Sports Medicine Commons^™

Objectively And Subjectively Measured Physical Activity Levels Among Children And Adolescents In Poland (2012–2022): A Systematic Review, Jarosław Herbert, Vasylyna Petrovets

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of research on physical activity levels among children and adolescents in Poland from 2012 to 2022, considering both objective and subjective assessment methods. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA reporting recommendations. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar databases, as well as Polish scientific databases were searched. The review included studies published from 2012 to 2022, on children and adolescents aged 3–18 living in Poland, assessing physical activity levels using objective and/or subjective methods. This analysis of the selected studies showed that physical activity levels …

The Level Of Physical Activity And The Feeling Of Stress In Difficult Life Situations Among Refugees From Ukraine, Bartosz Gondek, Iwona Bonisławska, Milena Lachowicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Russia's attack on Ukraine in February 2022 started the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. In the face of danger, crowds of civilians decided to leave their homes and escape, among others, to Poland in search of shelter. Materials and methods: The research was conducted on groups of refugees from Ukraine who registered in the first days of the war in Sopot and Pruszcz Gdanski. The refugees came from Kharkov, Mariupol, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and western Ukraine (not involved in hostilities). People from the war zone areas mostly came with only hand luggage. The respondents were divided …

The Impact Of Exercise On Albuminuria And Kidney Function In The 2nd And 3rd Trimesters Of Physiological Pregnancy, Wojciech Wołyniec, Andrzej Kochanowicz, Jan Mieszkowski, Łukasz Radzimiński, Marcin Renke, Anna Szumilewicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Physical activity is an important part of healthy lifestyle and should be continued during low-risk pregnancy. Several studies have suggested that most pregnant women had no contraindications to perform exercises. The aim of the study was to assess the acute effect of an exercise test up to refusal and a chronic impact of an 8-week HIIT program on albuminuria and kidney function in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Material and Methods: A group of 36 pregnant women was studied. At the beginning of the study, all participants had normal kidney function and albuminuria at rest. Nineteen women …

The Effect Of The Actn3 Gene Variation On Physically Active Individuals' Susceptibility To Muscle Injury, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Piotr Kabelis, Agata Rzeszutko-Bełzowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The R577X polymorphism (rs1815739) in the ACTN3 gene, which encodes α-actinin-3, results in deficiency of the functional protein in the muscles of the XX carriers, what could potentially impair muscle fiber function and increase susceptibility to injuries. Thus, this study aimed to assess the relationship between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and non-contact muscle injury risk in a physically active Caucasians cohort. Mate-rials and Methods: The study included 142 physically active individuals (26 females and 116 males) who experienced either single (n = 26) or multiple (n = 116) non-contact muscle injuries. The control group included 163 participants (47 females …

Sports And Physical Activity Of Poles In The Context Of Good Health And Well-Being As A Sustainable Development Goal, Elżbieta Biernat, Monika Piątkowska, Robert Podstawski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Investing in physical activity (PA) is vital for achieving sustainable development goals. We examine PA trends in Poland using data from Eurobarometer surveys conducted in 2013, 2017, and 2022. In 2022, 64.6% of Poles did not participate in sports, and 41.8% did not engage in non-sport PA. There is a concerning trend of increasing inactivity in sports (Chi²_2022/2017 = 34.64; p < 0.001; Chi²_2017/2013 = 56.98; p < 0.001) and non-sports PA (Chi²_2022/2017 = 18.3, p < 0.01 and Chi²_2017/2013 = 16.95, p < 0.01). Participation in sport and PA is influenced by individual, inter-personal, environmental, political, and global factors. Notably, there is an upward trend in interpersonal (e.g., club membership, volunteering), environmental (e.g., PA in parks/nature, at home), and political (e.g., dissatisfaction with local government actions) factors. Government intervention is crucial and requires: (1) establishment of an institution for leadership and advocacy of PA, (2) adoption of a cross-sectoral approach for a coordinated change, and (3) increased in-vestment in monitoring systems to track the impact of interventions. These actions are essential for fostering a more active and healthier population in Poland.

The Supporting Role Of Physical Exercise In The Prevention And Treatment Of Neurodegenerative And Mental Diseases, Celestyna Grzywniak

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of the article is to draw attention to the possibility of using physical exercises in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, dementia as well as mental disorders, particularly depression. This article emphasizes the significance of physical exercise in stimulating the nervous system, including the glial cells, as well as their role in the production of proteins called myokines and myostatins belonging to cytokines. It briefly characterizes the most common neurotrophins in the human body including the BDNF and their role in stabilizing and treating neurodegenerative and mental diseases. It presents the secretory functions of skeletal …

Reliability And Criterion Validity Of The Turkish Version Of The Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire, Kubra Ayse Dasdemir, Sinem Suner-Keklik, Gamze Cobanoglu, Nevin A. Guzel

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aims to determine reliability and criterion validity of the Turkish version of the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire (RPAQ). Materials and methods: The study included 146 individuals aged 18–45 years. Translation and cultural adaptation of the questionnaire was performed with regard to an appropriate procedure. Test–retest reliability was analyzed in terms of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). For assessment of validity of the questionnaire, the criterion validity method was used. Criterion validity was evaluated using a pedometer, which is an objective measurement tool. The correlation between the total number of steps recorded during a week and RPAQ scores was …

Does Virtual Reality Allow For A Reliable Assessment Of Reaction Speed In Mixed Martial Arts Athletes?, Jacek Polechoński, Alan Langer, Petr Stastny, Marcin Zak, Izabela Zając-Gawlak, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The immersive virtual reality (VR) might bring a new reliable approach to diagnosing motor abilities. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to check the intertrial reliability and diagnostic possibility (reaction time, movement time, lateral differences) of VR for upper limb movements in a group of mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes, and to evaluate whether distractors influence the complexity of the whole reaction. Material and methods: Twenty-six MMA athletes (age 27.1 ± 5.4 years, body mass 77.6 ± 9.3 kg, height 179.2 ± 5.7 cm, training experience 6.7±4.3 years) performed two reaction tests for their upper limbs (four …

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 …

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 …

Establishing Safe Thresholds To Improve Exercise Capacity In Collegiate Athletes With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ibd): A Critically Appraised Topic, Emily C. Roberts, Jenny Toonstra, Andrea Cripps

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Clinical Scenario: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can present several challenges to athletic participation due to unpredictable disease activity and uncontrollable systemic symptoms that severely impact daily activities, and limit exercise/sports participation. Limited studies and a lack of standardized guidelines for physical activity (PA) and exercise are additional barriers for patients. Limited sources have determined that exercise interventions of low-to-moderate intensity are safe and feasible for IBD patients. In theory, such interventions could promote improvements in exercise capacity and overall well-being. Focused Clinical Question: Is there evidence to suggest that established safe exercise-intensities promote improvements in exercise capacity in collegiate athletes …

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 …

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 …