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European Fitness Landscape in Children and Adolescents: updated reference values, fitness maps, and country rankings based on nearly 8 million data points from 34 countries gathered by the FitBack network /
No full textObjectives (1) To develop reference values for healthrelated fitness in European children and adolescents aged 6–18 years that are the foundation for the webbased, open-access and multilanguage fitness platform (FitBack); (2) to provide comparisons across European countries. Methods This study builds on a previous large fitness reference study in European youth by (1) widening the age demographic, (2) identifying the most recent and representative country-level data and (3) including national data from existing fitness surveillance and monitoring systems. We used the Assessing Levels of PHysical Activity and fitness at population level (ALPHA) test battery as it comprises tests with the highest test–retest reliability, criterion/construct validity and health-related predictive validity: the 20 m shuttle run (cardiorespiratory fitness); handgrip strength and standing long jump (muscular strength); and body height, body mass, body mass index and waist circumference (anthropometry). Percentile values were obtained using the generalised additive models for location, scale and shape method. Results A total of 7 966 693 test results from 34 countries (106 datasets) were used to develop sexspecific and age-specific percentile values. In addition, country-level rankings based on mean percentiles are provided for each fitness test, as well as an overall fitness ranking. Finally, an interactive fitness platform, including individual and group reporting and European fitness maps, is provided and freely available online ( www.fitbackeurope.eu)
The personality and resilience of competitive athletes as BMW drivers—data from India, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain /
No full textBackground: Individual differences in personality and resilience are related to a variety of social behaviors. The current study sought to answer the question of whether BMW drivers exhibit different personality profiles and resilience levels compared with drivers of other car brands. Participants and procedure: An international study was carried out in India, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain on a sample of 448 athletes using the 20-item Mini-IPIP and the Resilience Scale. The results of BMW drivers (n = 91) were compared with the results of drivers of other German car brands (n = 357). Results: BMW drivers were characterized by higher neuroticism compared with drivers of other German car brands. They also showed higher resiliency, both in terms of total score and scores on the subscales of: personal coping competences and tolerance of negative emotions, tolerance of failures and perceiving life as a challenge, and optimistic attitude towards life and capacity for self-mobilization in difficult situations. The greatest difference was observed for the factor of tolerance of failures and perceiving life as a challenge. Using the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner (DSCF) pairwise comparison test, gender differences between athletes (as BMW drivers and drivers of other German car brands, respectively) were discussed. Additionally, the results of the main logistic regression analyses emphasized that neuroticism represents a better predictor of BMW preference in the case of athletes (as drivers) than the scores obtained for resilience. Conclusions: BMW drivers differed from drivers of other German car brands only with regard to neuroticism. A higher level of neuroticism can affect mental health and the overall quality of life in athletes; aggression and distress management are essential. Athletes (as BMW drivers) also showed differences in resiliency levels. Understanding the mechanisms of behavior among BMW drivers is possible through considering their personality and individual differences
The effect of potassium nitrate supplementation on the force and properties of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles in mice /
No full textAdding potassium nitrate (KNO3) to the diet improves the physiological properties of mammalian muscles (rebuilds weakened muscle, improves structure and functionality). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of KNO3 supplementation in a mouse model. BALB/c mice were fed a KNO3 diet for three weeks, followed by a normal diet without nitrates. After the feeding period, the Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle was evaluated ex vivo for contraction force and fatigue. To evaluate the possible pathological changes, the histology of EDL tissues was performed in control and KNO3-fed groups after 21 days. The histological analysis showed an absence of negative effects in EDL muscles. We also analyzed 15 biochemical blood parameters. After 21 days of KNO3 supplementation, the EDL mass was, on average, 13% larger in the experimental group compared to the controls (p < 0.05). The muscle-specific force increased by 38% in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). The results indicate that KNO3 has effects in an experimental mouse model, showing nitrate-diet-induced muscle strength. This study contributes to a better understanding of the molecular changes in muscles following nutritional intervention and may help develop strategies and products designated to treat muscle-related issues
Determinants of entrepreneurial intentions in European sports science students: Towards the development of future sports entrepreneurs /
No full textThis study aims to analyse the determinants of sport science students’ entrepreneurial intentions considering the cultural effect on these relationships. The sample comprises 764 final-year sport science students from five European countries: Lithuania, Spain, Ukraine, Serbia, and Croatia. A validated structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The results showed significant direct effects between attitude towards behaviour and perceived behavioural control in sport science students’ entrepreneurial intentions in all countries. Entrepreneurial skills presented an indirect impact (through attitude and perceived behavioural control) on all countries’ entrepreneurial intentions. However, the importance of each of these variables in explaining entrepreneurial intentions varied according to the students’ national culture. This study presents a series of educational policy implications to improve sports science students’ employability by developing their entrepreneurial spirit
Extended signaling theory and role of corporate social responsibility and brand personality /
No full textThis research has offered an extended signaling theory model, which has extended the body of corporate social responsibility (CSR) knowledge in the existing literature. This research examines the association between CSR and brand experience, corporate reputation, brand personality, brand loyalty & consumer trust. The mall intercept control group was used to carry out this research. For the data analyses, we employed an SEM-based multivariate approach and assisted the formulated hypotheses from respondents of smartphone users. The study's outcomes show that brand personality, corporate reputation, and brand experience positively influence consumer trust. The outcomes further demonstrated that corporate social responsibility significantly and positively impacts personality, brand loyalty, and customer trust. This research also examined the mediating effect of brand personality between corporate reputation and brand loyalty and between corporate reputation and consumer trust. Moreover, the mediation of brand personality between CSR and brand loyalty and between CSR and consumer trust. The outcomes demonstrate that brand personality mediates brand loyalty and corporate reputation loyalty relationship, consumer trust, and corporate reputation relationship. However, brand personality does not mediate CSR and brand loyalty and CSR and consumer trust relationships. This research has important managerial and theoretical implications for industry practitioners and scholars
Організація дозвілля: оцінка потреб.
No full textRelevance and novelty.Years of research show that leisure has a positive impact on a person’s overall well-being, from time management skills to fulfilling basic psychological needs such as: autonomy, mastery, belonging, and significance. The therapeutic influence of leisure in reducing the negative effects of stressful situations has long been documented. Empirical studies have examined the benefits of leisure in coping with daily concerns, normal life stress, chronic and occupational stress, and life-changing events (Shen, MacDonald, Logan, Parkinson, Gorrell & Hatfield, 2022). Because we live in a fast-paced, work- and productivity-oriented, time-poor life, we feel compelled to quickly recover, regain strength, and live up to expectations as quickly as possible (Kinczel & Müller, 2022). COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way we live our lives, including our leisure time, which has resulted in a significant reduction in travel and group activities (Takiguchi, Matsui, Kikutani & Ebina, 2022). Problematic question: how is the organization of free time identified in changing market conditions? The purpose of the article: to identify the organization of leisure time in changing market conditions. Object: identification of leisure in changing conditions. Tasks: 1) to define the essence of the organization of leisure and work in changing market conditions in a theoretical aspect; 2) discuss the peculiarities of the organization of leisure services during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic; 3) to present researches revealing aspects of leisure consumption and quality of life. Methods: analysis, systematization and interpretation of scientific literature
Pain of the bone-muscle system of emergency medicine workers and the need of physiotherapy.
No full textThe aim of the study: The purpose of the study: to determine the pains of the musculoskeletal system and the need for physiotherapy among ambulance workers. Research tasks: 1. To determine the prevalence of pain in the musculoskeletal system and the needs of emergency medical workers 2. To determine the correlations between the work of emergency medicine and the pain experienced by the musculoskeletal system 3. Determine the need for physiotherapy for emergency medical workers Research metods: emergency medicine workers (n=168) participated in a questionnaire survey of quantitative data. The questionnaire was submitted for filling in the online „Google forms“ platform. The survey consisted of a questionnaire of 5 parts. After correlations between groups, a statistically significant difference was found when p<0,05. Results and Conclusions: 1. Pains in the musculoskeletal system feels 87,5 percent of womens and 77,1 percent of men working in emergency medicine service. Most common pains are lumbar back, shoulders, neck-shoulders area and knees pain. Women are statisticall more likely to experience shoulder and knee pain, and use medication for pain relief more often. 2. Two- thirds of emergency medicine workers feel musculoskeletal system pains at the end of work shift, also noticable, that pains are statistically reliably more frequent among workers with longer working experience. According to the employees, the biggest influence on the pain in the is the carrying of heawy weights and uncomfortable working posture. Tension and stress are main contributors to neck and shoulder pain. 3. Half of those who dont experience pain and two- thirds of the respondents experiencing pain believe that physiotherapy is appropriate for all emergency medicine workers. A third of those experiencing pain and half of those not experiencing pain believe that physiotherapy should be used only for those with complaints. Employees who experience pain in the musculoskeletal system are more likely to request individual physiotherapy
Physical activity in large groups for elderly woman importance to improve physical performance, quality of life and mental health.
No full textResearch aim: Physical activity training sessions in large groups importance for elderly woman to improve physical performance, quality of life and mental health. Research tasks: 1. To determine elder woman mental health before and after physical activity cycle. 2. Examine older women physical performance before and after physical activity cycle. 3. To determine older women quality of life before and after physical activity cycle. Research methodology: 1. Analysis of literature sources 2. To evaluate subject opinion, we used questionnaires. 3. Physical assessments methodology fit for 65 and older people. 4. To process data, we used statistical analysis. 5. Anthropometric data assessment. Research hypothesis: Physical activity in large groups will significantly improve older women mental health, yet physical performance data and quality of life will be insignificant. Research relevance: Physical activity’s impact on mental health. Also how does physical activity in large groups impact mental health for older women. Conclusions: 1. Significant improvements in mental health and social well-being (factors) were found after the training cycle. 2. Strength training cycle significantly improved hand grip strength and lumbar flexibility in older women. In contrast, the training cycle had no effect on leg and arm muscle strength and endurance, shoulder girdle flexibility and aerobic endurance in older women. 3. There was no change in the quality of life of older women after the training cycle
Comparative effects of different physiotherapy programs on motor skills of children with mild and moderate motor impairment.
No full textBackground. Children diagnosed with mild or moderate motor impairment not only face impairment of fine motor skills and problems with body balance in daily activities, they are also diagnosed with a decrease in muscle strength. Physiotherapy is prescribed to improve physical condition. The aim. To determine the effect of different physiotherapy programs on running speed, balance and leg strength in children with mild and moderate motor impairment. Methods. 30 children (4–6 years old) with mild or moderate motor impairment participated in the study, and were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n=15) received only conventional physiotherapy, while the experimental group (n=15) received a balance training program on the Abili Balance platform in addition to conventional physiotherapy. The duration of the interventions for both groups was 8 weeks. The subjects’ static and dynamic balance (according to Abili stability index and Berg scale), leg muscle strength (Broad jump) and running speed (Shuttle Run) were assessed before and after the interventions. Results. After 8 weeks, children in both groups had longer forward jumps and shorter shuttle run test results (p<0.05); balance indicators improved (p<0.05). After the interventions, the postural stability and leg muscle strength of the children in the study group were higher (p<0.05) than in the control group; other indicators did not differ significantly. Conclusions. Both applied 8-week physiotherapy programs were effective in improving children’s motor skills. Conventional physiotherapy combined with a balance training program was more effective than conventional physiotherapy in improving leg strength and postural stability in children with mild to moderate motor impairment, but not running speed and static and dynamic balance assessed by the Berg test
Manual dexterity in school-age children measured by the Grooved Pegboard test: evaluation of training effect and performance in dual-task /
No full textBackground Manual dexterity is the ability to manipulate objects using the hands and fingers for a specific task. Although manual dexterity is widely investigated in the general and special population at all ages, numerous aspects still remain to be explored in children. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of the training effect of the execution of the Grooved Pegboard test (GPT) and to measure the performance of the GPT in dual-task (DT), i.e., during a motor task and a cognitive task. Methods In this observational, cross-sectional study manual dexterity was assessed in children aged between 6 and 8. The procedure consisted of two phases: (1) the execution of five consecutive trials of the GPT to evaluate the training effect; (2) the execution of one trial of the GPT associated with a motor task (finger tapping test, GPT-FTT), and one trial of the GPT associated with a cognitive task (counting test, GPT-CT) to evaluate the performance in DT. Results As for the training effect, a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the five trials of the GPT (i.e., GPT1, GPT2, GPT3, GPT4, GPT5) was detected. In particular, we found a significant difference between GPT1 and GPT3 (p < 0.05), GPT1 and GPT4 (p < 0.001), and GPT1 and GPT5 (p < 0.001), as well as between GPT2 and GPT4 (p < 0.001), and GPT2 and GPT5 (p < 0.001). As for the performance in DT, no differences between the best trial of the GPT (i.e., GPT5) and both the GPT-FTT and GPT-CT was found. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the execution of the GPT in children has a training effect up to the third consecutive trial. Furthermore, the administration of the GPT in DT does not affect GPT performance