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Analyzing motivation for tele-exercise in adult fitness app users /
No full textBackground: Tele-exercise-using mobile apps or digital platforms-has expanded access to guided physical activity, potentially contributing to public health. The motivational mechanisms that drive individuals to use mobile fitness apps may differ from more traditional forms of exercise and remain limited. Given that motivation undeniably plays a role in the uptake and maintenance of exercise, this study aims to provide insight into the motivational regulation of tele-exercise users, based on the self-determination theory. Methods: An ad hoc scale was developed. Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the scale. Data were inferentially analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Results: The ad hoc scale showed adequate consistency indices with reliability values ≥0.83, for all (i.e., intrinsic, identified, introjected) motivation dimensions. CFA confirmed the factor structure, with loads >0.51, and composite reliabilities 0.54 to 0.74, for each factor. Construct validity was proven adequate through adjustment of indices tests [Comparative Fit Index (CFI) =0.990; Tucker & Lewis Index (TLI) =0.976, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) =0.058]. Statistically significant differences were found relative to sex, previous activity level and fitness goal, for some but not all motivation types (n=753). No statistically significant differences were found for motivation, relative to age. Conclusions: The common understanding that intrinsic motivation is desirable for sustained behavior change may need to be reinterpreted for the field of leisure-time, tele-exercise. These findings provide new insights into how motivation varies among fitness app users and suggest that digital interventions may benefit from reframing motivational strategies to better support exercise adherence
Jėgos treniruotės kaip priemonė pagerinti pažintines, motorines funkcijas ir smegenų sveikatą asmenims, turintiems lengvus kognityvinius sutrikimus.
No full textPromoting healthy aging is becoming one of the most important challenges for healthcare systems (Shen et al., 2023). Despite significant positive results from preclinical studies and substantial investment in aging technologies, there is still a lack of clinically validated interventions that can effectively slow down the rate of aging or the progression of diseases, (Chan et al., 2024; Dunne et al., 2021; Senczyszyn et al., 2023; H. Zhang et al., 2019). Biological aging is characterized by a decline in the integrity and functioning of the central nervous system, leading to a reduction in cognitive and motor abilities that may vary in severity among individuals (Gonzales et al., 2022; K. J. Liang & Carlson, 2020; Nyberg et al., 2020). A few years before the diagnosis of dementia, cognitive symptoms become apparent, indicating a pre-clinical stage known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (Cloutier et al., 2015; Dickerson et al., 2007; Grundman et al., 2004). The risk of progressing from MCI to dementia increases five to tenfold (Petersen et al., 1999; Petersen, 2016). On the other hand, growing evidence suggests that 30 – 40% of dementia cases are linked to modifiable risk factors, with physical inactivity among key factors such as lack of cognitive stimulation, excessive alcohol consumption, head injury, air pollution, less education, hypertension, and social isolation, underscoring the importance of regular physical activity in dementia prevention (Iraniparast et al., 2022; Livingston et al., 2017, 2020). Although various cognitive abilities deteriorate in middle and older age (Kirova et al., 2015), it is notable that executive functions (Chehrehnegar et al., 2022), including inhibitory control, set-shifting, and working memory (Eriksson et al., 2015; S. Kim et al., 2016; Sweeney, 2001), tend to deteriorate earlier than memory (Kirova et al., 2015) and general cognitive decline (Si et al., 2020), and this correlates with a decline in functional abilities affecting quality of life (Verreckt et al., 2022), social and psychological well-being (Tomaszewski Farias et al., 2009). Executive dysfunction may therefore represent a behavioral manifestation of early structural and functional brain changes, underscoring the need for effective interventions capable of modifying neurodegenerative trajectories – among which physical exercise is one of the most promising approaches. Despite significant progress in early diagnostic techniques and intervention strategies, it remains uncertain which type of intervention – behavioral or pharmacological can most effectively modify the course of neurodegeneration in brain regions affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (Bisbe et al., 2020; Chantanachai et al., 2024; Ribarič, 2022; Y. Wang et al., 2023; M. Zhang et al., 2023). Neuroimaging research has demonstrated that atrophy in the frontal and temporal cortices, including the hippocampus, can begin several years before cognitive impairment becomes clinically apparent (Aramadaka et al., 2023; Flak et al., 2018; Kantarci, 2013; Wei et al., 2021). Moreover, the extent of this atrophy has been shown to correlate with the severity of cognitive decline at the time of MCI diagnosis (Devivo et al., 2019). Evidence from both neuroimaging and histopathological studies indicates that cortical atrophy in MCI is heterogeneous. However, the mechanisms of these differences remain unclear, as clinical findings have often been inconsistent (Tabatabaei‐Jafari et al., 2015). In addition, there is still a lack of data describing the progression of these structural changes with aging and identifying which brain areas are initially affected during the preclinical stages of MCI (Devivo et al., 2019; Nurdal et al., 2020). Alzheimer's lesions are most commonly seen in the frontal, temporal and parietal cortices may occur subclinically in older adults with normal cognitive function (Bjorkli et al., 2020). Changes in the posterior cingulate cortex are likely related to hippocampal lesions and cognitive function (Papma et al., 2017). The alterations in the interconnected systems may reflect a pathophysiological process underlying the regional deterioration and specific patterns of cognitive changes observed in the aging brain (X. Liang et al., 2022). This may be important in identifying the mechanism and in defining new targets for intervention. It should be noted that there is still no evidence-based pharmacological treatment for MCI (Petersen et al., 2016), so promoting physical activity is probably the only viable means of improving cognitive function that can delay cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia among people with MCI (Geda et al., 2012; J. E. Lee & Lee, 2022). Therefore, in this context, there is a growing body of evidence supporting the importance of physical activity, particularly for older adults with MCI (Bisbe et al., 2020; Castellote-Caballero et al., 2024; Kuo et al., 2022). Studies have shown a convincing link between cognitive decline and the performance of motor tasks (Mirelman et al., 2014; Poirier et al., 2021; Toosizadeh et al., 2019) such as handgrip strength (Herold et al., 2022; Hesseberg et al., 2020), gait and balance (Levin et al., 2023; X. Liu et al., 2020; Montero-Odasso et al., 2014). This relationship is likely to be due to an age - related decline in nervous system function, which leads to impaired coordination between cognitive and motor activities (Jiang et al., 2019). In recent decades, numerous studies have confirmed that physical exercise does have a significant impact on brain structure and function (cognitive and physiological), particularly in older people (Chirles et al., 2017; Suzuki et al., 2013; Teixeira et al., 2018). Long-term studies show that older adults with active lifestyles maintain better cognitive function (Dieckelmann et al., 2023; X. Huang et al., 2022) compared to their sedentary peers (Merovitz-Budning, 2021; Sachdev et al., 2012). Moreover, physical activity (PA) levels are negatively correlated with the prevalence of AD, especially among individuals with a high genetic risk (de Frutos Lucas et al., 2023; de Frutos-Lucas et al., 2020; Gronek et al., 2019). A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of physical activity showed that regular physical activity (cardovascular training) improves reaction time, spatial processing, controlled processes, and executive functions in older people (S. Colcombe & Kramer, 2003; Demurtas et al., 2020; L. Zhang et al., 2020). In contrast, resistance training (RT) as an exercise paradigm for cognitive interventions has received much less attention. Nevertheless, positive results have been reported in RT research (Barry & Carson, 2004; Fiatarone Singh et al., 2014; Morrison et al., 2023; L. Zhang et al., 2020). Moreover, it has been observed that age-related muscle atrophy mainly affects the lower limbs, while the upper limb muscles remain relatively unaffected (Aagaard et al., 2010). Thus, lower limb strength and power are important determinants of physical functioning in older people and are related to general wellbeing (Beeri et al., 2021; J. Lee, 2020). Resistance training intervention studies have shown that even short-term physical activity can improve episodic memory (Cassilhas et al., 2007; Cavarretta et al., 2019; Herold et al., 2019; Papatsimpas et al., 2023) and executive function (Abonie et al., 2022; S. J. Colcombe et al., 2004; Feter et al., 2023). The fact that the brain is responsive to exercise suggests that peripheral muscle-mediated effects occurring during and/or after exercise can restore the structural and biochemical integrity of the brain (H.-J. Kim et al., 2022; Tao et al., 2019; Esiri & Chance, 2012; T. Liu-Ambrose et al., 2010; Coelho-Júnior et al., 2020; Sheoran et al., 2023). Exercise-induced muscle contraction can release myokines (L. S. Chow et al., 2022; Vints, Levin, et al., 2022), neurotrophic (Diniz et al., 2014; H.-J. Kim et al., 2022) and anti-inflammatory factors (Fang et al., 2022; Molina-Sotomayor et al., 2020), which have been associated with the observed improvements in cognitive function and increased neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and synaptogenesis (Brenner et al., 2023; Fang et al., 2022; Foster et al., 2011; Fragala et al., 2019; Herold et al., 2019; C. Liu et al., 2023; Vints, Levin, et al., 2022). The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of physical activity, in particular 12 weeks of resistance training (RT), on cognitive function in older adults. In addition, we aimed to investigate and evaluate the effects of RT on individual cognitive functions such as executive function, delayed memory, and attention. We also aimed to investigate the effects of progressive RT on the volume and cortical thickness of selected brain regions and their associations with exerciseinduced changes in cognitive functioning. Based on findings from previous reviews and behavioral studies on aging (Cleeland et al., 2019; Michely et al., 2018; Nelson et al., 2022; Tsapanou et al., 2019; Voss et al., 2013; L. Zhao et al., 2021) we focused specifically on substructures of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and substructures of the medial temporal lobe structures surrounding the hippocampus. These include: (1) the rostral middle frontal gyrus, which plays a crucial role in attentional reorientation, working memory, speech, and language comprehension (Briggs et al., 2021); (2) the superior frontal gyrus, which is thought to contribute to higher cognitive functions, particularly working memory (Hone-Blanchet et al., 2022; Kokudai et al., 2021; Nissim et al., 2017; Tisserand et al., 2002) and episodic memory (involving the inferior temporal and parahippocampal cortex); (3) the entorhinal and parahippocampal areas (Devivo et al., 2019; Tsapanou et al., 2019), which are crucial in mediating signaling between the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex (Eichenbaum, 2017), and (4) the inferior parietal cortex, which is essential for mathematical operations and it is involved in language processing (P. Liang et al., 2012). We hypothesized that cortical thickness in the frontal (superior frontal and rostral middle frontal) (Hone-Blanchet et al., 2022), parietal (inferior parietal), entorhinal and temporal (inferior temporal and parahippocampal) regions would correlate with interconnected subcortical brain structures (e.g. hippocampus) (Erickson et al., 2011; Hillerer et al., 2019; Olesen et al., 2020; Tao et al., 2019; Wilckens et al., 2021). We also sought to compare the effects of RT with those observed over time in the control group. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the effect of RT would be more pronounced in older adults at high-risk of MCI compared to low-risk of MCI adults. This study opens the door to a deeper understanding of how RT may promote cognitive resilience in the trajectory of healthy aging. CONCLUSIONS 1) The 12-week resistance training intervention did not produce statistically significant improvements in cognitive functions, including inhibitory control and memory. However, participants at higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) demonstrated a more pronounced tendency toward positive change compared to those at lower risk. No significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups. 2) The 12 weeks of resistance training produced limited effects on cortical thickness in regions vulnerable to age-related gray matter atrophy. No statistically significant differences in neurometabolite concentrations were observed in the left hippocampus, left primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1), right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) between high- and low-risk MCI groups following the intervention. 3) After the intervention, the high-risk MCI group demonstrated a significant reduction in sway speed, indicating improved balance control under challenging dual-task conditions. No significant balance changes were observed in the lowrisk group. 4) No statistically significant differences in ¹H-MRS neurometabolites (tNAA/tCr, tCho/tCr, mIns/tCr) were found between the high-risk and low-risk MCI groups in brain regions associated with cognitive functions and balance control
Measuring screen time among adolescents: test–retest reliability of HBSC questionnaire items across two countries /
No full textBackground: Increasing recreational screen time among adolescents is linked to adverse health outcomes like obesity and poor mental health. This highlights the need for reliable tools to monitor screen-based behaviours. The present study examined the test-retest reliability of recreational screen-time items from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) questionnaire across culturally diverse adolescent populations. Methods: Using a test-retest design with a 2-3 week interval, we collected data from 750 adolescents (48.8% boys, mean age 15.29 years, SD 2.37) in Mexico (n = 233, aged 10-15y) and Czechia (n = 517, aged 10-18y) in 2022-2024. Self-reported time spent on gaming, social networking, video watching, and internet browsing were evaluated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) for continuous measures and Cohen's kappa for dichotomized outcomes (< 2 vs. ≥ 2 h/day), with analyses stratified by age, gender, and country. Results: Gaming and social networking demonstrated moderate-to-good reliability (ICC = 0.70-0.74, κ = 0.64-0.65, 82-83% unchanged responses). Video watching and browsing were less stable (ICC = 0.52-0.63, κ = 0.41-0.47). Czech primary school students exhibited the highest consistency (ICC = 0.76-0.81), while Mexican students completed the items with lower reliability (ICC = 0.43-0.54). Older adolescents (16-18 years) and girls reported greater stability for gaming and social networking, respectively. Conclusions: The screen-time items tested in this study showed acceptable test-retest reliability across countries, age groups, and sexes, particularly for gaming and social networking. These findings support their use in global adolescent health surveillance, while highlighting the need for refinement of less stable domains such as video watching and internet browsing. Given that samples were not nationally representative, findings should be interpreted within these specific contexts. Future research should enhance measurement precision and inform public health efforts to monitor and address screen-time related health risks
Relationships between lower limb biomechanics, gluteal and thigh muscle strength and non-specific low back pain :
No full textImpact of service quality on fitness club client loyalty :
No full textPurpose: The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of service quality on the loyalty of fitness club clients. The research addresses the question: ‘what is the impact of service quality on fitness club client loyalty?’. Methods: This quantitative study employed a methodology involving the analysis of scientific literature, a survey, and statistical analysis to assess the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty in Lithuanian fitness clubs. Results: The study found that service quality is a dynamic and subjective phenomenon formed by comparing consumer expectations with their experiences. Loyalty in the context of fitness clubs is manifested through repeated memberships, recommendations to others, and remaining faithful despite competitive alternatives. Research indicates a strong link between service quality and customer loyalty, where high-quality services foster satisfaction, trust, and commitment. The results of this study revealed that while customer expectations often exceed their actual experiences, all dimensions of service quality are significantly related to loyalty, with price, fitness programmes, and equipment having the strongest impact. Conclusion: This research contributes to the understanding of the key service quality dimensions that influence customer loyalty in the fitness club sector in Lithuania. The findings offer practical implications for fitness club managers seeking to enhance customer retention and loyalty by focusing on improving service quality, particularly in the areas of pricing, programme offerings, and facility equipment
S15-3: Barriers to physical activity amongst persons with physical disability /
No full textPurpose: The lower participation of persons with disabilities (PWD) in physical activity is not only related to health problems, but also to barriers such as the physical and social environment, personal beliefs, and motivation (Úbeda-Colomer et al., 2019). Although sports infrastructure has recently become increasingly adapted to the needs of PWD, the opportunities for PWD to participate in sports are still limited. The aim of the study was to identify and evaluate the main barriers to participation in physical activity by PWD. Methods: The study involved 54 working age (18–65 years old) persons with physical disabilities whose working capacity was not less than 25 percent. The data collection was done by using: 1) Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) (Washburn et al., 2002) and 2) Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Mobility Impairments (BPAQ-MI) (Úbeda-Colomer et al., 2019). Results: 92.6% of the subjects had very low physical activity (PA). Women spend more time on light housework than men (U = 214.5; p = 0.009). At the interpersonal level, the inactivity of friends and family were the main barriers. Women lack support from sports centre staff ((χ² = 3) 13.671; p = 0.003) and adapted transport ((χ² = 3) 10.587; p = 0.014) more than men. There was no difference between genders in PA and the association between barriers, and an inverse correlation between PA and social connectedness was found in the total sample (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Physical activity of PWD is very low, only 7.4 percent of subjects participating in the study were physically active. The subjects pointed out these barriers to PA: fatigue, motivation, inadequate facilities, lack of sports programmes, inadequate sidewalks/streets. Analysis of the study data showed that as physical activity increases, dependence on others decreases. No significant differences in physical activity and barriers to participation in physical activity have been identified in terms of gender, except: women spend more time on light housework, women lack the help of sports centre employees, women lack accessible transportation to go to the sports centre. Keywords: Physical disability, exercise, participation
Development or decline of physical culture? Physical activity of the alpha generation from a polish perspective :
No full textThere is evidence of a decline in interest in physical activity among the Alpha generation. It is therefore evident that physical culture must adapt to the specific characteristics of the youngest generation if it is to survive. In light of the aforementioned considerations, the objective of this humanist article is to ascertain whether physical culture can evolve in a manner that will ensure its continued existence or whether it is on a trajectory towards decline. This qualitative research presents a summary of the observations made and allows us to formulate a general thesis. The characteristics of the Alpha generation are presented herewith, with an emphasis on the advantages and disadvantages inherent in their enhanced digital proficiency and the concomitant challenges to social cohesion. It was indicated that their expectations of physical activities were focused on e-sports and smart technology. It can be considered that the next phase of physical culture development will take place through the introduction of e-sports and smart technology into the physical activities undertaken by the Alpha generation. At the same time, this development must be sustainable, in that it must still recognize the traditional values of physical culture. This will ensure that the generation in question functions well both with and without technology
Dietary, body composition, and blood leptin variations in fit-model female athletes during the pre-competition period /
No full textBackground: The Fit-Model in bodybuilding is a relatively new category designed for women seeking a balanced physique, avoiding excessive muscularity and extreme leanness. This study examined the dietary strategies, body composition changes, and plasma leptin fluctuations of Fit-Model athletes during a seven-week pre-competition phase. Methods: Twelve females (age: 27.6 ± 4.4 years, body mass: 60.0 ± 6.2 kg) preparing for a national championship were monitored for energy and macronutrient intakes, total, lean, and fat mass, plasma leptin levels, and menstrual cycle characteristics. The five highest-ranked athletes were selected to compete at the world championship, allowing for comparisons between national and international athletes. Results: Low carbohydrate intake was reported, and total energy intake decreased from 1700 to 1520 kcal/day approaching the contest day. Athletes experienced an average body mass loss of 4.2 kg, with no clear relationship between final weight or fat mass and competitive success. Plasma leptin levels were markedly low during all 7 weeks of preparation with a further decline before the contest, but did not correlate with either changes in body composition and weight or energy or macronutrient intakes. Menstrual cycle disturbances were prevalent, with only two athletes maintaining regular cycles by the end of the preparation. Conclusions: Fit-Model athletes undergo a considerable decline in body weight and fat mass during the final weeks before the contest, yet these changes do not appear to be decisive for performance outcomes. Persistently low leptin levels and menstrual irregularities call for strategies that balance physique optimization with endocrine health to support both the performance and well-being of athletes
The youth fitness international test (YFIT) battery for monitoring and surveillance among children and adolescents: a modified Delphi consensus project with 169 experts from 50 countries and territories /
No full textBackground: Physical fitness in childhood and adolescence is associated with a variety of health outcomes and is a powerful marker of current and future health. However, inconsistencies in tests and protocols limit international monitoring and surveillance. The objective of the study was to seek international consensus on a proposed, evidence-informed, Youth Fitness International Test (YFIT) battery and protocols for health monitoring and surveillance in children and adolescents aged 6–18 years. Methods: We conducted an international modified Delphi study to evaluate the level of agreement with a proposed, evidence-based, YFIT of core health-related fitness tests and protocols to be used worldwide in 6- to 18-year-olds. This proposal was based on previous European and North American projects that systematically reviewed the existing evidence to identify the most valid, reliable, health-related, safe, and feasible fitness tests to be used in children and adolescents aged 6–18 years. We designed a single-panel modified Delphi study and invited 216 experts from all around the world to answer this Delphi survey, of whom one-third are from low-to-middle income countries and one-third are women. Four experts were involved in the piloting of the survey and did not participate in the main Delphi study to avoid bias. We pre-defined an agreement of ≥80% among the expert participants to achieve consensus. Results: We obtained a high response rate (78%) with a total of 169 fitness experts from 50 countries and territories, including 63 women and 61 experts from low- or middle-income countries/territories. Consensus (>85% agreement) was achieved for all proposed tests and protocols, supporting the YFIT battery, which includes weight and height (to compute body mass index as a proxy of body size/composition), the 20-m shuttle run (cardiorespiratory fitness), handgrip strength, and standing long jump (muscular fitness). Conclusion: This study contributes to standardizing fitness tests and protocols used for research, monitoring, and surveillance across the world, which will allow for future data pooling and the development of international and regional sex- and age-specific reference values, health-related cut-points, and a global picture of fitness among children and adolescents
Immediate effect of ankle joint and rectus abdominis kinesiology taping on static and dynamic balance in rhythmic gymnasts aged 10-12 years /
No full textBackground Balance is a critical component of athletic performance, particularly in disciplines such as rhythmic gymnastics. This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of kinesiology taping on static and dynamic balance in rhythmic gymnasts aged 10–12 years. Methods Thirty gymnasts were evaluated under three taping conditions: (1) no kinesiology tape (No KinT), (2) kinesiology tape applied to the ankle joints (KinT A), and (3) kinesiology tape applied to both the ankle joints and the rectus abdominis muscle (KinT AA). Balance assessments included the Static Stork Balance Test, the Dynamic Y Balance Test, and the Static and Dynamic “Bobo” Balance Board test. Results No significant differences were observed across conditions in the Stork Balance Test for both legs and static balance board measurements (p > 0.05). The Y Balance Test results improved when kinesiology tape was applied to both the ankle joints and the rectus abdominis muscle compared to the condition without taping for both legs (p < 0.05). In contrast, the dynamic balance board test demonstrated significantly better performance in the KinT A condition compared to both the No KinT and KinT AA conditions on the right leg (p < 0.05) and compared to the KinT AA condition on the left leg (p < 0.05). Additionally, for both legs, the No KinT condition showed superior performance relative to the KinT AA condition (p < 0.05). Conclusions Kinesiology taping had no immediate effect on static balance. However, dynamic balance, as assessed by the Y Balance Test, improved with tape applied to both the ankle joints and the rectus abdominis muscle. The balance board tests indicated inconsistent results, suggesting variability in their sensitivity to taping interventions