compare the most frequent and effective attack directions carried out by male Olympic medalists. Materials and Methods: A sample of 112 male medalists performed 3,664 attacks in four Olympic tournaments (2004–2016). ANOVA (one factor) determined inter and intra-Olympic comparisons, followed by the post hoc Bonferroni test (p< 0.05). Eta squared η2 and Cohen's d calculated the effect size, respectively. Results: Olympic medalists oriented their attacks principally in right forward (30.5±11.3%), left forward (29.9±10.5%), left backward (18.8±8.1%), and right backward (15.8±6.1%). The effectiveness of right forward (25.7±13.1%) and left forward (26.2±12.5%) dominates left backward (20.5±10.1%) and right backward (15.5±9.7%), respectively. In terms of frequencies and effectiveness, the contribution of secondary directions is negligible. Conclusions: Attacking in eight orientations made the defense vulnerable. Beside the uncertainty and unpredictability, they created more points of imbalance to overcome defensive issues.

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 …

Action Distance As A Predictor Of Winning And Losing Matches At Fivb Volleyball Men’S World Championship, Dariusz Mroczek, Damian Pawlik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Technology determines the emergence of functional tools to monitor and control motor activity during the game. One of the solutions for monitoring the player in indoor sports are computer video analyses, which determine basic kinematic parameters. The study aims to compare team and player activity with the outcome of a given set and the effect of the game status on player activity during a championship-level match. Materials and Methods: The study analysed 140 volleyball players aged 19 to 40 years (27.05 ± 4.33 years, height: 197.15 ± 9.63 cm, body mass: 88.51 ± 9.23 kg) participating in the FIVB …

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 …

Characteristics Of The Efficiency Of Actions Of Top-Level Goalkeepers In Soccer, Andrzej Szwarc, Michał Chamera, Henryk Duda, Daniel Memmert, Lukasz Radziminski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of this study was to present the characteristics of the actions efficiency in elite goalkeepers. 54 observations of 25 goalkeepers participating in 27 matches of the World and the European Championships and the Africa Cup of Nations and Copa America held in the years 2014–2019 were included. The study applied a method of observation. Game data were registered on a self-developed observation sheet. Goalkeepers’ activity, effectiveness, and reliability with a view to implementing the objectives of the game were analyzed in offensive and in defense. It was found that in the elite goalkeepers’ game, offensive actions constitute 62% …

Analysis Of The Adductors And Abductors' Maximum Isometric Strength On The Level Of Speed And Agility In Basketball Players, Paulina Królikowska, Piotr Rodak, Monika Papla, Wojciech Grzyb, Artur Gołaś

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: his study investigated the relationship between hip abductor strength (Abd), adductor strength (Add), straight accelerations and decelerations, and during changes of direction (COD 90°) performance in basketball players.

Material and Methods: Fourteen basketball players participated (age = 23.6 ± 4.4 years, body mass = 86.3 ± 5.9 kg, body height = 192.3 ± 6.2 cm, training experience = 6.7 ± 2.6 years). Straight running results and running with a change of direction (COD 90°) have been described as the time (s) obtained for a given length. Following tests were carried out: maximum isometric strength test, 20-m linear sprint and …

The Use Of Characteristics And Indicators Of Body Construction As Predictors In The Identification Of The Angle Values Of The Physiological Curves Of The Spine In Sequential Objective Testing - Mathematical Models, Jacek Tuz, Adam Maszczyk, Anna Zwierzchowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The physiological curvatures of the spine in the sagittal plane are constantly evolving along with changes in the structure and proportions of the body and physical activity. The aim of this study is to identify and assess the strength of the influence of body features and indices on the values of lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis angles with the use of a mathematical model. In the years 2006–2016, 1,314 female students aged ( ± SD 19.7 ± 0.4) (min.–max. 18.1–22.5) were examined.

Materials and Methods. The following measurements were made: body mass (BM), body height (BH), waist circumference (WC), …

Development Of The Taekwondo Performance Protocol To Assess Technical Speed And Quickness, Cengiz Ölmez, Selami Yüksek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The aim of this study is to develop the Taekwondo Performance Protocol (TPP), with which taekwondo-specific speed and quickness performance can be measured. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with the participation of 79 active athletes that were at least at 1st gup level (red – black belt). At the development stage of the TPP, reliability calculations were made using the test-retest method. During the examination of the validity of TPP, Illinois agility, 20-meter sprint, vertical jump, and anaerobic power (Lewis) performances and the correlations between them were examined. In addition, TPP's effectiveness in distinguishing athletes of different …

The Effects Of Dynamic® Taping On Vertical Jumps In Adolescent Volleyball Players With Low Medial Longitudinal Arch, Dilek Hande Esen, Nihan Kafa, Nevin Atalay Guzel, Cengiz Akarcesme

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Taping has long been used by health professionals to provide mechanical support for the musculoskeletal system. However, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate the effect of Dynamic® taping. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Dynamic® taping on vertical jump and medial longitudinal arch height in adolescent volleyball players with navicular drop. Material and Methods: 23 female athletes participated in the study (mean age of 15.22 ± 1.54 years). The medial longitudinal arch height was evaluated with the navicular drop test. Vertical jumping was measured with the VERT® device (Mayfonk Athletic, USA). On the first …

Reduced Serum Concentrations Of Reactive Oxygen And Nitrogen Species Following Strenuous Exercise In The Heat Are Not Associ-Ated With An Upregulation In Serum Antioxidative Capacity, Sebastian Keller, Hannah Lisa Notbohm, Wilhelm Bloch, Moritz Schumann

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are produced as a response to exercise and play a part in guiding the adaptive response to physical training. Exercise in the heat has been shown to further increase accumulation of RONS in systemic circulation; however, a high antioxidative response or heat acclimatization mechanisms could attenuate this response. In a previous study, we found reduced RONS concentrations in trained athletes following strenuous cycling in the heat. Therefore, this secondary analysis assessed whether these reduced RONS serum concentrations are induced by an increased serum antioxidant capacity. Methods: Twelve male cyclists (V̇O_2peak: 60 …

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 …

Assessment Of Posture, Spinal Mobility And Emg Data In Patients With Spinal Stenosis, Ahu Zileli, Tamer Çankaya

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study aims to analyze the difference in muscle activation, posture and vertebral mobility values between healthy individuals and patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Material and Methods: This study involved 48 lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients of the average age of 55.19 ± 10.41 years and 48 healthy individuals with of the average age of 58.15 ± 8.44 years. Posture and spinal mobility of the participants were measured in the standing position, and the maximum flexion posture with spinal mouse. Muscle activation of rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior and medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle was measured during …

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 …