Lithuanian Sports University Virtual Library
Not a member yet
4708 research outputs found
Sort by
Sedentary behaviour (especially accumulation pattern) has an independent negative impact on skeletal muscle size and architecture in community-dwelling older adults /
No full textProlonged sedentary behaviour (SB) i.e. longer bouts, is suggested to have a range of negative health effects, independent of habitual light and medium-to-vigorous physical activity (LIPA or MVPA). Any effect on musculoskeletal size, architecture or morphology has seldom been reported in older adults. Moreover, no study has yet determined if any association would persist following adjustment for covariates. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between SB, and properties of the Gastrocnemius Medialis (GM) muscle, in a cross-sectional sample of older adults using compositional data analysis. 105 healthy older adults (73±6y) wore a thigh mounted tri-axial accelerometer for seven consecutive days, and underwent ultrasound [e.g. muscle length (Lm), anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA), muscle volume (VM), fascicle length (LF), & physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA)], body composition (e.g. DEXA) and health (e.g. medical history) assessments. In-unadjusted models, SB time was negatively associated with ACSA at 75% of Lm (R2adj = 0.085), VM (R2adj = 0.020), and PCSA (R2adj = 0.039). Standing was positively associated with pennation angle (R2adj = 0.110), which persisted following co-variate adjustment (R2adj = 0.296). In fully adjusted models, both SB & LIPA time were associated with ACSA at 75% of Lm (Both R2adj = 0.393). Standing and light activity time were also associated with LF, VM, & PCSA (R2adj 0.116–0.573). In fully adjusted models, SB pattern parameters (i.e. the manner in which sedentary behaviour is accumulated daily throughout waking hours such as the timing, duration and frequency of sedentary bouts), were associated with GM muscle properties (R2adj 0.156–0.564) including LM, LF, and VM. The pattern, rather than accumulated daily SB time, was associated with the size and architecture of the GM. Our results suggest that regardless of co-existing habitual physical activities, SB bouts should be kept short and frequently interrupted to offset some of the deleterious ageing-related muscle architecture characteristics changes
Application of virtual reality in Lithuanian museums.
No full textResearch background. In the 21st century, ever-improving technologies and the related improve-ment of other services have encouraged the modernisation of the processes of all organisations. Museums are no exception (Šimanskienė, Valiušienė, Sloka, 2017). This rapid jump over the past year has been fuel-led by the onset and rapid acceleration of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in numerous bans and restrictions. The pandemic has forced humanity to broaden its horizons or even change its interests. The museums started making virtual tours of exhibitions, video stories about works and expositions, or creating newsletters that packed virtual art games, discoveries, and gifts. To attract as many visitors as possible, museums have likewise attempted to improve their inventory but also to implemented never-before-seen virtual reality plans or projects while maintaining the originality characteristic of culture. The tourism sector was particularly affected, as the activities of travel or cultural organisations and companies were restricted or suspended. Only a part of organisations or companies carried out their activities remotely.The research problem. During the pandemic, Lithuanian museums were not ready to present them-selves in a digital format, but quickly reoriented themselves. They started making virtual tours showing exhibitions, video stories about works and expositions, or creating newsletters that packed virtual art games, discoveries, and gifts (Tomkevičiūtė, 2020). To attract as many visitors as possible, museums have likewi-se attempted to improve their inventory but also to implemented never-before-seen virtual reality plans or projects while maintaining the originality characteristic of culture. The offer of museum services still lacks integrated virtual services that would improve the museum’s expositions and increase the number of visitors, so it is essential to find out why the integration of these services is not being expanded so rapidly. The aim of the study isto analyse the integration of virtual reality in the museums of Lithuania.The subject of study is the integration of virtual reality in museums.Methods. To reveal the object of the research - the application of virtual reality in museums, the research was carried out in several stages, choosing research methods such as scientific literature analysis, semi-structured interviews for data collection, and qualitative content for data analysis. Taking into account the selected research strategy, the selection of subjects was guided by the provision that all 5 specialists/experts working directly with service VR “Angelų takais” in the National M.K. Čiurlionis museum depar-tments in Kaunas and Druskininkai will be interviewed. The interview questionnaire consisted of categories: preparation, service evaluation, service impact, and satisfaction. The questions are based on Gutowski and Klos-Adamkiewicz (2020) assessment model. The model consisted of virtual reality content, navigation, interactivity, functionality, additional options, graphics, accessibility for all groups, intuitiveness, multi-lan-guage capabilities. The collected data were transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results and conclusions. The application of virtual reality has been a major impact on the revival of the cultural sector affected by the pandemic and has given a second life to museums. According to the experts, there was also a great impact on society - those who were not interested in art began to be interes-ted in it in the virtual reality form. The qualitative research showed the possibilities of applying this kind of virtual tour service “Angelų takais” to other offerings at the M.K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art. Till now this tour doesn’t have an educational function, but it will be integrated soon, the shortcomings and advantages of the service were noted, and the peculiarities were described. The success of this service was influenced by the reputation of the artist himself, whose paintings the museum is named after
Relation between the use of internet, sleep duration and physical activity in high school students.
No full textThe problem. The benefits of physical activity for the mental health and well-being of children and youth are well known. Increased physical activity in schools is associated with better physical, psychological, and social health and well-being (Smedegaard, Christiansen, Lund-Cramer, Bredahl & Skovgaard, 2016). However, an increasing number of adolescents are choosing screens as a form of leisure activity (Janssen et al., 2020). Prolonged screen time is associated with childhood overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and disrupted sleep (Jones et al., 2021). In recent years, there has been an increase in research showing that excessive and addictive use of digital media leads to negative physical, psychological, social, and neurological consequences (Lissak, 2018). It is very important to understand the relationships between students' screen time, physical activity, and sleep duration because there have been too few studies conducted worldwide and in Lithuania reflecting the situation with the effects of electronic media on high school students (Puchalska, Jusiene, & Breidokiene, 2023). The purpose of the study is to uncover the relationships between high school students' screen time, duration of sleep, and physical activity. Research objectives: 1. Evaluate high school students' screen time. 2. Evaluate high school students' duration of sleep. 3. Evaluate high school students' physical activity. 4. Determine the relationships between high school students' screen time, duration of sleep, and physical activity. Research methods: The study employed an online survey method. A questionnaire was created covering internet usage, physical activity, duration and quality of sleep. 326 students studying in the 1st - 4th gymnasium classes were interviewed. Summarizing conclusion: Girls spend more time (6,5 hours) in front of screens than boys (5,8 hours). The vast majority of girls understand this and would like to reduce this time. High school students spend a lot of time in front of screens because they have fun there, gain new experiences, can be themselves, and want to distract themselves. The average duration of night sleep during the workweek (7.9 hours) is significantly shorter than on weekends (9,3 hours). Girls more often feel sleepy during the day than boys, but the average sleep of girls on weekends is significantly longer than that of boys. Boys significantly more often engage in regular sports and attend physical education classes than girls. Time spent in front of screens is negatively related to sleep duration on workdays. This means that as screen time increases, sleep duration decreases on workdays. As screen time increases, the level of physical activity per week and the level of intense physical activity per day decrease
The relationship of students' environment-friendly physical activity with students' attitudes towards sustainability.
No full textInvestigation problem. The declining physical activity of children is a major problem in the public health sector. In the age groups of children and adolescents, physical activity monitoring is essential in order to avoid health problems and consequences. If the situation does not improve, it is likely that in the future, younger and younger children will have health problems related to chronic non-communicable diseases. (Rutkauskaitė and others 2021). Recently, some studies have shown that motivations and goals are related not only to participation in sports, but also to the individual's choice in a specific sports environment. For example, informal and non-club facilities have attracted non-competitive, novice and experienced athletes who engage in individual and flexible sports such as running and cycling (in public spaces) and gym-related activities or group lessons. Great attention was paid to sustainability and cleanliness. (Deelen et. al,. 2018) The purpose - of the study is to reveal the connections between students' environmentally friendly physical activity and students' attitudes towards sustainability. Research tasks: 1. Set 9 - 12 cl. environment-friendly physical activity of students in terms of gender. 2. Set 9 - 12 kl. students' attitudes towards sustainability in terms of gender. 3. Evaluate grades 9 - 12. the connections of students' environmentally friendly physical activity with students' attitudes towards sustainability. Research methods: The research used an online survey method. A questionnaire on environmentally friendly physical activity with students' attitudes towards sustainability was compiled, and 351 schoolchildren of the Kėdainiai district studying in grades 9-12 were interviewed. Summary conclusion: The majority of students in grades 9-12 are physically active. Every day they return to and from the educational institution on foot or use active transport (scooter or bicycle), (76.4 percent of boys and 71.4 percent of girls), because it helps to improve physical health, is good for mental and emotional well-being, and is good for public welfare (increases physical activity, reduces environmental pollution), helps protect the environment (reducing climate change, air pollution). Respondents singled out the factors preventing the use of active transport, i.e. i.e. adverse weather, time constraints, health problems, lack of sidewalks and bike lanes, etc. When evaluating environmentally friendly behavior, the highest estimate was singled out for the statement that "I think that most of the important people I interact with would support me if I behaved in an environmentally friendly way", which has a positive attitude, such as sorting waste, using reusable bags, drinking water from a reusable container, etc. Information and encouragement to behave in this way is mostly motivated by family, the Internet and friends, and least by religious and political organizations
Adolescents’ physical activity, motivation and intentions to be physically active in schoolyards.
No full textPhysical activity is the most important form of free time for students, a condition for good health and emotional well – being (Yuksel, Sahin, Maksimovic, Drid & Bianco, 2020). There is a growing concern to increase awareness by increasing children and adolescents' physical literacy, activity, motivation and intentions to engage in physical activity. The physical activity is a global problem that is being addressed by promoting healthy lifestyles and sports for children/adolescents in educational programs and public initiatives (Aubert et al., 2022). Environmental conditions affect children and adolescents (FA) at school and in their yards, knowing that students spend at least 3,000 hours in school and in schoolyards in 10 years. So, it is relevant how many opportunities they have to move in them and how they value that environment. Therefore, the aim of the study is to evaluate the physical activity, motivation and intentions of students to be physically active in schoolyards. Research organization: 732 Lithuanian 7th–12th grade students, selected by the method of convenience sampling, filled out the questionnaire electronically. The research questionnaire consisted of 5 parts: sociodemographic and other general information, general physical activity (according to WHO recommendations); the intentions to be active in the school yard during breaks were analyzed based on the integration of theories of self–determination (Deci & Ryan, 1985) and planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991) in two stages; motivation in the FA schoolyard was assessed using the modified Behavioral Rules Questionnaire (BREQ–2, Markland & Tobin, 2004); students' opinions about the use of schoolyards were assessed using the "Playgrounds Questionnaire" (Dilbil, Basaran, 2017). According to the research data, it was established that 53,3 percent students achieve sufficient physical activity in free time, and only 24,2 percent are physically active during breaks. Boys are statistically significantly more active than girls both during free time and breaks (p < 0,001). It was found that boys' intention to engage in active physical activity is statistically significantly higher than that of girls (p < 0,001). Differences between intrinsic motivation, identified regulation and autonomous motivation are statistically significant (p < 0,001) – boys' averages are higher than girls'. The results suggest that autonomous motivation is significantly stronger than controlled motivation. The differences in grade point averages between the groups were small, but statistically significant – respondents who were more physically active responded with higher grade point averages. Keywords: adolescents, physical activity, motivation, intentions, schoolyards, break
The situation of physical education in the general education schools of Raseiniai and Raseiniai district: teacher's point of view.
No full textThe object of the research is the situation of physical education in the general education schools of Raseiniai and Raseiniai district. The purpose of the research is to investigate the situation of physical education from the point of view of teachers in general education schools of Raseiniai and Raseiniai district. Research methods: the survey questionnaire used for the study was developed based on the international study "Second World-wide Survey of School Physical Education, Final Report" by the Council for Sports Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE/IOC) (Hardman&Marshall, 2009). The questionnaire consisted of open and closed questions, divided into 6 components: 1) content of physical education; 2) evaluation of students' progress and achievements; 3) work with physically weaker students; 4) quantity and quality of training tools and equipment; 5) environment, status and challenges of the physical education lesson; 6) sociodemographic indicators of respondents. Results: After revealing the attitude of physical education teachers of general education schools in Raseiniai city and district to the content of physical education, it was found that the content of physical education lessons consists of team games, individual games, athletics, gymnastics and activities outside the classroom. Physical education teachers use non-traditional physical activity activities in their lessons, of which the vastmajority chotose chess, checkers, most – weight lifting, half - darts. After analyzing the attitude of physical education teachers of general education schools in Raseiniai city and district towards the assessment of student achievements, it was found that in all Raseiniai and Inthephysical education lessons of the Raseiniai district, students' achievements are assessed by grades. All the pedagogues of the city of Raseiniai and most of the pedagogues of the district of Raseiniai evaluate students' knowledge and ability to use it, efforts and progress, as well as the actions of applying technology. Every second pedagogue of Raseiniai city and every third pedagogue of Raseiniai district evaluates physical capacity with a grade. After characterizing the attitude of teachers of general education schools in Raseiniai city and district about working with physically weaker students, it became clear that physically weaker students are educated together with the whole class in physical education classes. Mostly, children exempted from physical education lessons due to health or temporarily due to illness are offered checkers and chess, a little less often – board games. After determining the attitude of teachers of general education schools in the city and district of Raseiniai about themeans of physical education at school, it became clearth at half of Raseiniai and Raseiniai district. The quality and quantity of physical education teaching aidsin general education schools is good. The quality and quantity of physical education teaching aidsin a quarter of Raseiniai general education schools is excellent, and a quarter is sufficient. Half of Raseiniai district general education schools have a sufficient amount of physical education teaching aids. When describing the attitude of teachers of general education schools of Raseiniai city and district about the physical education environment at school, it should be emphasized that the status of physical education subject and physical education teachers is the same as that of other educational subjects
Nutrition practices of Lithuanian elite international and national-level male bodybuilders in the pre-competition period /
No full textOBJECTIVES: To compare the pre-competition nutrition practices of Lithuanian elite international-level (IL) and national-level (NL) bodybuilders. METHODS: Sixteen male bodybuilders (n=8 per group) were enrolled. The IL group comprised individuals achieving 1st to 4th place in the World and European Championships organized by the IFBB, whereas the NL group ranked between 1st and 6th place in the national championships. Body mass and diet data were obtained via a questionnaire. A repeated-measures ANOVA was performed using time as a within factor and group as a between factor. RESULTS: Both groups experienced a reduction in body mass during the pre-competition phase (p<0.001), which was slower in the IL than in the NL group (p=0.048). Both groups exhibited a reduction in caloric (p<0.001), carbohydrate (p<0.001), and fat (p=0.006) intake relative to body mass, but not in protein intake. Nevertheless, the IL group had a higher intake of calories (p=0.015), protein (p<0.001), but not carbohydrates relative to body mass vs. the NL group. CONCLUSIONS: The Lithuanian IL and NL bodybuilders both reduced calories by cutting fat and carbohydrates during pre-competition. The IL group maintained higher calorie and protein intake, resulting in similar body mass loss but at a slower rate than the NL group
Effect of gender on acute and subacute changes in achilles tendon echo intensity induced by training: soccer and handball teams microcycle follow-up /
No full textA practical and analytical study of yoga therapy techniques for back pain /
No full textBackground: Yoga has garnered considerable public interest and attention across various countries worldwide, frequently being suggested as a means to enhance one's health. It encompasses more than mere physical exercises, incorporating a distinct philosophical outlook and psychological processes. This aspect is crucial when integrating exercises into today's unique cultural milieus. Aim: To determine the effect of selected yoga postures in treating backache. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was chosen to substantiate the objectives of this study. Seven different postures were considered; eight respondents recorded their responses after the yoga therapy. A purposive sampling technique has been followed to acquire the data. The data were screened and analysed using a one-sample t-test to signify the effectiveness of the yoga postures. Moreover, ANOVA is used to analyse posture comparison and compute whether all participants obtained the same relief. Furthermore, twelve cohorts participated in an awareness seminar and took part in thirteen different treatments; the effectiveness of such treatments was gauged via t-test. Results: Significant levels of relief were identified. However, the extent of relief among participants was different. Conclusion: This study adds to the literature related to the effect of yoga in reducing back pain. The study results can be used to create awareness of providing conventional treatment substitutions
Management criteria evaluation of Lithuanian football academies’ certification system /
No full textBackground. There is a tendency in the football environment to assess and classify youth football organisations on a national scale to make their activities more efficient, raise the level of football and talent development, and increase competition in the context of international football. Considering the practices of Georgia and Latvia, Lithuania has started testing the certification of football academies since 2021. During the testing stage, it was observed that the certification project helped youth football organisations to improve the quality of their activities and competencies – after a year, the certification system was started to be applied to all Lithuanian football academies. As of 2022, higher certification criteria have been applied to football organisations, which the future of our country depends on. Methods. Analysis of scientific literature, content analysis of official documents, semi-structured interview (qualitative research). Results. Football organisations that participated in the certification process and received the highest evaluations are monitoring the certification process, examining the necessity of criteria through the prism of project improvement, constantly discussing with certification experts, and providing insights into the areas where the certification process should be improved. The research revealed what action plan would bring a higher level of quality to develop and improve a higher level of football in Lithuania. Conclusions: The evaluation of the Lithuanian football academy certification system revealed strengths and weaknesses; Top-rated football academies are committed to improving themselves and football development in the country; Organisations face documentation difficulties and lack of clarity in criteria descriptions; Considering the problems in certain areas of limitations, solutions must be found through the support of Lithuanian Football Federation and governmental institutions; the study provides unique perspective and insights to improve certification system and raise the level of Lithuanian football