Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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 …

Physical Activity Among Adults With Psychiatric Illness In Karachi, Pakistan: A Survey Based Research, Aneeta Jevtani, Erum Perveen, Mustafa Uroosa, Nazia Zeya, Farkhanda Emad, Fareeha Kanwal, Mahum Azhaar, Faisal Yamin

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: In Pakistan, psychological wellbeing is still considered a stigma and has limited resources to provide maximum care. Individuals with mental illness struggle with maintaining their sedentary behaviors and have poor wellbeing. The aim of the study is to investigate the physical activity among individuals with a psychiatric illness. Materials and Methods: A sample data of 144 outpatients, diagnosed with a psychiatric illness were collected from the Outpatient Department (OPD) of a public sector psychiatric set-up in Karachi, Pakistan. The participants were assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: Females with a psychiatric illness were found to be …

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 …

The Study Of The Factors Affecting Stadium Attendance Of Yankees' Fans, Aydogan Soyguden, Robert C. Schneider

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The purpose of this study is to investigate factors affecting Yankees' fans' attendance. The study population randomly selected (n=707) supporters of the Yankees Baseball Team participating at the Yankee Stadium in the 2017 seasons of American Major League Baseball. Materials and Methods: The Stadium Attendance and Non-Attendance Reason Scale (SANARS) created by Soyguden in 2013 contained 30 questions to determine reasons affecting Yankee fans' attendance. The reasons affecting (SANARS) scale were used. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, factor analysis, and a one-way ANOVA were the statistical methods used to analyze the data. Results: In general, stadium attendance of the supports …

Relationships Between Technical And Physical Match Performance In Elite Soccer, Lukasz Radziminski, Andrzej Szwarc, Zbigniew Jastrzebski, Agata Rzeszutko-Belzowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential associations between physical and technical match performance and to compare these activities in relation to the match outcome. Materials and methods: The research was based on an analysis of 622 matches of the Polish Ekstraklasa during three consecutive seasons. Such variables as total distance, distance covered in different speed zones, effective playing time, ball possession, number of passes and passing accuracy were taken into account. Results: Effective playing time (E_t) was significantly and fairly correlated with total distance (r = 0.39, p < 0.001), ball possession (r = 0.50, p …

The Effects Of Cyp1a2 And Adora2a Genotypes Association With Acute Caffeine Intake On Physiological Effects And Performance: A Systematic Review, Rabia Rümeysa Kocatürk, İlke Karagöz, Ebru Yanik, Öznur Özge Özcan, Türker Tekin Ergüzel, Mesut Karahan, Nevzat Tarhan

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This systematic review aims to examine the effects of the CYP1A2 −163C>A and ADORA2A 1976T>C polymorphism on physiological effects and performance relative to caffeine consumption. Material and Methods: In this study, electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Korean Journal Database, Russian Science Citation Index, SciELO Citation Index, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest Dissertations & Thesis Global and EBSCO were searched. Results: The results highlight that individuals with the TT or CT/CC genotype can have differences in caffeine consumption, and C carriers may have increases in the maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max). The AA or AC/CC …

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 …

Quantitative And Qualitative Criteria For Assessing Gait Speed In Women Aged 60–75 Years – A Pilot Study, Zbigniew Ossowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The use of the Gait Speed (GS) test in clinical practice has been documented in many scientific studies. However, there is a lack of tools to use the aforementioned test for diagnosis and follow-up of changes in the process of health training in postmenopausal women. Having considered the foregoing, the main objective of this study was to develop quantitative and qualitative criteria to assess gait speed in women aged 60–75 years. Material and methods: Sixty women aged 60–75 years participated in the study. The structure of the gait speed rating scale was based on Zaciorski's model. The data collected …

Body Composition And Psychophysical Well-Being Of Women Practicing Yoga, Aneta Omelan, Justyna Wiśniewska, Robert Podstawski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study characterized yoga as a form of free-time physical activity by analyzing and evaluating the body composition of women who regularly practice yoga, and by describing the effect of yoga on their psychophysical health. Material and Methods: The study involved 94 women: 56 yoga practitioners and 38 Zumba participants. The subjects were surveyed with a questionnaire to elicit information about their socioeconomic status. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Differences were assessed with two-tailed chi-square tests and Student’s t-tests. Results: The vast majority of the participants (89%) felt a positive influence of yoga on their mental …

Relationship Between Lower Limb Power Output, Sprint And Change Of Direction Performance In Soccer Players., Monika Papla, Agata Latocha, Wojciech Grzyb, Artur Gołaś

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Although soccer matches require players to perform repetitive power-related abilities, the impact of lower-body strength and power asymmetry on sprint and change of direction (COD) performance receives little attention. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the relationship between lower limb power, sprint, and change of direction (COD) performance. In addition, the relationship between lower limb power asymmetry and the above mentioned running tests was determined. Material and Methods: Twenty-four male soccer players from First Polish League (age = 24.8 ±8.2 years, body mass = 77.4 ±16.9kg, body height=179.5 ±14.5cm, soccer training experience = 10 ± 1.5years) took part in …

The Road To Championship: An Example Of An Individual With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Halil Sarol, Rıfat Kerem Gürkan, Bülent Gürbüz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of this research is to investigate the road to championship of an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who began physical activity in childhood under parental influence and won medals in competition as an athlete. In this research, founded on the phenomenological pattern from qualitative research models, data were collected in a semi-structured interview. Face-to-face interviews were held with the family, coach and the research participant. The content analysis method was used. The individual with ASD began a physical activity program in a special education center in childhood under parental influence and psychiatric referral. The individual with ASD …

Methodological Characteristics, Physiological And Physical Effects, And Future Directions For Velocity-Based Training In Soccer: A Systematic Review, Jorge Ribeiro, José Afonso, Miguel Camões, Hugo Sarmento, Mário Sá, Ricardo Lima, Filipe Manuel Clemente

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. This systematic review was conducted to (1) characterize the main elements of studies of velocity-based training (VBT) (e.g., training protocols) conducted in soccer, (2) summarize the main physiological and physical effects of VBT on soccer players, and (3) provide future directions for research. Methods: A systematic review of Cochrane Library, EBSCO, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: The database search initially identified 127 titles. Of those, five articles were deemed eligible for the systematic review, two studies used a traditional …

An Assessment Of Isometric Muscle Strength And The Hamstring: Quadriceps Ratio Among Males Trained With Free Weights Vs. Machines, Geferson Honorato Da Silva, Alex Souto Maior

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to assess the isometric muscle strength (IMS) of the knee extensors and flexors, bilateral asymmetry (BA) and the hamstring: quadriceps ratio (H:Q ratio) between the dominant leg (DL) vs. the non-dominant leg (NDL) of males trained with free-weights vs. machines. Material and Methods: Thirty males were recruited and separated into two groups: Free-weights (n = 15) and Machines (n = 15) groups. All study participants performed the IMS testing for knee extensors and flexors in the DL and NDL using a commercially available load cell. The highest value obtained from the three trials …

Eeg Neurofeedback And Isolation Stressor. A Systematic Review, Kacper Gotner, Marcin Dornowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. One of the factors increasing the body's response to a stressful situation is isolation. The feeling of loneliness in isolation can be caused by biological, psychological or medical factors. Material and methods: This paper is a review of publications issued in 2009–2021, the most up-to-date in terms of information on the topic of stress and its links with EEG neurofeedback. Results: 5 publications on stress caused by isolation and the reaction of the human body in a stressful situation were selected. The papers were selected based on the use of EEG neurofeedback in reducing the body's stress reactions to …

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. …