Lithuanian Sports University Virtual Library
Not a member yet
4708 research outputs found
Sort by
Six-day fasting causes temporary increases in both antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in healthy young men: a randomized controlled trial /
No full textThe impact of prolonged fasting on human oxidative stress (OS) levels and antioxidant defence mechanisms remains poorly understood. The aim of this current study was to investigate the redox response to a 6-day fast in a cohort of healthy men. Twenty-six participants were randomly allocated to a 6-day complete fasting or a control trial. Sympathetic activity, substrate oxidation, redox status, blood glucose, ketones, and testosterone concentrations were assessed. Throughout the fasting period, ketone concentration and fat oxidation increased, and carbohydrate oxidation and glucose and testosterone concentrations decreased. Heart rate increased on fasting days 2 and 4 and returned to the pre-fasting level on fasting day 6. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration increased after fasting days 4 and 6, and this increase was accompanied by an increase in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), but the TAC/MDA ratio remained constant. Notably, all fasting-evoked changes returned to the baseline values after resumption of the regular diet. Thus, prolonged fasting activated both antioxidant defence and OS, but the redox balance was maintained. Consistent with this response, ketone concentration and sympathetic nervous system activity increased, and testosterone concentration decreased. These variables returned to the pre-fasting state after resumption of the usual eating habits
Examining the influence of green HR practices on green organizational performance: evidence from pharmaceutical sector of Asian economies /
No full textAdvanced ECG Analysis to evaluate multimodal exercise effects on cardiovascular health /
No full textBackground and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the primary causes of death throughout the world. Engaging in physical activity (PA) is crucial for the prevention of CVD, as a lack of exercise significantly impacts global health. For health promotion purposes, it is important to optimize PA and develop the main physical components. Multimodal exercise program (MEP) interventions cause unique cardiac changes that can be systematically analyzed using advanced ECG techniques. Using algebraic co-integration methods, this study examined the physiological cardiac adaptations of a 6-week MEP compared to sedentary control subjects. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 physically inactive males, aged 20–35 years, were recruited for a 6-week MEP. The intervention group (IG) consisted of 28 participants, while the control group (CG) included 22 participants. The MEP included balance, endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility exercises in one session. The cardiovascular system (CVS) was assessed using electrocardiography (ECG) and arterial blood pressure during an incremental cycle ergometer test, both before and after the 6-week period. Results: After the post-MEP, the IG’s resting HR showed a slight but insignificant decrease, from 84.5 to 82 bpm, with improved recovery rates at minute 1 (113.1–104.7 bpm). The CG showed a similar trend. pBP in IG significantly increased post-MEP during recovery at minute 1 (73–81) and minute 2 (65–72), where the CG showed a slight but significant difference. DskJT-QRS in IG post-MEP increased significantly during recovery in minutes 1–4, with all values showing p < 0.05. CG showed significance only at minute 3. Conclusions: Both the 6-week MEP and control had a positive impact on the CVS. The statement refers to changes in dynamic interactions between ECG parameters registered during the incremental exercise test and especially during the recovery after workload. Algebraic data co-integration analysis of ECG parameters demonstrated a sensitive assessment of the influence of exercising on the cardiovascular system
Definitions of determinants of physical activity behaviour: process and outcome of consensus from the DE-PASS expert group /
No full textBackground: Despite extensive research on physical activity behaviour (PAB), consensus is lacking on related terms and definitions, thereby hindering the ability to compare findings between studies and to develop reliable assessment tools. This study therefore aimed to establish consensus on the definitions of key PAB determinants. Methods: First, an international expert steering committee was established, comprising members of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) action "DEterminants of Physical ActivitieS in Settings" (DE-PASS). Recently published review-level studies were used to identify key determinants of PAB. Two independent reviewers systematically reviewed the literature to catalogue the range of definitions used for key determinants of PAB (steps 1-2). A two-round modified Delphi survey was conducted online from February to September 2023, to determine the optimal definition for each determinant. In round 1, experts selected the most suitable definition for each of the 41 initially identified determinants. In round 2, experts ranked the appropriateness of the definition selected from round 1 on a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined a priori as ≥ 75% agreement on the definition (i.e., ratings of ≥ 4 points). A professional English language expert ensured concise, coherent wording and high-quality editing of the definitions (steps 3-6). Results: Eighty-five experts in PAB research participated in round 1, and sixty-nine experts in round 2. Consensus of definitions was achieved for 39 of the 41 determinants (88.4%-98.6% agreement). The consensus threshold was not achieved for two determinants: genetic profile and regulation (69.6%) and backyard access/size (73.9%). Conclusions: The findings of this study offer a consensus-based set of definitions for 39 key determinants of PAB. These definitions can be used homogenously in academic research on physical activity
Trends in indicators of violence among adolescents in Europe and North America 1994-2022 /
No full textOBJECTIVES: To describe age and gender specific time trends in adolescent violence across 19 countries over 28 years. METHODS: The paper presents analysis of eight cycles of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study from 1994-2022, involving 789,531 children aged 11, 13, and 15. Indicators of violence included physical fighting, school bullying and cyberbullying (from 2018). Log-binomial regression models were used to test for linear temporal trends, with Generalized Estimating Equations used to account for clustering by country. RESULTS: School bullying perpetration and victimization declined over time in each age/gender group in most countries. Similar declines were reported for frequent physical fighting among boys (all ages) and girls (age 15 only). The prevalence of violent behaviour was almost universally higher in boys in the early cycles than in girls, but this gender difference attenuated over time. For cyberbullying, significant increases were observed since 2018 in all groups except age 15 girls in most countries. CONCLUSION: This analysis of a large cross-national dataset suggests a decline in traditional forms of adolescent violence. However, the increases in cyberbullying warrant further monitoring
Communicating physical activity messages with adolescents: what works? A scoping review with stakeholder consultation /
No full textGlobal levels of adolescents’ physical inactivity are cause for concern, despite the well-documented health benefits of physical activity (PA). Addressing the messaging of PA is one approach to improve PA knowledge. While increased knowledge does not necessarily lead to behavior change, physically active students have better knowledge of the health benefits of PA. Recently, researchers have highlighted the need for an effective communication strategy for PA messages. This review aimed to summarize the state of the available evidence about the operationalization of communicating PA messages, the evaluation, and effectiveness of PA messages
Prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among Lithuanian national defense volunteer forces /
No full textBackground Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that imposes a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Military personnel, including active and reserve forces, are particularly vulnerable to LBP due to the physically demanding nature of their duties, exposure to extreme conditions, and repetitive strain on the lower back. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of LBP and identify associated risk factors among members of the Lithuanian National Defense Volunteer Forces (LNDVF). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 272 active-duty LNDVF personnel (221 males and 51 females). A structured questionnaire collected data on demographics, lifestyle habits, health history, and LBP occurrence. LBP prevalence was assessed based on self-reported instances: lifetime prevalence, 12-month prevalence, and pain at the time of the survey. The analysis explored associations between LBP and potential risk factors, including gender, age, marital status, smoking, body mass index (BMI), history of back injuries, stress levels, and self-perceived health status. Results The lifetime prevalence of LBP was 85.3%, the 12-month prevalence was 81.6%, and 42.3% of participants reported experiencing LBP at the time of the survey. Female soldiers reported a higher prevalence of LBP than males. Older soldiers (≥ 33 years) and unmarried personnel had a greater likelihood of experiencing LBP. Smokers and individuals with a higher BMI exhibited an increased risk, likely due to biomechanical strain. Elevated stress levels were positively correlated with LBP prevalence, emphasizing the link between psychological and physical health. A history of back injuries significantly increased the odds of experiencing LBP. Soldiers who rated their health as poor or average were more likely to report LBP. Conclusions More than four-fifths of military personnel have experienced low back pain at least once in their lifetime and within the past 12 months, with nearly half reporting LBP at the time of the survey. Identified risk factors for LBP include female sex, older age, lack of a partner, previous back injuries, elevated stress levels, smoking, self-reported poor health, and higher body mass index. LBP significantly affects military readiness, impairing the ability to perform service tasks in approximately two-thirds of affected soldiers
Improving the quality of the website in order to increase user loyalty.
No full textThe problem of the study. There are many studies that analyze website quality improvement in order to increase user loyalty, however there is not enough information on the Lithuanian market. Aim. To identify opportunities for improving the quality of the website in order to increase user loyalty. Tasks. 1. To analyze the benefits of websites in sports; 2. To review aspects of improving the quality of the website; 3. To identify measures on increasing user loyalty; 4. To investigate opportunities for improving the quality of the website of Impuls health clubs; Research methods. Analysis of literature sources; empirical, quantitative research using a questionnaire survey. Results. 96 percent of respondents use the Internet daily. 88.6 percent of respondents have made online purchases more than once. Respondents rated the Impuls health club website information reliability, ease and clarity of website navigation, importance of information and ease of understanding, security of information and payments the highest. The lowest – the website competence, clarity and detail of the information provided, personalization of services, sense of community. Interestingly, higher ratings of respondents are related to lower education – customers with secondary/vocational education rate the website better; the lowest ratings are from customers with higher education. According to respondents, the greatest influence on the decision to buy sports goods/services online is photos/videos posted on social networks (59.9 percent) and reviews of other buyers (58.9 percent). Conclusions. 1. Websites create easier communication, foster the image of the organization, when choosing a sports organization, consumers first check their websites and reviews. For successful business development, a sports website must be effective and consistently used. 2. There are many aspects of website improvement and each business model should choose the most appropriate research model that meets business expectations. The WEBQUAL model is used to assess user perceptions of website quality. The Technology Acceptance Model helps to understand human behavior predictions that can lead to the decision to accept or reject a service/product. The SERQUAL model assesses the quality of the service and how much it differs from the customer's expectations. The E-S-QUAL and E-RECS-QUAL models analyze the quality of an electronic service. 3. The studies examined revealed that in order to increase the loyalty of website users, it is recommended to understand your customer, create loyalty and recommendation programs, improve communication on social networks, improve the buying and selling process, and use artificial intelligence. 4. In order to increase customer loyalty, the study revealed the following opportunities for improvement of the Impuls health club website: website competence, clarity and detail of the information provided, personalization of services, and a sense of community
Associations of smartphone, computer, and television use with insufficient sleep duration and overweight/obesity among lithuanian adolescents: a cross-sectional study /
No full textExcessive use of screen-based devices may be associated with a higher risk of various adverse health outcomes in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between smartphone, computer, and television use and insufficient sleep duration and overweight/obesity among Lithuanian children and adolescents aged 11–18 years. Data on self-reported smartphone, computer, and television use, as well as sleep duration on weekdays, were collected from 1,350 schoolchildren aged 11 to 18 who participated in a cross-sectional study conducted in Lithuania between November 2019 and March 2020. Use of smartphone, computer, and television was categorised into two groups: <2 h/day and ≥ 2 h/day for each device. Overall, 54.5% of the participants reported using a smartphone for ≥ 2 h/day, 28.1% reported using a computer for ≥ 2 h/day, and 7.8% reported watching television for ≥ 2 h/day. After adjusting for age, BMI, and physical activity, participants who used a smartphone ≥ 2 h/day had significantly higher odds of insufficient sleep duration (boys: aOR = 2.49 (95% CI 1.81–3.44) and girls: aOR = 2.57 (95% CI 1.80–3.66). Participants who used a computer ≥ 2 h/day had also significantly greater odds of insufficient sleep duration (boys: aOR = 1.94 (95% CI 1.41–2.67) and girls: aOR = 1.92 (95% CI 1.25–2.94). After adjusting for age, sleep duration, and physical activity, computer use ≥ 2 h/day was associated with increased odds of overweight/obesity only among boys (aOR = 1.45 (95% CI 1.03–2.05)). Our study revealed significant associations between prolonged smartphone and computer use with insufficient sleep duration among Lithuanian schoolchildren. Additionally, greater computer use was associated with increased odds of overweight/obesity, specifically in boys
Relationship between emotional wellbeing and physical activity of primary school children.
No full textBackground. Emotional wellbeing and physical activity are key components of children’s health, learning, and social functioning. Schools provide a unique setting to support both domains, yet less is known about how school type and sex are related to emotional wellbeing and physical activity in younger school-age children. Objective. To examine the associations between emotional wellbeing and physical activity among primary school children and to assess differences according to sex and school type. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2024, which included 166 children in grades 1–4 from one rural, one urban, and one private school. Emotional state was assessed using the SAN scale, yielding scores for wellbeing and mood. Physical activity was measured using a self-report questionnaire, capturing weekly activity levels. Non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U) were used to compare groups, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated to examine associations between variables. Results. Wellbeing and mood were strongly and positively correlated (r = 0.70, p 0.05). Children attending private schools reported significantly lower wellbeing and mood scores compared with their peers in rural and urban schools (p 0.05). Conclusions. Emotional wellbeing among primary school children is closely interconnected, but it is more strongly related to school type than to sex or self-reported physical activity levels. School environment appears to play a meaningful role in shaping both emotional state and activity levels, highlighting the importance of supportive, health-promoting school settings in early education