Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Benefits Of Pilates Exercises On Functional Fitness And Quality Of Life In Older Men: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Mohammad Khazaei, Jolanta Marszałek, Reza Aminzadeh, Elham Dehghani, Bahador Azizi

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: As age increases, declines in basic motor skills are observed in older men. Limited physical activity-based interventions, such as Pilates exercises, focus on enhancing these basic motor skills. This study aimed to identify the benefits of Pilates exercises on functional fitness and the quality of life in older men.

Material and Methods: Older men were randomly assigned to either a Pilates exercises group or a control group. Balance, strength, flexibility, and agility were tested using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). The Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (SF-36) assessed the quality of life before and after 6 weeks of Pilates exercises. Differences over …

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 …

Association Of The G>A (Rs6265) Polymorphism In The Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene (Bdnf) With Post-Training Changes In Caucasian Women, Katarzyna Świtała, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Monika Michałowska-Sawczyn, Andrzej Brodkiewicz, Kinga Łosińska, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 (G196A; Val66Met) polymorphism has been associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, with contradictory results involving either A or G as the risk allele. The main aim of this study was to examine whether the BDNF rs6265 polymorphism would influence the efficiency of a training program. An additional aim was to determine whether selected polymorphism can be used as a genetic marker for obesity-related parameters. We studied the genotype distribution in a group of 160 Caucasian females in whom body mass and composition parameters, lipid profile, and glucose levels were measured before …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The Effects Of Physical Activity On Glycaemic Control In Children And Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Participating In Diabetes Camps, Marcin Sikora, Anna Zwierzchowska, Marzena Jaworska, Magdalena Solich Talanda, Rafal Mikolajczyk, Aleksandra Zebrowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background:‪Children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at high risk of having insufficient physical activity during school days and, thus, the importance of special program in promoting regular physical exercise has been largely emphasized. Therefore, this study examined the levels of physical activity and glycemia control in children with T1D, with particular focus on the relative contributions of regular physical education and physical activity program during the diabetes camp.Material and methods:‪Ninety-eight children suffering from T1D for 3.0 ±1.4 years free of diabetic complications participated in the study. Glycemia, insulin doses and diet were monitored, and physical activity was repeatedly measured …

Analysis Of The Kinematic Parameters Of Squatting In Subjects With Different Levels Of Physical Activity – A Preliminary Study, Magdalena Zawadka, Edyta Lukasik, Maria Skublewska Paszkowska, Jakub Smolka, Piotr Gawda, Miroslaw Jablonski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background:‪Bipedal leg squat is a common rehabilitation exercise. It is used for evaluation of lower limb function and pelvis and core stability. The aim of this study was a comparison of the lower limb, pelvis and spine ranges of motion in subjects with different declared physical activity level during bipedal squat. Material and methods:‪Twenty healthy student-volunteers took part in this investigation. Based on the author’s questionnaire, they were divided into two groups: “higher” and “lower” physical activity level. Participants performed a two-leg squat with maximal depth, and returned to the standing position. The tridimensional motion of the ankle, knee, hip, …

Paediatric Physical Activity And Health: Moving Towards A Measure Of Quality, Cain C.T. Clark, Claire M. Barnes

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

It is clear that physical activity, holistically, is linked with several positive factors through the life course. There exists a large evidence base for physical activity quantity, yet there has been little integration of physical activity qualities, and whilst qualityis a nebulous term, recent developments in literature suggest it may be a viable measure in the characterisation of physical activity. The purpose of the study was to comprehensively review the development towards a measure of physical activity quality.‪A review of literature was conducted using online databases: Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar. A narrative review was subsequently prepared on …

Retrospective Attitudes Towards The Assessment System In Physical Education In The Former Soviet Republic Of Lithuania: Differences With Regard To Gender, Education, Age, And Physical Activity, Romualdas Malinauskas, Arunas Emeljanovas, Vilija Malinauskiene

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪The study aimed to determine differences between retrospective attitudes of adults towards the assessment system in PE in the former Soviet Republic of Lithuania (SRL) according to gender, education, age, and physical activity. Material and methods: ‪Randomised and cross-over study design. The research sample comprised 1,115 participants (510 male and 605 female, 524 35–45 years old 591 46–55 years old; 603 with secondary education and 512 with university education) representing the population of the Republic of Lithuania. Results: ‪35–45-year-old participants displayed more positive attitudes towards the suitability of assessment in PE in the former SRL and attitudes towards the …

Physical Fitness, Physical Activity, Psychosocial Status And Quality Of Life Of Adolescent Siblings Of Neurologically Disabled Children, Elcin Mamak Celik, Arzu Daskapan, Zehra Güçhan Topcu

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪This study aims to compare physical fitness, physical activity, the psychosocial state and the quality of life of adolescents who have disabled siblings with the adolescents who have healthy siblings. Material and methods: ‪100 adolescents were involved. The Body Mass Index, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance were measured to determine physical fitness. The FELS Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Depression Scale(CES-DC) and the 87-item Child Health Questionnaire(CHQ) were used to determine the level of their physical activity, depression status and the level of quality of life. Results: O‪nly Vertical Jumping level among physical fitness parameters was found to be different …

Opinions Of The Students Of The University Of The Third Age On Selected Health Behaviors And Social Support – A Comparative Analysis, Ewa Kupcewicz, Malgorzata Kusmierczyk, Barbara Wilk, Monika Opanowska, Marcin Pasek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: In the reflection on old age, the issue of activating the elderly and incorporating them into social life in order to counteract social exclusion and all forms of discrimination is clearly marked. The study aimed at getting to know the opinions of the students of the University of the Third Age on preferred health behaviors and social support. Material and methods. The study group involved 130 students of the University of the Third Age. The vast majority were women (90%, n=117), and the mean age was 65.4±5.9 years. The study used a questionnaire containing questions about sociodemographic data, selected …

Validation Of Accelerometer For Measuring Physical Activity In Free-Living Individuals, George O. Agogo, Hilko Van Der Voet, Paul J.M. Hulshof, Pieter Van ’T Veer, Laura Trijsburg, Fred A. Van Eeuwijk, Hendriek C. Boshuizen

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of this research was to validate a triaxial GT3X accelerometer against doubly labelled water for measuring total energy expenditure (TEE) in a study of free-living Dutch adults and to compare the two prediction equations used to calculate accelerometer derived activity related energy expenditure. Material/Methods: We used a measurement error model to estimate bias in the mean TEE, a correlation coefficient between measured and true TEE (a validity coefficient, which quantifies loss of statistical power to detect association) and the attenuation factor (which quantifies bias in the association), with and without conditioning on age, sex and BMI. We …

Healthy Aging: Quality Of Life And Health Behaviours In Students Of The University Of The Third Age – A Preliminary Study, Justyna Krzepota, Dorota Sadowska, Beata Florkiewicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Previous studies have revealed high prevalence of students exhibiting unhealthy behaviour, such as insufficient physical activity during their transitional phase from school to university. Research shows that students’ health is worse compared to non-student pears. However, health and its determinants in specific subgroups, such as students –future teachers, have remained largely unexplored. In contemporary society, teachers are expected to fulfil the role of health educators regardless of the subject they teach in school. So they may maintain good health potential and develop healthy lifestyle themselves. The present study aims to estimate the health status of first-year students at the …

Health Disorders And Exercising Behaviour That Characterize The Transitional Stage Of First-Year Students At The Lithuanian University Of Educational Sciences, Vida Juškelienė, Aušra Kalinkevičienė

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Previous studies have revealed high prevalence of students exhibiting unhealthy behaviour, such as insufficient physical activity during their transitional phase from school to university. Research shows that students’ health is worse compared to non-student pears. However, health and its determinants in specific subgroups, such as students –future teachers, have remained largely unexplored. In contemporary society, teachers are expected to fulfil the role of health educators regardless of the subject they teach in school. So they may maintain good health potential and develop healthy lifestyle themselves. The present study aims to estimate the health status of first-year students at the …

Preferences In The Use Of Nutritional Supplements And The Correctness Of Their Selection For Training Purposes, Robert Korczak, Marek Kruszewski, Artur Kruszewski, Stanislaw Kuzmicki, Agnieszka Olszewska, Grzegorz Kepa, Karol Landowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the preferences in the use of nutritional supplements and the correctness of their selection in training among recreational athletes attending classes at the gym. Material/Methods: A group 169 of recreational athletes was surveyed in "AWF Warszawa" and "Warszawianka" gyms; they were 26.6 years old ±6.48 yrs and had 4 years ±4.57 of training experience. The diagnostic survey method was used, with questionnaires developed by the authors of this study. Results: A significantly smaller proportion of respondents declared the use of supplements. The supplementation declared most often involved the use of chain …

Reliability And Validity Of The International Physical Activity Questionnaire In Lithuania, Alvydas Kalvenas, Ionuţ Burlacu, Karim Abu-Omar

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Purpose of the study was to examine: (1) the criterion validity and test-retest reliability of the IPAQ-LT short-form (SF) and long-form (LF) and (2) its potential over-reporting and energy expenditure over-estimation. Material and methods: 130 participants, aged 18-69 years, wore the Actigraph GT3X accelerometer (ACC) on all waking hours over 7 consecutive days. One day before and after they completed both versions of the back-translated IPAQ-LT. 92 participants were included for the reliability and 81 for the validity tests. Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients were calculated as the measurement of agreement. Results: Only the walking category significantly (p <.05) correlated with the ACC, SF (.22), LF (.20). Compared with ACC data IPAQ-LT averaged 997% (SF) and 1512% (LF) more weekly minutes of PA and 864% (SF) and 1477% (LF) more MET-min/week. The classification of participants as sufficiently active was 87.6% (SF), 90.1% (LF), and 8.7% (ACC). Conclusions: The validity for total PA scored relatively low compared with other studies. Substantial PA over-reporting and EE over-estimation were observed. As such, the evidence is very weak to support the use of IPAQ-LT as a relative or an absolute measure of PA and further work in this regard is amended.

Domain-Specific Physical Activity Among Indigenous Overweight And Obese Communities In Sarawak, Ching Thon Chang, Whye Lian Cheah, Helmy Hazmi, Wan Abdul Manan Wan Muda

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Physical activity is important to maintain health and to prevent non-communicable diseases. Material/Methods: We evaluated physical activity in four domains (leisure time, occupational, domestic and transportation ones) and its sociodemographic correlates in 351 adult overweight and obese indigenous people in Sarawak, Malaysia. Physical activity was assessed using the Malay version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long form. The data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Results: More than 40% of the respondents (43.5%) were obese. The overall median total MET-minutes were 6180.0 (IQR = 10229.0). A total of 53% of the respondents were moderately active with the …

Physical Activity In Youth And Level Of Kinesiophobia In Older Adults, Edward Saulicz, Andrzej Knapik, Mariola Saulicz, Pawel Linek, Jerzy Rottermund, Tomasz Wolny, Andrzej Mysliwiec

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Previous physical activity may be a significant motivator for activity at an elder age. There is a lack of research regarding the kinesiophobia phenomenon in the elderly across a wide spectrum of its conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of kinesiophobia in older adults in the context of their physical activity in youth. Material and methods: The research was performed on a group of 520 people between 65 and 87 years old. Psychometric tools completed by the subjects were used. The tools consisted of two parts: a survey concerning the level of physical activity …

Physical Activity And Body Image Of Women: Literature Review, Sonia Mosur-Kaluza, Monika Guszkowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

This study represents a review of literature on the relationship between recreational physical activity and the body image. This research encompasses 39 papers published between 2008 and 2015 that were available in the Academic Search Complete database. The results of comparative, prospective, and experimental research are ambiguous. These data suggest both a positive relationship between the body image and physical activity, i.e. a more positive body image among more active people and an improvement in the body image as a result of regular exercise, and a negative relationship, in particular, a more negative body image in persons engaging in “aesthetic” …

Self-Regulation Strategies Used By Men And Women Attending To Fitness Clubs, Krzysztof Sas-Nowosielski, Sylwia Szopa

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the self-regulation strategies used by men and women attending to fitness clubs and how they are related to the level of participants’ physical activity. Material/Methods: The participants of the study were 200 persons attending fitness clubs, including 108 women (54%) and 92 men (46%), aged 17-63 years, mean 29.18 ±9.16 years. The questionnaire measuring self-regulation strategies: goal-setting, self-monitoring, enlisting social support, self-rewarding and stimulus control were used along with Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire assessing physical activity. Results: Participants exercised on average 6.17 (±3.83) hours MVPA weekly. From the self-regulation strategies the …

Physical Activity As A Pro-Health Behaviour In The Opinion Of Adult Women, Maria Lipko, Anna Darmas

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aims at determining opinion of participants of strengthening and relaxation classes on health determinants and their influence on adoption of particular forms of physical activity. Material/Methods: Participants of the study were 113 women aged 40 to 55, among whom 70 participated in such strengthening and relaxation courses as yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi and 43 women were inactive (control group). A survey prepared by the authors of this paper was used. Results: According to the participants, the most crucial factors influencing health are proper nutrition, adoption of physical activity and keeping proper body weight. Active women are …

The Role Of Self-Efficacy In Undertaking Health-Seeking Behaviours By Physical Education Teachers, Zaneta Szczepanska-Klunder, Mariusz Lipowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Self-efficacy, defined as a personal resource, is increasingly analysed in context of healthseeking behaviours. Therefore, it is important to explain to what extent these behaviours are associated with cognitive personality disposition of physical education teachers, manifested by their self-efficacy. Material/Methods: We examined 271 physical education teachers (n♀ = 137 and n♂ =134) aged between 23 and 62 years (M = 38.97, SD = 9.33). The respondents were surveyed with the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale by Schwarzer and Jerusalem in the Polish adaptation by Juczynski, Health Behaviour Inventory by Juczynski and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire by Cash. Results: Our findings …

Short Hebrew International Physical Activity Questionnaire: Reliability And Validity, Eyal Weissblueth

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) aims to measure physical activity consistency throughout the world. It has been translated into many languages and its validity has been examined worldwide. However, the IPAQ has not been translated into Hebrew and the psychometric properties of the Hebrew version have yet to be evaluated. Material/Methods: The current study assessed the test-retest reliability of the short IPAQ in Hebrew (IPAQ-S-H) and its validity among college students. Intra-class correlation coefficients were computed to assess reliability, and survey responses were compared to VO2max to determine concurrent validity. Results: The IPAQ-S-H’s test-retest reliability was primarily high, …

The Appeal Of And Interest In Nordic Walking In The Opinion Of 9-18-Year-Old Pupils From Selected Tricity Schools, Malgorzata Pogorzelska, Tomasz Frolowicz, Pawel Drobnik, Agnieszka Cybulska, Iwona Bonislawska, Aleksandra Bartosiewicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of the research was to check opinions of students of various stages of education in the Pomeranian province about the attractiveness of Nordic Walking in comparison with other activities. Material/Methods: About 500 intentionally selected students participated in the survey. These were students of 11-18 years of age. Half of them participated in Nordic walking PE lessons. The researched students’ schools were localized in the Pomeranian province in Poland. Methods of a diagnostic survey using two questionnaires were applied. The first one was used to assess the level of students’ physical activity and was also used to research …

Gender Differences In Body Mass Index And Physical Activity Of Students Of The University Of Tuzla, Almir Atikovic, Sanjin Hodzic, Jasmin Bilalic, Jasmin Mehinovic, Amra Nozinovic Mujanovic, Edin Mujanovic, Alen Kapidzic

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study was carried out among undergraduate students at the University of Tuzla (Bosna and Herzegovina) with the objective of examining gender differences in the body mass index (BMI) and the level of Physical Activity (PA) among respondents. Material/Methods: This study was conducted to: determine the body mass index (BMI) and the average weekly number of hours of sport activity in the last six months (PA). A research sample was made of female students (n = 330) in the chronological age of 19.3+1.5 yrs, 60.7%, and of male students (n = 213) in the chronological age of 20.0+1.8 yrs, …

Comparing The Physical Activity Patterns Of 3-Year-Old Finnish And Australian Children During Childcare And Homecare Days, Anne Soini, Anthony Watt, Tuija Tammelin, Markus Soini, Arja Sääkslahti, Marita Poskiparta

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Limited previous research has contrasted physical activity (PA) patterns in preschool children across different hourly patterns or segments of day, or adopted similar methodologies to compare the PA behaviors of children from different countries. The purpose of this study was to examine how the PA levels and patterns differed between 3- year-olds within and between childcare and homecare days in Finland and Australia. Material/Methods: ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers were used to monitor 121 (80 Finnish, 41 Australian) children’s PA for five consecutive days. Results: No significant country differences were observed in children’s daily total PA (light-tovigorous PA [LMVPA]), except that …

Sense Of Coherence As A Moderator Of Health- -Related Behavior Of Physical Education Teachers, Zaneta Szczepanska-Klunder, Mariusz Lipowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Sense of coherence is believed to be the main indicator of health-oriented behavior. Therefore, it is interesting to find out to what extent the sense of coherence moderates health behavior of physical education teachers. Material/Methods: In order to address this issue, 477 physical education teachers were examined (n♀ =235; n♂ =242) aged 23-62 (M = 40.05; SD = 9.09). Three methods were used in the research:Antonovsky’s The Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SOC-29), Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) by Juczynski and The Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire by Cash. Results: Results indicate a positive role of the sense of coherence in adopting …

Corrective Gymnastics And Motor Skills Of Fiveand Six-Year-Old Children, Magdalena Rokicka-Hebel

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of the study was to evaluate motor skills of children participating and not participating in corrective gymnastics activities. It has been assumed that children participating in additional physical activities conducted in nursery school have better motor skills than those staying out of this type of activities. Material/Methods: Tests were carried out in two stages. For quantitative research a questionnaire was conducted among headmasters of nursery schools in Gdansk. The qualitative and quantitative research involved: observation, document analysis, tests of educational performance verifying the level of motor skills. A total of 286 five- and six-year-old children were recruited …

Motivations For Undertaking Physical Activity By First-Year Students Of Faculty Of Physical Education In 2000 And 2010, Alicja Nowak-Zaleska, Ryszard Zaleski, Barbara Wilk, Anna Walentukiewicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: During the last several years, diametrical difference in attitude to physical activity in youth has been noticed. Engagement in any form of physical activity always goes together with motivation for its undertaking, most often connected with realization of personal expectations. Its sources are perceived, among others, in interior factors, such as: joy resulting from participation in physical activity itself, personal achievements, and pleasure of finding release in movement or social contacts, e.g. spending time with friends. The present paper attempts to assess the motivation for additional physical activity undertaken by first-year students of the Faculty of Physical Education at …