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High performance sports coaches job satisfaction and intention to change job in public sector sports organizations.
No full textResearch object. Relationship between job satisfaction on the intention to change it. The aim. To determine the relationships between employee job satisfaction and the intention to leave in sports organizations. Research tasks: 1. After the analysis of the scientific literature, find out the sources of job satisfaction and the links with the intention to change the job. 2. To determine the factors that determine the dissatisfaction with the work of highperformance sports coaches working in sports organizations. 3. To determine the job satisfaction of high-performance sports coaches of public sector sports organizations and trends in the intention to change jobs. 4. To determine the relationship between the job satisfaction of high-performance sports coaches and the intention to change it. Research methods and subjects. 169 high-performance coaches working in public sector sports organizations participated in the study. A questionnaire survey applied to the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, short version and statistical analysis. Research results. Estimates of overall job satisfaction and internal satisfaction exceed the 3.50 limit and show that employees are satisfied with internal factors of satisfaction and their work in general. The average scores show the average job satisfaction of employees (74.84 ± 13.93). The mean of extrinsic satisfaction estimates is below 3.50, which indicates employee dissatisfaction with external factors. The overall level of satisfaction does not differ significantly between genders (p > 0.05). The determined level of job satisfaction among men is average (74.03 ± 13.4), among women - high (75.36 ±14.4). The overall level of satisfaction does not differ significantly between different age groups (p > 0.05). The level of job satisfaction among 20–30-year-olds was high (79.18 ± 15.076), among 31–40-year-olds - average (73.58±11.168), among 41–50-year-olds - high (76.59 ± 16.707), among 50 and over - Average (72.22 ± 13.687). There is a significant difference in the overall level of satisfaction between coaches in different cities (p < 0.001). The lowest overall level of satisfaction 7 was found among Vilnius city coaches, but it remains average (60.77 ± 9.427). The highest overall level of satisfaction was found in the city of Šiauliai - high (83.25 ± 11.556). The general level of satisfaction of the coaches of the city of Kaunas is average (73.00 ±14.099), Klaipėda - high (77.58 ± 11.462), Panevėžys - high (77.50 ±14.864). The overall level of satisfaction differs significantly (p < 0.001) among employees not intending to change profession (80,29 ± 12,26), those who sometimes think about it (64.29 ± 8.32) and among those intending to change profession (57.75 ± 16,215). The overall level of satisfaction is significantly different (p < 0.001) among employees who do not intend to change the organization in which they work (81.13 ± 11,186), among those who sometimes think about it (67,62 ± 11,186) and among those intending to change profession (53.14 ±11,838). Mediumlevel negative correlations were found between overall job satisfaction, intrinsic job satisfaction, extrinsic job satisfaction and intention to change profession and organization. Conclusions. 1. Analysis of scientific literature shows that most public health and organizational workers are satisfied with their work because they like what they do. Research shows that there is a significant relationship between autonomy, feedback, skill variety, task identity and their significance with job satisfaction. Also, research shows that there is significant relationship between job satisfaction and intent to leave. 2. It was determined that the factors determining the dissatisfaction with the work of sports coaches who participated in the study are the nature of the boss's leadership, the organization's policy implemented in practice, the ratio of salary to workload, career opportunities provided, mutual agreement among colleagues, praise received for a job well done. 3. It was found that the sports coaches who participated in the study are satisfied with internal satisfaction factors and their work in general, and are not satisfied with external factors. No significant difference was found between job satisfaction in terms of gender and age groups. A significant difference was found between the job satisfaction of coaches from different cities. 4. It was established that the lower job satisfaction of the sports coaches who participated in the study leads to a greater intention to change the organization and profession. The extrinsic level of job satisfaction has a stronger relationship with the intention to change occupation than the intrinsic level of job satisfaction
Probleminio interneto naudojimo ir paauglių, sergančių ir nesergančių lėtinėmis ligomis, pavojaus sveikatai ryšys.
No full textBackground. Sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are modifiable health risks that often develop during adolescence. A comprehensive analysis of unhealthy behaviors in adolescents with and without chronic health conditions (CHC) could inform the development of more effective prevention approaches. The aim. This study aimed to measure associations between Problematic Internet Use (PIU), lifestyle habits and subjective health complaints among adolescents with and without CHC. In addition, health behaviors and prevalence of subjective health complaints between adolescents with and without CHC were compared. Methods. A total of 171 adolescents (87 without CHC and 84 with CHC) completed an online survey. The PIU was assessed by the Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale. The subjective health complaints assessed were somatic and psychological symptoms. Healthy lifestyle behaviors assessed were daily physical activities, time spent by screens, eating habits, and duration of sleep. Results. The results showed that 21.83% of adolescents with CHC and 36.78% without CHC scored at risk for problematic internet use. Adolescents without CHC reported significantly more frequent psychological health complaints than their peers with CHC. This study found that multiple health complaints and unhealthy eating habits were significantly associated with PIU in adolescents with CHC, while nervousness and eating fast food in adolescents without CHC. Girls without CHC reported significantly higher PRIUSS scores and prevalence of subjective health complaints than boys (p <.05). Conclusions. Adolescents without CHC reported significantly higher levels of moderate and vi-gorous intensity physical activities weekly than their peers with CHC. PIU behaviors are mainly associated with psychological health complaints and unhealthy eating behaviors in adolescents with and without CHC. These findings highlight the need to identify the specific problematic internet use activities that are associated with different health risks in adolescents
The threat to clean environment: the carbon footprint of forest camping activities as social tourism in Turkey and Lithuania /
No full textThe most important factor in the emergence and growth of climate change and environmental problems is people’s transportation preferences. In this context, the aim of the research is to calculate the carbon footprint of individuals participating in camping activities in Turkey and Lithuania in the summer of 2022. In the study, the emission factors of preferred airplanes, urban buses and personal vehicles were used in the carbon footprint calculation process. In this research, the distance travelled by the individuals participating in the camping activities in Turkey and Lithuania in the summer period of 2022 with the travel vehicles they prefer for transportation was used. The total distance travelled in a summer period is 330,015 km in Turkey, the total distance travelled in a summer period is 132,331 km in Lithuania. In the analysis of the data set obtained through the official institutions from both countries and in the calculation of the carbon footprint, the emission factors of the preferred aircraft, urban buses and personal vehicles were used. According to the analysis, the total carbon footprint calculated for both countries is 73.54 tons. While the carbon footprint calculated for Turkey is 46.51 tons; for Lithuania, it is 23.83 tons. Depending on the travels made in Turkey, the average per capita carbon footprint is 10.70 kg, while in Lithuania it is 4.38 kg. The average per capita carbon footprint calculated for both countries is 15.08 kg. Regardless of their travel preference, the travels of people in both countries cause carbon footprints and contribute to the global climate change problem. It is seen that airway vehicles are used in Turkey due to the distances being much longer and this situation enlarges the carbon footprint. In Lithuania, the prominent carbon source is individual vehicle use
A qualitative investigation of athletes’ views on clean sport /
No full textBackground. Doping is a real problem in sport and continues to be one of the most controversial topics, despite significant advancements in doping prevention. Lack of knowledge of the anti-doping regulations is one of the risk factors for doping. Currently, anti-doping education is focused on clean sport promotion. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the views on clean sport and doping prevention among athletes from various sports. Methods. A qualitative approach was used to examine athletes’ views on clean sport. Following a purposeful sampling technique, we interviewed eight men and one woman (Mage = 24.00, SD = 2.73 years) who were competing in various sports at the national level or above in Lithuania. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results. Analysis of interview data allowed to distinguish the following three broad themes related to athletes’ views on doping education and recommendations for improving it. The research participants shared their thoughts about the concept of clean sport, possible reasons that may encourage athletes to compete in sport clean, and discussed clean sport education. Conclusion. Clean sport can be understood as cheating-free sport. Possible reasons to compete clean in sport are unwillingness to experience shame and fear of damaging health. Athletes believe that current doping prevention is ineffective. Our findings show the importance of clean sport education for young athletes, however, adult education about clean sport could be more difficult
Euroleague men's basketball decade: an analysis of the change in the trends and rules of competitive activity (2011-2022).
No full textResearch problem. The analysis of competetive performance indicators is often analyzed only over short period of time, eg: one season. Analyzing it over long period of time it is possible to identify the evolution of changes and the impact on a team‘s style of play. The aim of study. To determine and evaluate the change in the competitive performance indicators of the Euroleague basketball team "Žalgiris" Kaunas and the Euroleague champions in the competition period of 2011-2022. Objectives. 1. To determine and evaluate the change in the quantitative indicators of the Euroleague basketball team "Žalgiris" Kaunas and the Euroleague champions; 2. To determine and evaluate the change in the qualitative indicators of the Euroleague basketball team "Žalgiris" Kaunas and the Euroleague champions. Hypothesis. With the introduction of the new rules of the game, game pace and speed should change due to accelerating basketball. Also ball possesions as well as the number of rebounds and throws should change. Research methods. The analysis of 11 competition seasons was carried out with the help of official match statistical protocols (n=638) in the period 2011-2022. The method of statistical analysis was used to determine the arithmetic mean, standard deviation (), significance level of mean differences (p <0.05) using the MS Excel. Main findings. Since the 2020/21 season, a trend has been detected for the teams Zalgiris Kaunas and the Euroleague champions (p<0.05) – the number of 2PT shot and free throw shot attempted is decreasing, the number of three-point shot attempted is increasing. There was also a general downward trend in personal and drawn fouls (p<0.05) from the 2018/19 season. In case of the EuroLeague champions, the trend of increasing points scorred and points allowed was found (p<0.05). The accuracy rates of shots for euroleague champion teams increased over the decade from all distances (p<0.05), while the Zalgiris Kaunas team was found to have an increase in the accuracy of three-pointers and free throw shots (p<0,05). Conclusions. Comparing the results of the competitive performance indicators of Zalgiris Kaunas and the Euroleague champions, one can notice the prevailing trends in the game - more three-point shots are made, fewer turnovers and fouls (offensive and defensive) are made. The main reasons for the difference between the teams are the accuracy of the shots. Such results can be influenced by new trends in the basketball game, adaptation of coaches and players to them
Experiences and challenges of online training for women: a qualitative study.
No full textObject (phenomenon): online training in the post-pandemic period. The aim of the research - to analyze the experiences and challenges of online training for women. Research objectives: 1. To reveal the experiences of online training for women involved in sports. 2. To reveal the challenges of online training for women involved in sports. Research methods. The qualitative study involved 22 women under study. The sampling method is a theoretically targeted selection based on the principle of convenient and voluntariness. Data collection method: semi-structured online interview, qualitative content analysis for data analysis. Results. The analysis of qualitative data revealed two dimensions related to the tasks of the study, namely the experiences of women participating in online training and the challenges associated with this type of training. In the experiential dimension, the following categories were distinguished: "assessment and assurance of the quality of online training", "experiences of the benefits of online training", "reflections on the reasons for choosing online training", The most pronounced subcategory in the dimension of experiences was "the ability to train at a convenient time" (N=22). In the challenge dimension, the following categories were distinguished: "difficulties during online training", and "disturbances during online training". The category "disturbances during online training", which belongs to the second (challenge) dimension, includes the largest number of subcategories, namely: "complexity of exercises" (N=13), "motivation-related difficulties" (N=6) and "time management problems" (N=8). Conclusions. 1. The most popular subcategory of the dimension of experiences among women is the "opportunity to train at a comfortable time", when everyone can freely choose when to do a workout. This trend is in line with the results of online learning studies studied by other researchers. 2. The most pronounced subcategory of the challenge dimension among women is the "complexity of the exercises", i.e. the inability to correctly do the exercises demonstrated by the trainer. This trend is partly in line with the results of the online learning study studied by other researchers
Neurometabolic correlates of posturography in normal aging and older adults with mild cognitive impairment: evidence from 1H-MRS study /
No full textProton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) holds promise for revealing and understanding neurodegenerative processes associated with cognitive and functional impairments in aging. In the present study, we examined the neurometabolic correlates of balance performance in 42 cognitively intact older adults (healthy controls - HC) and 26 older individuals that were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Neurometabolite ratios of total N-acetyl aspartate (tNAA), glutamate-glutamine complex (Glx), total choline (tCho) and myo-inositol (mIns) relative to total creatine (tCr) were assessed using single voxel 1H-MRS in four different brain regions. Regions of interest were the left hippocampus (HPC), dorsal posterior cingulate cortex (dPCC), left sensorimotor cortex (SM1), and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Center-of-pressure velocity (Vcop) and dual task effect (DTE) were used as measures of balance performance. Results indicated no significant group differences in neurometabolite ratios and balance performance measures. However, our observations revealed that higher tCho/tCr and mIns/tCr in hippocampus and dPCC were generic predictors of worse balance performance, suggesting that neuroinflammatory processes in these regions might be a driving factor for impaired balance performance in aging. Further, we found that higher tNAA/tCr and mIns/tCr and lower Glx/tCr in left SM1 were predictors of better balance performance in MCI but not in HC. The latter observation hints at the possibility that individuals with MCI may upregulate balance control through recruitment of sensorimotor pathways
Vitamino K2 papildų poveikis griaučių raumenų funkcijos atsistatymui po čiurnos traumos.
No full textProblem: Prolonged periods of inactivity after injury can cause a decrease in muscle strength and power. Thus, identifying strategies to prevent the loss of muscle function during inactivity is critical for maintaining the health and well-being of individuals of all ages. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of vitamin K2 supplements on skeletal muscle function after ankle injury when muscle recovery is promoted by a standard rehabilitation program. Hypothesis: Vitamin K2 supplements will reduce skeletal muscle atrophy and improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation after ankle injury. Methods: Healthy adults, aged 18-60 years old, who sustained ankle injury and were subjected to ankle cast immobilization and rehabilitation protocol participated in a 6-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study of vitamin K2 supplements. Volunteers underwent assessment maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and electromyographic activity (EMG) of ankle plantar and dorsi flexor muscles at weeks 1, 3 and 6 of the rehabilitation program. Results: There were no differences in plantar or dorsi flexion MVC or EMG between the placebo and vitamin K2 groups during the 6-week rehabilitation program. Females exhibited a faster recovery of lower dorsi flexion MVC of the injured leg compared to the control leg at weeks 1, 3, and 6 of rehabilitation. Males showed similar differences at weeks 1 and 3, but not week 6. Conclusions: Vitamin K2 supplementation did not improve skeletal muscle strength or activation during recovery after an ankle injury. Males had a better recovery of dorsi flexion muscle strength compared to females after an ankle injury
Evidence-based yet still challenging! Research on physical activity in old age :
No full textPreserving functional health and quality-of-life in old age is a major goal and global challenge in public health. The high rate of sedentary behavior that is characteristic of the older adult population exacerbates impairments of physiological and structural systems that are typically seen in the aging process. Achieving an understanding of the profound influence of physical activity on all aspects of health in old age is the driving force behind the emergence of "physical activity in old age" as a growing area of research. Accumulated evidence implies that being physically active and exercising is far superior to other optimal aging facilitators. Yet this area of research faces numerous constraints and obstacles. This commentary addresses some of these challenges, primarily the heterogeneity of the aging process, which induces both inter- and intra-individual differences among aged individuals, heterogeneity in assessment tools, unjustified inclusion/exclusion criteria and insufficient recruitment strategies, difficulties in implementing research results in real-world conditions, and rudimentary exploitation of innovative technology. We explain the importance of establishing a network of multidisciplinary scientists and stakeholders to propose consensus-based goals and scientifically evidenced wide-ranging plans for dealing with these challenges. In addition, we suggest work directions for this network
Moderate muscle cooling induced by single and intermittent/prolonged cold-water immersions differently affects muscle contractile function in young males /
No full textBackground: We investigated the impact of moderate muscle cooling induced by single and intermittent/prolonged cold-water immersions (CWI) on muscle force and contractility in unfatigued state and during the development of fatigue resulting from electrically induced contractions. Methods: Twelve young males participated in this study consisting of two phases [single phase (SP) followed by intermittent/prolonged phase (IPP)], with both phases including two conditions (i.e., four trials in total) performed randomly: control passive sitting (CON) and cold-water immersions (10°C). SP-CWI included one 45 min-bath (from 15 to 60 min). IPP-CWI included three baths (45 min-bath from 15 to 60 min, and 15 min-baths from 165 to 180 min and from 255 to 270 min), with participants sitting at room temperature the rest of the time until 300 min. Blood pressure and intramuscular (Tmu) temperature were assessed, and neuromuscular testing was performed at baseline and 60 min after baseline during SP, and at baseline, 60, 90, 150 and 300 min after baseline during IPP. A fatiguing protocol (100 electrical stimulations) was performed after the last neuromuscular testing of each trial. Results: In unfatigued state, SP-CWI and IPP-CWI reduced electrically induced torque at 100 Hz (P100) but not at 20 Hz (P20), and increased P20/P100 ratio. The changes from baseline for P100 and P20/P100 ratio were lower in IPP-CWI than SP-CWI. Both cold-water immersion conditions slowed down muscle contraction and relaxation, and reduced maximal isokinetic contraction torque, but the changes from baseline were lower after IPP-CWI than SP-CWI. cold-water immersions did not impair maximal voluntary isometric contraction. During the fatiguing protocol, torque fatigue index and the changes in muscle contractile properties were larger after IPP-CWI than SP-CWI, but were in the same range as after CON conditions. The differences of muscle contractile function between SP-CWI and IPP-CWI were accompanied by a lower reduction of superficial Tmu and a smaller increase in systolic blood pressure after IPP-CWI than SP-CWI. Conclusion: IPP-CWI induces a less pronounced fast-to-slow contractile transition compared to SP-CWI, and this may result from the reduced vasoconstriction response and enhanced blood perfusion of the superficial muscle vessels, which could ultimately limit the reduction of superficial Tmu