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Communication characteristics of physical education teachers: teachers’ and students’ perspectives.
No full textScientific problem of the research: : How do physical education teachers evaluate their communication during physical education lessons, and how do their students assess the communication of their physical education teachers The aim of the research: To reveal the characteristics of physical education teachers' communication during lessons. Research tasks: 1. To identify and compare the perspectives of teachers and students on the communication characteristics of physical education teachers. 2. To determine students' level of satisfaction with physical education lessons. 3. To examine the relationship between students’ satisfaction with physical education lessons and their evaluation of the teachers’ communication. Hypothesis: Teachers will evaluate their own communication more positively, while students will assess their teachers' communication more critically. Research methods: The Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) was used to measure internal motivation, and the School Interpersonal Situations Questionnaire (SISQ) was used to evaluate teacher-student communication. Conclusions: 1. Statistically significant differences were found in the ways teachers and students perceive the teachers’ communication. Teachers view their communication as more motivating for students, whereas students see it as less motivating. 2. An average level of student satisfaction with physical education lessons was identified. 3. A statistically significant relationship was found between student satisfaction and teacher communication that meets student needs. Student satisfaction with physical education lessons is higher when, according to students, the teacher demonstrates communication that satisfies their needs
The role of website quality and social capital in strengthening customer loyality in the tourism market.
No full textResearch problem: What factors of website quality and social capital determine customer loyalty in the tourism market? Objective: To determine the impact of website quality and social capital on strengthening customer loyalty in the tourism market. Tasks: 1) To review the influence of website quality and social capital on consumer behavior. 2) To identify criteria for evaluating website quality and social capital in the tourism market based on existing scientific research. 3) To determine the influence of website quality and social capital on customer loyalty in the tourism sector. Research methods: 1) Analysis of scientific literature. 2) Questionnaire survey. Results: The results of the study showed that website quality has a direct impact on consumer satisfaction, loyalty, and trust. Although the loyalty index compared to competitors was moderate (2.8), this indicates that users are not entirely confident in their choice and may consider other options. Social connections with the agency's community were rated as average (3.0–3.5), suggesting that while users feel some connection, active engagement is not a primary driver of their loyalty. The data also revealed that the website's information is perceived as reliable and comprehensive (4.0–4.3), and the quality of the system and service delivery, rated highly (3.9–4.2), indicates user satisfaction with the technical performance of the site. Conclusions: High-quality websites that are easy to use and provide accurate and comprehensive content enhance user trust and encourage their return. Good website design and usability enable users to easily access information and complete bookings, which directly affects their satisfaction and loyalty. Social capital, including trust and community building, is also an important factor. Users who feel a sense of belonging to a community and trust the company are more likely to become loyal. However, the influence of social capital on loyalty was of moderate strength, indicating that there is room to improve user engagement and community building
The role of the diabetes nurse in the diabetic foot care room.
No full textBackground. As the incidence of diabetes rises rapidly around the world, so does the number of associated complica-tions that require skilled and complex nursing care.Aim. To discover the views of diabetes nurses on their role, training opportunities, and challenges in diabetic foot care in the office.Methods. Seven participants (six women and one man), general nurses with a specialisation in diabetes nursing and who have been working in a diabetic foot care practice for at least two years, voluntarily participated in the study. A semi-structured interview method was used for data collection. The interview questions related to the clinical activi-ties, challenges, and continuous professional development activities of the participants.Results. The study revealed the main roles of the diabetes nurse: care provider, teacher, case manager, and consultant. It also revealed the main challenges of working in a diabetic foot care office: long queues for patients, resulting in the risk of diabetic foot or its complications, and high workloads for nurses. Diabetes nurses value and prefer practical training over conferences but expressed a lack of quality practical in-service training in Lithuania.Conclusions. Diabetes nurses play multifaceted roles in the management of diabetes mellitus, and to ensure their effec-tiveness it is necessary to improve the accessibility of services to patients and to create conditions for their continuous professional development
Brokolių miltelių poveikis atsistatymui po fizinio krūvio sukeltos raumenų pažaidos.
No full textBackground: Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) leads to soreness, inflammation, and reduced function, affecting recovery and performance. Nutritional interventions with bioactive compounds may support muscle repair. This study examines the effects of high-glucoraphanin broccoli powder on muscle recovery, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and hypertrophy following eccentric arm exercise. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted with healthy males (18–35 years) who had not engaged in regular gym training for at least six months. Participants performed 60 maximal eccentric biceps contractions on a Biodex dynamometer. They consumed either broccoli powder (10 g daily) or a placebo (spinach powder) for one week before and three days after exercise. Muscle soreness was assessed using a 10-point scale, while creatine kinase (CK) levels were measured from blood samples. Ultrasound imaging evaluated muscle damage and recovery on days 0, 2, and 4. Range of motion (ROM) was assessed before and after exercise and on days 2 and 4. Results: Isometric and isokinetic peak torque, as well as elbow joint angles, decreased significantly post-exercise in both groups (p 0.05). Muscle soreness, arm girth, and CK activity increased similarly, with CK showing high variability despite a 50-fold rise (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Broccoli supplementation did not enhance muscle recovery under the tested conditions. Further research should explore optimal dosage, timing, and exercise conditions to assess its potential benefits
The effectiveness of physical activity with additional cognitive stimulation components on cognitive and physical functions in people with Alzheimer's disease.
No full textThis thesis analyzes the impact of physical activity incorporating additional cognitive stimulation components on the cognitive and physical functions of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Given the current lack of effective treatment for AD, there is a growing need to apply non-pharmacological interventions that may slow disease progression and improve patients' quality of life. A 10-week physical activity program was implemented, during which participants performed exercises while singing popular and traditional Lithuanian folk songs. The study involved 9 participants diagnosed with AD. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Clock Drawing Test; physical condition was evaluated using the Keitel Functional Movement Test; emotional well-being was assessed using a facial expression scale. The results revealed a slight but statistically insignificant improvement in cognitive functions, while physical condition improved significantly (p<0.05). Positive changes in emotional state were also recorded following the intervention. The study confirms that physical activity with musical elements can have a comprehensive impact—not only improving physical condition but also supporting emotional responses and the maintenance of cognitive functions. The findings may be relevant for healthcare and social care institutions, as well as professionals working with individuals affected by AD. It is recommended that such programs be implemented in practice and their long-term effects further explored
The effect of trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrical stimulation on low back pain and functional status in visually impaired individuals.
No full textResearch problem: What is the effect of trunk stabilisation exercises on the functional status and pain of the trunk in visually impaired individuals with lumbar pain? The aim of the study: To evaluate the effects of trunk stabilization exercises, with and without electrical stimulation, on low back pain, trunk muscle endurance, and functional movements in individuals with visual impairment. Objectives: 1. To assess changes in lumbar pain intensity in visually impaired individuals performing trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrostimulation. 2. To assess changes in trunk muscle static endurance in visually impaired individuals performing trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrostimulation. 3. To assess changes in functional movement in visually impaired individuals performing trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrostimulation. 4. To compare the effects of trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrostimulation on pain, muscle endurance, and functional status in visually impaired individuals. Hypothesis: trunk stabilisation exercises have been shown to reduce lumbar pain and improve trunk functional status (Frizziero et al., 2021), so we hypothesise that trunk stabilisation exercises will have the same effect on lumbar pain and functional status in visually impaired individuals. Study methodology: 1) 14 subjects with visual impairment and lumbar pain (10 males and 4 females), age 25.57 ± 3.67 years, height 174.5 ± 6.63 cm., weight 68.07 ± 9.16 kg, were selected by questionnaire. SAS pain score 3.21 ± 0.89, 6 ± 2.6 months. ; 2) Initial examination (trunk functional status - static endurance tests (trunk flexor, extensor and lateral muscles, FMS methodology, pain - SAS) and grouping of subjects took place at Kaunas Centre for the Blind and Partially Sighted; 3) Intervention (experimental group - dynamic and static trunk stabilisation exercises 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks, control group - dynamic and static trunk stabilisation exercises 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of lumbar area 2 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks); 4) Secondary follow-up; 5) Analysis of results. Results. There was a statistically significant reduction in pain in both groups (p 0.05). Static abdominal, back extensor, and lateral trunk muscle endurance improved statistically significantly (p 0.05). No change in functional movement assessment test scores was observed (p > 0.05), there was no significant difference between groups (p > 0.05), however, the total functional movement assessment score increased statistically significantly (p 0.05). Conclusions. 1. The intensity of lumbar pain was significantly reduced in both visually impaired individuals performing trunk stabilization exercises and those who combined the exercises with electrostimulation. 2. Static trunk muscle endurance improved in both visually impaired individuals performing trunk stabilization exercises alone and those who combined these exercises with electrostimulation. 3. The quality of functional movement improved in all visually impaired individuals experiencing lumbar pain who performed trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrostimulation. 4. When comparing the effects of trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrostimulation in visually impaired individuals, no significant differences were found between the groups – changes in pain intensity, muscle endurance, and functional status were similar in both groups
Exercise-Induced muscle–fat crosstalk: molecular mediators and their pharmacological modulation for the maintenance of metabolic flexibility in aging /
No full textRegular physical activity induces a dynamic crosstalk between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, modulating the key molecular pathways that underlie metabolic flexibility, mitochondrial function, and inflammation. This review highlights the role of myokines and adipokines—particularly IL-6, irisin, leptin, and adiponectin—in orchestrating muscle–adipose tissue communication during exercise. Exercise stimulates AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT1 signaling, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and autophagy, while also regulating muscle hypertrophy through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Simultaneously, adipose-derived factors like leptin and adiponectin modulate skeletal muscle metabolism via JAK/STAT3 and AdipoR1-mediated AMPK activation. Additionally, emerging exercise mimetics such as the mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c and myostatin inhibitors are highlighted for their roles in increasing muscle mass, the browning of white adipose tissue, and improving systemic metabolic function. The review also addresses the role of anti-inflammatory compounds, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and low-dose aspirin, in mitigating NF-κB and IL-6 signaling to protect mitochondrial health. The resulting metabolic flexibility, defined as the ability to efficiently switch between lipid and glucose oxidation, is enhanced through repeated exercise, counteracting age- and disease-related mitochondrial and functional decline. Together, these adaptations demonstrate the importance of inter-tissue signaling in maintaining energy homeostasis and preventing sarcopenia, obesity, and insulin resistance. Finally, here we propose a stratified treatment algorithm based on common age-related comorbidities, offering a framework for precision-based interventions that may offer a promising strategy to preserve metabolic plasticity and delay the age-associated decline in cardiometabolic health
Effectiveness of remote high-intensity aerobic interval training on quality of life and physical health in breast cancer survivors: two years follow-up /
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of a remotely supervised HIIT program implemented during six months NACT on quality of life (QoL) and physical health outcomes in women with breast cancer, assessed 18–24 months post-intervention. The HIIT intervention study was two arm randomized control trial implementing remotely supervised 4x4 min training at an intensity of 85-95% of peak heart rate for 6 months during NACT. Physical health was assessed by treadmill VO 2peak , 6MWT and sit-to-stand test, and QoL by the EORTC QoL30. Participants were 24 BC survivors who agreed to participate in follow-up 18-24 months after the intervention (HIIT= 13, CG = 11). Results: At follow-up, the HIIT group demonstrated significant difference in change of VO 2peak (p = .046, ES = .169) and time to exhaustion (p = .024, ES= .211). Both groups presented significantly higher 6MWT and sit to stand test results at follow-up compared to pre-NACT (p < .05), while the magnitude of change was not significant. HIIT group results demonstrated moderate associations between 6MWT and Physical Functioning (r = −.674, p = .012) and Emotional Functioning (− .567, p = .043). A remotely supervised 6-months HIIT during NACT showed positive effects on submaximal cardiorespiratory fitness, absolute VO 2peak and muscle strength at 18-24 months follow-up. Moderate negative association between 6MWT and perceived physical and emotional functioning highlighted the complex relationship between physiological outcomes and self-reported QoL. The HIIT can be recommended during NACT to maintain prolonged effects on physical health of BC survivors
Metaverse marketing: a business-to-business analysis of brand strategies and generation Z engagement in the sports industry /
No full textThis research explores the interplay between the services the Metaverse industry provides, including brand gamification, Metaverse marketing factors (novelty, interactivity, Influencer), and their impact on brand advocacy and loyalty among Generation Z within the sports industry. Employing a quantitative approach, the researchers collected data from 384 participants. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between brand gamification and Metaverse novelty and interactivity. The outcomes of Metaverse devices exhibited that consumers developed a strong affinity for specific brands due to the influence of social media influencers. In addition, the vibrant and dynamic realm of the Metaverse has generated a wave of positive brand sentiment among individuals. The research examined the efficiency of transforming brand experiences inside the Metaverse into gamified systems, significantly influencing people and increasing their affection for the brands within the sports industry. Metaverse is a critical tool for Generation Z as this group seeks immersive, active, and engaging experiences, and effective branding in Metaverse can provide a solid appeal to this tech-savvy youth. The findings of this research provide significant managerial implications for both the Metaverse market and the sports industry, highlighting the significance of leveraging the Metaverse for enhanced brand engagement and loyalty among Generation Z
Adapted basketball training improves fitness and motivation in adolescents with moderate obesity: a randomized controlled trial /
No full textBackground: Adolescent obesity represents a global public health issue, with an urgent need for tailored intervention strategies, particularly in school settings. Objectives: This study investigated the impact of adapted basketball training—with and without video summaries—on BMI, fitness, motivation, and technical skills in adolescents with moderate obesity. Methods: Fifty-five participants were randomly assigned to one of three instructional modalities—a modified basketball program enriched with video summaries (ADAPT + VID), a modified program without videos (ADAPT), and a traditional program (CONT)—and completed an eight-week intervention. Before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention, participants in all three groups underwent testing to assess: (i) anthropometric measurements (BMI), (ii) technical accuracy (passing, dribbling, and shooting), (iii) physical fitness using the Intermittent Fitness Test 15-15 (Spartacus Test), and (iv) motivation using the Situational Motivation Scale. Results: Assessments revealed significant improvements in the ADAPT + VID group, with notable reductions in BMI (d = 0.25, p < 0.05), enhanced physical fitness (d = 0.19, p = 0.002), and improved performance in passing (d = 1.42, p < 0.001), dribbling (d = 1.30, p < 0.001), and free-throw shooting (d = 0.80, p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant increase in intrinsic motivation (d = 1.18, p < 0.001) and a reduction in amotivation (d = 1.12, p < 0.001) were observed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that incorporating pedagogical video summaries into an adapted basketball program may effectively improve physical health, motor skills, and motivation among adolescents with moderate obesity