Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

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 …

Adolescent Athlete Perceptions Of Gender Differences In Coaching, Ivannia Cabrera

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

How is the preference for coaching intertwined with sports? Do athletes differ in their perceptions of having a male or female coach? Is there an obvious preference between the genders? What kind of behaviors are associated with each gender?

Professional Perspectives On Bilingualism In Persons With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study, Rosa N. Benavidez Saldivar, Jessica R. Stewart, Ruth Crutchfield, Roy K. Chen, Lily Puente

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The present study examined the perspectives of professionals regarding bilingualism and ASD. Methods: A total of 27 professionals participated in this study. Data was collected via an online survey. The survey was designed based on a literature review and consultation with a team of experts in the field of ASD. Information relating to demographic information, professional practice information, and perspectives of bilingualism and ASD was collected. Results: Professionals participating in the present study were most likely to agree with the statement, “A child with ASD from a bilingual household is able to understand both languages” and least likely to …

Exploring The Experiences Of Runners With Visual Impairments And Sighted Guides, Lindsay E. Ball, Lauren J. Leiberman, Pamela Beach, Melanie Perreault, Jason Rich

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

: Running is a popular sport, and, with simple modifications, it can be accessible for individuals with visual impairments, particularly with a sighted running guide. The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of runners with visual impairments and sighted running guides. Adopting a descriptive qualitative approach to guide data collection analysis and interpretation, seven runners with visual impairments and four sighted running guides were recruited and interviewed. The analysis identified four major themes: (1) benefits, (2) barriers, (3) advocacy, and (4) communication. The identified themes illustrate the influence of participation in running on the health and relationships …

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 …

Memory And Attention While Scuba Diving At Shallow And Deep Depths: An Open Water Study, Leanne Boucher, Joshua Feingold, Kelly Concannon, Stephanie Talavera, Jaime Tartar, W. Matthew Collins

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

SCUBA diving requires a high level of cognitive functioning, however, many divers anecdotally report poor memory and attentional skills while underwater. Few studies have documented cognitive deficits resulting from an open-water dive. Here, 23 divers completed both shallow (8 m) and deep (28 m) dives over two days in the open-water. The order of the dives was counterbalanced across participants. While at depth, they completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess anxiety levels, learned and were tested on a list of 36 words, and completed the trail making task (TMT) to assess executive functioning. They also gave saliva samples to …

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 …

Salivary Molecules As Indicators Of Hydration Status, José Meléndez-Gallardo Dr., Mariana Figueroa, Gonzalo Butti, Mauro Iriart, María Lucía Stefanelli

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Maintaining an appropriate level of hydration is essential to health, especially when doing physical exercise. Thus, the importance of monitoring the before, during and after exercise status. Therefore, knowing and studying the changes and indicators that may provide reliable information on fluctuations in a simple, quick manner, via non-invasive sampling techniques becomes essential. Material and Methods: The data analyzed and processed (α-amylase, K⁺, Cl^-, cortisol, total protein, and osmolality concentration in saliva) in this study are available on the free access research platform for complex physiological signals (https://physionet.org/content/qde/1.0.0/). Ten male subjects voluntarily took part in …

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 …

Reasoned Action Approach To Analyze Differences In Athletes' Physical Activity During Covid-19, Olivia Branson, Karly S. Geller, Paul Branscum

Health Behavior Research

The purpose of this study was to examine the reasoned action approach (RAA) in relation to the impact of COVID-19 on college athletes’ physical activity (PA). Participants were college athletes (ages 18-22 years) who were involved in university, club, and/or intramural sport. The RAA constructs were measured for the three different types of PA behaviors. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and multiple regression analyses to evaluate the RAA determinants of PA intentions. Results partially supported theoretical expectations. All RAA constructs had an impact on perceived norms indicating a dominant influence. Remote social interaction/training during isolation periods are suggested to promote sustained …

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 …

Investigating Person-Specific Profiles Of Readiness-To-Exercise: Exploring Associations With Hypothetical Experiential Outcomes And Perceived Relevance, Cory Beaumont

Doctoral Dissertations

Autoregulation is a person-adaptive strategy wherein exercise workloads are adjusted to match one’s readiness (e.g., acute mental, physical, perceptual state). Prior work demonstrated that structural features of readiness profiles (i.e., which factor(s) are most important) differ across individuals. As this work relied on mathematical modeling, research is needed to understand the informational utility of person-specific profiles (PSPs) of readiness. Purpose: Model heterogeneity in PSPs of readiness (Aim 1), explore associations between PSP factor scores and forecasted experiences to hypothetical muscle-strengthening exercise (Aim 2), and explore participants’ perceptions of relevance and utility regarding their PSP (Aim 3). Methods: For …

High Performance Judoka’S Views On Their Athlete Journey And The Need For Athlete Education, Katrina Mcdonald, Anna Stodter, Mathew Dowling, Justin Roberts

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

High-performance sport has been the subject of controversy and scandal, coming under heavy scrutiny within the broad issue of “Duty of Care” in terms of the welfare and holistic development of athletes. The United Kingdom has many different schemes and mechanisms that are available to athletes to support them in their development on their athlete journey. However, there is a lack of research exploring whether these schemes and mechanisms fulfill athlete needs and facilitate athlete development. Utilizing Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory method, twelve full-time, high-performance Judoka (Judo athletes) were intensively interviewed, exploring the experience of their journey as an athlete. …

A Survey Of The Mental Health Of Uk Olympic And Paralympic Sport Athletes., Sandra D. Leyland Dr, Alan Currie Prof, Elizabeth Board Dr, Amit D. Mistry Dr, Rod Jaques Dr, Craig Ranson Dr

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence of psychological distress and well-being amongst elite athletes in the UK.

An online survey was emailed to 753 athletes within the English Institute of Sport. Response rate 52.3%. 371 participants (median age 25) completed measures of psychological distress and subjective well-being alongside demographics and sport-related variables.

High or very high psychological distress was reported by 23.7%. Poor subjective well-being was reported by 18.8%. Of those reporting psychological distress, 9% also reported good subjective well-being. The odds of psychological distress and poor well-being increased if the athlete was female (OR 2.03, distress; OR 2.00, poor …

External Load In Male Professional Volleyball: A Systematic Review, Marcel Frezza Pisa, Arthur Marques Zecchin, Leonardo Gaspar Gomes, Enrico Fuini Puggina

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. The objectives of this systematic review were to identify the volleyball external loads values in the literature and to verify the applicability of different means of quantification and monitoring of these variables during training sessions and matches. Material and methods: This systematic review was produced following the PRISMA statement recommendations, and the search for publications was carried out in the databases PubMed/NCBI, SportDiscus via EBSCOhost, SciELO. 12 studies meet the criteria and were included in this review. Results: The most used tool for quantification, monitoring and evaluation of external loads are video recording and manual or semi-automatic counting of …

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 …

Drive Leg Ground Reaction Forces And Rate Of Force Development Over Consecutive Windmill Softball Pitches, Erin R. Pletcher, Kenzie B. Friesen, Gretchen D. Oliver, Mita Lovalekar, Keith Gorse, Takashi Nagai, Chris Connaboy

Department of Exercise Science Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Windmill softball pitching is a highly skilled movement, combining whole body coordination with explosive force. Successful pitching requires sequential movement to transfer energy produced by the lower extremity to the pitching arm. Therefore, drive leg ground reaction force (GRF) and the time over which a pitcher can develop force during push off, defined as rate of force development (RFD), is essential for optimal performance. The aim of this study was to examine GRF and RFD in the drive leg during the windmill softball pitch, as well as pitch velocity, throughout a simulated game.

METHODS: Fourteen softball pitchers (17.9±2.3 years, …

Coach And Athlete Perceptions Of The Effects Of The Menstrual Cycle On Female Athletic Performance, Erin Dietz

Honors Projects

The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge of the effects of the menstrual cycle on female athletic performance from both athletes and their coaches at the NCAA Division III level. Recommendations for coaches based on the findings of the research are provided. The study investigates whether female athletes and their coaches are aware of the physiological and psychological effects of the menstrual cycle and how they are managed throughout the course of a sport season.

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. …