Sports Sciences Commons^™

Exploration Of Running In Minimal And Conventional Footwear On Tibial Stress Fracture Probability In Habitual And Non-Habitual Minimal Users, Jonathan K. Sinclair, Paul J. Taylor

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

This research sought to investigate the impact of minimal and conventional footwear on the likelihood of tibial stress fractures among individuals who habitually and do not habitually use minimal footwear. Ten males who habitually ran in minimal footwear and ten males who habitually ran in conventional footwear, took part in this investigation. Kinematic information during overground running were gathered using an eight-camera motion-capture system, and ground reaction forces were recorded using a force plate. Tibial strains were assessed through finite element modelling, while the likelihood of stress fractures was determined through probabilistic modelling across a 100-day running period. Medial tibial …

The Impact Of Asymmetry In Lower Limb Muscle Strength And Power On Straight-Line Running Speed In Female Soccer Players, Dariusz Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Kinga Łosińska, Michał Spieszny, Maciej Kostrzewa, Piotr Aschenbrenner, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of this study was to investigate and determine the impact of asymmetries in muscle strength and power between the right and left lower limbs on straight-line running speed in female soccer players.30 right-footed female soccer players playing in the Ekstraliga participated in the study. The Modulus. Number formula was used to avoid negative results and to assess only the difference in relative strength and power between the lower limbs, not the dominance of one of them. A result equal to or below the threshold defined group G1 "with lower asymmetry," and a result above the threshold defined group …

Effect Of Imagery Training On Football Players, Dagmara Budnik-Przybylska, Franciszek Makurat, Jacek Przybylski, Tony Morris

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. There is a growing number of studies concerning imagery training in young athletes but on a much smaller scale than research in adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of imagery training on children’s soccer skills. (2) Materials and Methods: We conducted two studies. In the first study a sample of 35 subjects, aged between 10 and 14 years, was divided into an experimental condition (18 players) and a control condition (17 players). Each person completed one script from the Sports Imagery Ability Measure (SIAM) and from the Movement Imagery Ques-tionnaire-3 (MIQ-3) and took a …

Correlations Between Tensiomyography Variables And Lower Extremity Power, Adis Tabaković, Ensar Abazović, Muhamed Tabaković, Erol Kovačević

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The main aim of this research was to determine whether there are statistically significant correlations between TMG variables and jumping performance. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five healthy and physically active male students (age: 20.84 ± 0.99 years; body height: 179.46 ± 5.91 cm; body weight: 73.88 ± 6.43 kg) of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education participated in this study. Radial displacement, contraction time and delay time of the m. vastus lateralis were collected to assess muscles’ contractile characteristics using tensiomyography (TMG). Additionally, squat jump and countermovement jump height were recorded using the Optojump system. Results: A very …

Analysis Of The Longitudinal Effect Of Home Advantage In The Brazilian Football Championship – Série A, Werlayne Leite, Marcelo C. Zanetti

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Athletes and teams typically obtain an advantage when competing at home, a phenomenon known as home advantage (HA). This study investigates the longitudinal effect of HA in the Brazilian Football Championship (Série A) over 21 seasons, analyzing 8,405 matches from 2003 to 2023. The results showed that the average HA was 35.1 ± 7.7%, while the competitive balance (CB) was 0.838 ± 0.145. A negative, non-significant correlation (r = -0.321, p = 0.157) was found between HA and CB, with CB explaining 10.3% of HA variation in the Brazilian league. HA de-creased over time, likely due to improved logistics, …

Development, Validation, And Reliability Of A New Instrument Of Observation And Technical Evaluation In Karate Athletes, Filipe Ferreira, Rui Miguel Silva, Georgian Badicu, Jarosław Muracki, Bartłomiej Bogdański, Adam Kawczyński

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The present study aims to develop and establish the reliability of the System for the Technical Assessment of Kumite (STAK) in karate. Twenty karate fighters aged between 10 and 22 years, consisting of novice and expert athletes participated in the present study. The reliability process focused on three points: i) analysis and evaluation by experts of the content of the observation instrument; ii) analysis and evaluation by expert evaluators of the athletes' performance in each of the chosen techniques; and iii) reliability of the evaluators' observations. The technical evaluation system in karate evaluated the Mawashi Geri, Ura Mawashi Geri, Kizami …

Efficiency Of One Against One Game Situations In Polish Soccer National Team And Their Opponents During Uefa European Championship Matches, Andrzej Szwarc, Krzysztof Kromke, Henryk Duda, Andrzej Soroka, Lukasz Radziminski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficiency in one against one (1v1) game situations of Polish national team soccer players and their opponents in 12 matches of the group stage in 4 consecutive cup finals at the European Championship in the years 2008–2021. Material and methods: Audio-visual records of matches were analysed and data about the game were recorded on a self-developed observation sheet. Activity, effectiveness and reliability of individual offensive and defensive actions were assessed in the context of implementation of the game objectives. Results: It was found that the Polish players were involved in …

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 …

Evaluation Of The Influence Of Training In An Immersive Virtual Reality Environment On Sports Skills In Table Tennis, Martin Škopek, Josef Heidler, Štefan Balkó, Lenka Vojtíková, Radka Ulrichová

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study explores the possibilities of leveraging immersive virtual reality (VR) training for the improvement of table tennis skills. The primary objective was to assess the in-fluence of VR intervention on the development of table tennis skills. Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight participants, whose mean age was 17.37 ± 0.84 years and who lacked previous table tennis experience, were divided into experimental (n = 21) and control (n = 17) groups. The experimental group engaged in six sessions of VR training aimed at enhancing table tennis skills, and their performance was evaluated using a comprehensive test battery. In contrast, the …

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

The Effect Of 6-Week Eeg-Biofeedback Training In Normobaric Hypoxia And Normoxia Conditions On Reaction Time In Elite Judo Athletes, Magdalena Prończuk, Joanna Motowidło, Ewelina Lulińska, Dariusz T. Skalski, Jarosław Markowski, Jan Pilch, Maciej Kostrzewa, Artur Terbalyan, Karol Skotniczny, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Biofeedback Training in normoxic and normobaric hypoxic conditions on reaction times in judo athletes. Material and methods: The participants in the experimental group underwent thetha/beta1 training under simulated hypoxic conditions in a laboratory equipped with a normobaric hypoxia generation system (LOS-HYP1/3NU, Lowoxygen Systems, Germany), at a simulated altitude of 2500m above sea level (FiO₂ = 15.5%). Each cycle of the study consisted of 15 training sessions. The training sessions lasted for 20 minutes, with 4 sets of 4 minutes each and a 1-minute break in between. In …

Comprehensive Technical Analysis Of A Kickboxing Fight In K1 Format Based On Observation, Marta Niewczas, Wojciech Wąsacz, Wiesław Chwała, Tomasz Pałka, Ewa Sobiło-Rydzik, Tadeusz Ambroży, Kristína Němá, Łukasz Rydzik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Observation and specialized analysis of confrontations in combat sports are fundamental for introducing corrections in training programs and for modifying the individual technical-tactical profiles of athletes in these types of activities. These actions comprehensively assess the progress of sports activities, ultimately inspiring and guiding the direction of training in sports clubs. The aim of this study was to analyze and assess the level of the offensive structure of Kickboxing sport fights in the K1 format, in terms of global simulated sparring, in selected thematic sets. Materials and Methods: The research material consisted of a multimedia recording of 10 simulated …

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

The Moderating Role Of Perseverance And Determination In Action In The Context Of Self-Efficacy And Life Satisfaction Of Sportspeople With Mobility Impairment, Natalia Segiet, Krzysztof Gerc

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The article assumes the biopsychosocial model of disability and refers, inter alia, to the assumptions of the concept of empowerment, which recognizes the fact that practicing sports by people with disabilities creates favorable conditions for strengthening resources and developing skills. An attempt was made to develop a model that verifies the moderating importance of mental resilience in the aspect of experiencing a sense of effectiveness and life satisfaction in sportspeople with mobility impairment. Material and method: The research conducted in an encrypted online manner involved 58 people (31 able-bodied sportspeople and 27 sportspeople with physical disabilities). The following tools …

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

Interval Training Using A Slide Board Is Superior To Cycloergometer Regarding Aerobic Capacity And Specific Fitness In Elite Ice Hockey Players, Robert Roczniok, Artur Terbalyan, Daria Manilewska, Grzegorz Mikrut, Tomas Mika, Petr Stastny

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Ice hockey is a physically demanding sport that requires a combination of aerobic and anaerobic capacities, as well as specific on-ice skills. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of individualized interval training on a slide board with training on a cyclo-ergometer, focusing on aerobic capacity and specific fitness in elite ice hockey players. Materials and Methods: Thirty players were randomly divided into an experimental (slide board) and a control (cyclo-ergometer) group. Both groups underwent a 6-week training program with the same intensity and volume. Results: The results showed that both forms of training led to significant improvements in …

Assessment Of Postural Stability Of 14-Year-Old Girls Training Volleyball, Robert Walaszek, Wiesław Chwała, Katarzyna Burdacka, Marcin Burdacki, Paweł Kurowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Measurements of postural stability are carried out for the prevention of injuries and for rehabilitation of athletes who have sustained traumatic injuries. The aim of the study was to assess postural stability measured in static and dynamic conditions in 14-year-old girls, of whom some were training volleyball, and some were not. Materials and Methods: The study involved a group of 30 girls aged 14, attending volleyball classes. This group was compared with the control group (n = 30) of girls of the same age who regularly participated only in regular physical education (PE) classes. The tests were conducted twice. …

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

The Acute Effect Of Releasing The Thoracolumbar Facia By Osteopatic Technique On Lower Extremity Functional Performance On Lumbar Extensor Endurance And Mobility In Soccer Players, Erkan Özyılmaz, Ömer Şenel, Hasan Aka, Zait Burak Aktuğ

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The aim of this study is to examine the acute effect of osteopathic release of the thoracolumbar fascia on lower extremity functional performance, lumbar extensor endurance and mobility in professional soccer players. Materials and Methods: 30 volunteer male athletes who professionally play soccer participated in the study, and the participants were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The functional performance of the lower extremities, lumbar extensor endurance and mobility of the subjects were measured twice – before and immediately after the Still Technique and placebo applications. Subjects' lower extremity functional performance was determined by the Single Leg Hop …

Effects Of A 10-Week Footstrike Transition Programme On Tibial Stress Fracture Probability; A Randomized Controlled Intervention Using Finite Element And Probabilistic Modelling, Jonathan Sinclair, Paul J. Taylor

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The aim of this study was to undertake a randomized control trial examining the effects of a 10-week footstrike transition program on tibial stress fracture risk compared to control. Material and methods: Twenty habitual rearfoot strike runners were randomly assigned to either footstrike or control groups. The footstrike group undertook a graduated 10-week program which allowed them to convert their habitual rearfoot strike pattern, whereas the control group maintained their normal training regime without any alterations to their strike pattern. Running biomechanics were collected using an eight-camera motion capture system, and ground reaction forces using a force plate. Tibial …

Evaluation Of Elevation Parameter Determination By Global Navigation Satellite Systems’ Sports Receivers: A Preliminary Study, Tomasz Szot, Marcin Sontowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Sports Global Navigation Satellite Systems’ receivers have been providing athletes, coaches, and scientists with valuable information on movement for over two decades. As these receivers are specific measuring instruments, there is a need to determine their accuracy. This paper presents a relatively simple methodology for assessing sports receivers of this type regarding their elevation determination. Material and methods: The methodology was based on the Digital Terrain Model of Poland, a discrete representation of the topographic elevation of the land surface. Three wearable devices from different years of manufacture were selected for the preliminary study by calculating the Root Mean …

Painful Shoulder Syndrome And Upper Limb Function In Competitive Swimmers, Beata Pożarowszczyk-Kuczko, Martyna Kumorek, Dariusz Mroczek, Filipe Clemente, Wioletta Dziubek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. Swimming is an athletic discipline that largely involves the upper limbs. Due to the driving and propulsive function, there is a heavy involvement of almost all muscles of the arm. Painful shoulder syndrome (PSS) is considered to be one of the main causes of interference with an effective and correct movement of the underwater stroke, which is a fundamental element of functionality in this discipline. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether PSS affects upper limb function in competitive swimmers. Material and methods. Thirty-two swimmers aged 17–24 years with at least 2nd sport class participated in the …

Sprint Performance Following Plyometric Conditioning Activity In Elite Sprinters, Kinga Huminska-Lisowska, Aleksandra Strońska-Pluta, Aleksandra Suchanecka, Myosotis Massidda, Grzegorz Trybek, Carla Maria Calò, Agata Rzeszutko-Bełzowska, Remigiusz Recław, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study investigates an association between the human dopamine receptor 2 gene DRD2 Taq1D rs1800498 polymorphism and personality traits among athletes, exploring the genetic underpinnings of sports performance and psychological characteristics. It aims to understand how genetic factors related to dopamine reception influence athletic predispositions and behaviors. Materials and Methods: An association study was conducted with 391 male participants, comparing 159 sports subjects with 232 non-trained controls. Personality traits were assessed using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, while the DRD2 Taq1D rs1800498 polymorphism was genotyped through real-time PCR. Results: Significant differences in the DRD2 Taq1D rs1800498 genotype and allele frequencies …

Sprint Performance Following Plyometric Conditioning Activity In Elite Sprinters, Michal Krzysztofik, Mateusz Jopek, Dariusz Mroczek, Aleksander Matusiński, Adam Zając

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Considering the significance of the ankle joint for sprinting with the spring-like properties of the Achilles tendon, it seems that plyometric activating exercises could significantly potentiate maximum velocity sprinting. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of specific plyometric exercises engaging the ankle joint, called stiff-legged hops as a conditioning activity (CA) on countermovement jump (CMJ) and sprinting performance evaluated over a distance of 50m in elite female and male sprinters that differ in athletics level. Material and methods: Thirty-two sprinters of the Polish National Team were assigned into experimental and control (CTRL) groups, while …

How Does Rest Interval Duration Affect Performance? An Experiment On High-Intensity Sprint Exercises, İbrahim Orkun Akcan, Cengiz Ölmez

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of interval and high-intensity sprint training (RST) with different rest intervals on the respiratory function, aerobic and anaerobic power. (2) Materials and Methods: The study involved the voluntary participation of 20 male participants. The participants were divided into two groups: 2IRG (2-minute rest between repeated sprints) and 4IRG (4-minute rest between repeated sprints). The changes in the respiratory function, aerobic, and anaerobic power parameters were examined in the 2IRG and 4IRG athletes who performed two training sessions per week for 4 weeks. (3) Results: The findings indicated that there …

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

The Impact Of Physique On Strategy And Performance In The 400 M Hurdles Race Among Elite Male Athletes, Janusz Iskra, Subir Gupta, Krzysztof Przednowek, René V. Best, Arkadiusz Stanula

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: the objective of this study was to assess the impact of physique on the stride pattern and performance of elite male 400-m hurdles runners. Materials and Methods: this study is based on the analysis of the performance of 297 male 400-m hurdlers in 13 Olympic games, 16 world championships, and 15 European championships. The hurdlers were divided into 4 groups, based on their height and body mass index (BMI) – taller and heavier (TH), taller and lighter (TL), shorter and heavier (SH), and shorter and lighter (SL). Times taken to complete various phases of the 400-m hurdles race – …

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 …