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 …

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

The Potential Role Of Selected Body Composition Phenotypes In The Interpretation Of The Exercise-Induced Components Of The Insulin-Like Growth Factor Systems, Gökhan Umutlu, Nevzat Demirci

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Increased adiposity leads to impaired physiologic growth hormone secretion and low and high body mass index (BMI) values increase health risks. However, BMI only measures results in variations in fat-free mass (FFM), fat-free mass index (FFMI), normalized fat-free mass index (NFMI), and body fat mass (BFM). This study evaluated the insulin-like growth factor system responses to the given exercise and their interaction with the changes in BMI, FFM, FFMI, and NFFMI in healthy male participants. Material and methods: A randomized controlled trial with a parallel groups study design was used. Thirty healthy male participants (age: 21.33 ±1.24 years) were …

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

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 …

An Examination Of Emotional Resilience Among Athletic Trainers Working In The Secondary School Setting, Shaine Henert, William Pitney, Bethany Wood, Nicholas E. Grahovec, Tyler A. Wood

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Athletic training is a demanding profession that is a stressor for many practitioners. Emotional resilience allows Athletic Trainers (ATs) to persist in their roles and benefit from long and successful careers. The purpose of this study was to explore the level of emotional resilience of ATs working in secondary school settings and identify factors perceived to contribute to or mitigate one's emotional resilience. Method: A sequential explanatory mixed-method design using a cross-sectional online survey followed by in-depth interviews was used to gather information from 160 (16% response rate) secondary school NATA members - 97 (60.6%) female; 63 (39.4%) male …

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

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

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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

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 …

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. …

Relationship Between Motor Skills And Various Sailing Skills And Sports Performance – Study Using The Dematel Approach, Jedrzej Charlampowicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. The purpose of this paper is to determine the mutual relation between various motor abilities and factors of sailing performance. Material and methods: 25 sailors from the Polish national team in sailing Olympic classes were asked to fill a questionnaire concerning the influence of various motor abilities and sailing performance factors on the result. In total, 5 sailors participated in the study by returning properly filled questionnaires. To determine the relationship between the motor abilities and sailing performance factors, the DEMATEL method has been utilized. Results: In terms of motor abilities, mobility is the most significant factor, and muscle …

Beta-Alanine Supplementation And Anaerobic Performance In Highly Trained Judo Athletes, Mateusz Halz, Magdalena Kaszuba, Jonatan Helbin, Sara Krzysztofik, Aleksandra Suchanecka, Adam Zając

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. Previous studies have shown that several weeks of beta-alanine (BA) supplementation increases anaerobic work capacity and decreases muscular fatigue, but limited research was conducted on elite martial arts athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic BA supplementation on high-intensity intermittent upper and lower-body performance in highly-trained judo athletes. Material and Methods: Sixteen elite judo athletes (21.8 ± 2.5 years old) were randomly assigned to receive either BA (4 g/d over the first 2 weeks and 6 g/d in the last 2 weeks) or placebo for 4 weeks. Before and after BA supplementation, …

Effect Of Different Diet Methods On Body Composition And Insulin, Leptin, And Ghrelin Levels In Overweight Women, Begum Sarica, Gulbin Rudarli Nalcakan, Ece Onur

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. This study aims to compare the effects of similar calorie-restricted intermittent overnight fasting diet (OFD) and frequent-meal diet (FMD) on body composition and insulin, leptin, and ghrelin levels in overweight women. Materials and Methods: While the FMD was administered as six mealtimes, the OFD was administered as five mealtimes and at least 12 hours overnight fasting for four weeks. Some parameters regarding the metabolic rate and fat metabo-lism (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, ghrelin levels), body composition, resting metabolic rate, and physical activity level were measured before and after the diet. Results: There was no sig-nificant difference in the resting …

Effectiveness Of Plyometric Or Blood Flow Restriction Training On Technical Kick Force In Taekwondo, Ayşe Hazal Boyanmış, Manolya Akın

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. The aim of this study was to understand the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) and plyometric training methods on the development of taekwondo technical kick force in active taekwondo athletes. Material and Method. 31 taekwondo athletes, aged between 15 and 18 years, voluntarily participated in the study. They were divided into the blood flow restriction, plyom-etric training and control groups. In addition to taekwondo training, blood flow restriction and plyometric training group were trained for 6 weeks. Technical strike force measurements were made with Herman Digital Trainer, placed on the Hasedo. The difference was examined by the paired …

A Pilot Study To Examine The Effects Of Beta-Alanine And Sodium Citrate (Carnorushtm, Olimp®) Supplementation On Climbing-Specific Performance, Krzysztof Sas-Nowosielski, Piotr Kaczka

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. Competitive and rock climbers primarily rely on anaerobic energy metabolism, and acidosis may limit their performance. It is supposed that supplements that improve buffering capacities of the body, like β-alanine (BA) and sodium bicarbonate/citrate (SB/SC), may be useful in this sport. The aim of the study was to explore the efficacy of co-supplementation of BA and SC on climbing performance. Material and methods. 13 climbers (age 40.2 ±7.9 years, height 175.4 ±8.4 cm, body mass 68.6 ±13.9 kg, UIAA metric 9.2 ±0.8) were randomly assigned to the supplement (SG; n = 7) or control group (CG: n = 6). …

Fall Risk Prediction Model For Older Men And Women Based On Ambulatory Physical Activity Level – A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study From The Oporto Region, Paulo Jorge Quintela Cardoso-Carmo, Adjane Maria Pontes César, Manuel Rubim Silva Santos, Maria Joana Mesquita Barbosa De Carvalho

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. Falls among the elderly are an important community health problem due to its high incidence, functional and social repercussion. Dissimilar results arose in recent studies concerning fall risk and physical activity levels. This study measures the association between physical activity (PA) levels, and fall risk (FR), investigates which levels of PA are influential in FR and presents a fall risk prediction models for the elderly. Material and Methods. One hundred and seventy elderly adults (72.34 ± 6.70 years old, 124 female), completed Performance-Orientated-Mobility-Assessment; PA was assessed by accelerometry. Pearson’s correlation verified the association between FR, Age, and PA. Multiple …

Does Higher Effectiveness Means Better Mood? Training Effectiveness And Mood Alternations In The National Finswimming Team – An Interdisciplinary Study, Dagmara Budnik Przybylska, Jacek Przybylski, Stanislaw Przybylski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background:‪The aim of the following paper was the attempt to: 1) assess the influence of 12-day anaerobic threshold (AT) training on finswimmers’ endurance and speed, 2) assess the relationship between mood and 12-day AT training. The authors focused on individual differences in psychophysiological indices connected with a training camp, with inclusion of results of the whole group of athletes. Material and methods:‪The study was conducted on the national team: 7 athletes (17–28 years) and was performed before and after 12 days of a training camp. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) and AT training were used in the study. Two …

Effect Of Kinaesthetic Differentiation Of The In-Run Position On The Jump Length In Polish National Ski Jumpers, Michal Wilk, Lukasz Gebala, Mariola Gepfert, Milosz Drozd, Maciej Kostrzewa, Rafal Piwowar, Wojciech Mroszczyk, Adam Zajac

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of kinaesthetic differentiation during the in-run position on the in-run speed and jump length in ski-jumping team. Material and methods:‪The examinations were conducted on a group of 14 elite athletes from the A (n=7) and B (n=7) national ski-jumping team. The measurement of the angle of attack for an athlete maintaining the in-run position was made using the Zebris CMS 10 device for a precise and replicable analysis of spinal mobility. Results:‪Mean length of the jump in team A was 97.16 (50.95%) ±2.78 for the first jump and 93.58 (49.05%) ±4.23 …

Hypertension, Physical Activity And Other Associated Factors In Military Personnel: A Cross-Sectional Study, Lilian Cristina Xavier Martins

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Hypertension is a major concern in public health. In the world population over 25 years of age, its prevalence is of 40%, and studies on the amount of physical activity (PA) related to hypertension in active military personnel are scarce. To estimate the prevalence of hypertension in the Brazilian Army military personnel and to explore the association of PA levels and other risk factors.Material and methods:‪This is a cross-sectional study (N = 506). Self-reported prevalence of hypertension (outcome), PA and associated factors were examined (χ2, simple and multiple Poisson regression).Results:‪Prevalence of hypertension was lower (9.7%) than in the general population …

Does The Spinning Exercise Affect The Ovarian Reserve In Reproductive-Young Women?, Umit Gorkem, Faruk Yamaner, Erkan Demi̇Rkan, Hasan Ali Inal

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background:‪The aim of this study is to evaluate whether spinning exercise may have an impact on ovarian reserve capacity in reproductive young women.Material and methods:‪48 healthy women were included into this prospective cohort study and randomly categorized into control (n = 14) and experimental groups (n = 12). Spinning exercise sessions were conducted for 50 minutes three times a week for 8 weeks in the study group. The control group did not exercise. Immediately before and after the spinning program, each participant underwent the measurements of the body mass index, the waist circumference, the hip circumference as well as serum …