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Internal mammary arteries as a model to demonstrate restoration of the Impaired vasodilation in hypertension, using liposomal delivery of the CYP1B1 inhibitor, 2,3′,4,5′-tetramethoxystilbene /
No full textA significant number of patients with severe cardiovascular disease, undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), present with hypertension. While internal mammary arteries (IMAs) may be a better alternative to vein grafts, their impaired vasodilator function affects their patency. Our objectives were to (1) determine if inhibition of the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP1B1, using liposome-encapsulated 2,3′,4,5′-tetramethoxystilbene (TMS), can potentiate vasodilation of IMAs from CABG patients, and (2) assess mechanisms involved using coronary arteries from normal rats, in an ex vivo model of hypertension. PEGylated liposomes were synthesized and loaded with TMS (mean diameter 141 ± 0.9 nm). Liposomal delivery of TMS improved its bioavailability Compared to TMS solution (0.129 ± 0.02 ng/mL vs. 0.086 ± 0.01 ng/mL at 4 h; p < 0.05). TMS-loaded liposomes alleviated attenuated endothelial-dependent acetylcholine (ACh)-induced dilation in diseased IMAs (@ACh 10−4 M: 56.9 ± 5.1%; n = 8 vs. 12.7 ± 7.8%; n = 6; p < 0.01) for TMS-loaded liposomes vs. blank liposomes, respectively. The alleviation in dilation may be due to the potent inhibition of CYP1B1 by TMS, and subsequent reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) moieties and stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis. In isolated rat coronary arteries exposed to a hypertensive environment, TMS-loaded liposomes potentiated nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarization pathways via AMPK. Our findings are promising for the future development of TMS-loaded liposomes as a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance TMS bioavailability and potentiate vasodilator function in hypertension, with relevance for early and long-term treatment of CABG patients, via the sustained and localized TMS release within IMAs
Challenges of non-formal education through sport during the Covid-19 pandemic.
No full textRelevance of the topic. In recent years, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional education system, including various non-formal education activities, has faced enormous challenges and problems. This pandemic not only claimed millions of lives, but also affected people’s daily lives and lifestyles. Most of the economic sectors in Lithuania also encountered various problems. Education, which traditionally carried out educational activities in physical environments, was not an exception and faced the sudden and strict closure of all institutions. In this situation, the application of technology and digital learning practices became the main solutions that helped to ensure the continuity of education and training, including non-formal ones (González, Bonal, 2021). Unfortunately, this decision had a particularly painful impact on organized sports for children and youth (Reece et al., 2020). This area, of course, faced an even greater challenge than other, more theoretical, subjects, since sport, being a physical, practical and interactive activity, is not easily and simply transferred to an online environment (Iuliano et al., 2021). The problem. The idea of the problem has been increased by the fact that direct social interaction between the coach and the athlete is considered an essential condition in order to supervise the actions performed by the athletes and to ensure the high-quality implementation of the sports program (Emery & Tyreman, 2009). In the context of the pandemic, researchers began to emphasize the changed organization and execution of sports activities (Ratten, 2020; Escamilla-Fajardo et al., 2020), but there is still a lack of research-based data on the characteristics of these activities. In Lithuania, this topic has so far been little studied in the context of school sports. And although the sports activities implemented in sports schools, as state educational institutions, are regulated by the legislation of the Republic of Lithuania and the orders and instructions of the Ministry of Science, Education, Science and Sports, there is no data in the scientific literature about how informal sports education programs were implemented in them during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study : To highlight the challenges of non-formal sports education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research object: Challenges of informal sports education. The results. Research data revealed that the sports activities organized and carried out in sports schools during the COVID-19 pandemic had certain characteristics associated with the challenges experienced by coaches as providers of non-formal sports education programs and the challenges experienced by schoolchildren participating in sports. During the pandemic, the decrease in the motivation of young athletes to play sports, their inability to fulfill the training conditions and the negative influence of the environment in which they train on sports activities became apparent. The coaches, adapting to the changed conditions, were led to search for additional information, invest their own funds in the training process, understand the peculiarities of conducting training remotely, demonstrate their ingenuity while conducting classes, and constantly raise the motivation of athletes. However, when faced with these obstacles, they did not avoid ignoring the existing rules for the or ganization of sports activities
Leadership expression in sports organizations.
No full textThe majority of researches are based on quantitative data. This choice prevents us from a deeper analysis of the leadership experiences of managers in sports organizations and their employees. Therefore, this thesis seeks to provide comprehensive insights into the field of leadership expression and form recommendations for the development of leadership in the sports organization. The research aims to analyze theoretical presumptions of leadership expression and to evaluate leadership expression in sports organizations. The following tasks were raised to implement the aforementioned aim: 1. To reveal theoretical presumptions of leadership expression in sports organizations. 2. To identify features that are attributable and desirable for the leader in a sports organization. 3. To identify the functions of a leader in a sports organization. 4. To identify the obstacles that limit the expression of leadership in sports organizations and reveal the potential for the development of leadership. The theoretical analysis was prepared with the application of methods of scientific literature analysis and comparative analysis. Interview method was applied for the data collection. The collected data has been analyzed with the help of content analysis. Results of the empirical research have shown that a perfect leader in sports organizations should be saturating, motivating, flexible, and have experience in sports. It was found out that some of these features are typical to current leaders of sports organizations. Current leaders are motivating and flexible, however, saturation and experience in sports are not as frequent as they are wanted to be. The potential of leadership in sports organizations is limited due to obstacles that arise from external environment and organizational level issues. In an external environment, one can notice such obstacles as bureaucracy, gaps in laws, pandemics, lack of changes at a national level. The organizational level involves difficulties in attracting professionals, financial limits, and lack of inventory
Impact of prolonged absence of organized training on body composition, neuromuscular performance, and aerobic capacity: a study in youth male soccer players exposed to COVID-19 lockdown /
No full textThe aim of this study is to examine how physical performance has changed after 15 weeks (109 days) long-term absence of organized training in youth soccer players imposed by the stay at home orders. A total of sixty-eight young male soccer players from different age categories (U15, U16, U17 and U19) voluntarily participated in the prospective cohort study. Body fat percentage (BF%), counter-movement jump (CMJ), 30 m sprint, change-of-direction (COD) and yo-yo intermittent recovery test level-1 (YYIRTL-1) were evaluated twice (before and after the detraining period). Subsequently, 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA was used to investigate group and time differences in repeated measurements. A significance level of p < 0.05 was implemented. CV and SWC values were calculated to test the reliability of the tests performed at different times. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS statistics software (v.25, IBM, New York, NY, USA). Significant increments in BF%, 30 m sprint, and COD (left and right), and also significant decrements in CMJ and YYIRTL-1, were found after the detraining period. A long-term detraining period due to the stay at home orders has a detrimental effect on body composition, neuromuscular performances, and aerobic capacity in youth soccer players
Expression of communicative and organizational abilities in representatives of dance sport and other dance styles (adolescents) /
No full textThe aim of the research. To reveal the expression of communicative and organizational abilities in representatives of dance sport and other dance styles (ballet, street, modern, national, lindy hop) (adolescents). Methods. The research involved 50 adolescents (28 girls and 22 boys) that attended dance sport, and 50 participants (30 girls and 20 boys) that attended dance of other styles (ballet, street, modern, national, lindy hop). The age of the research participants was 12–14 years. The questionnaire was compiled according to the methodology of Fedorishin and Sinyavskiy (2017), aiming to assess communicative and organizational abilities. The abilities of the dancers assessed according to this methodology were classified as “very low”, “low”, “average”, “upper average” and “high” levels. Results. After assessing the communicative abilities in the research participants of dance sport in the aspect of gender, we determined that the communicative abilities in most girls (36.42 per cent) and boys (37.50 per cent) were high. After assessing their organizational abilities, it was determined the organizational abilities in most researched (37.48 per cent of the boys and 45.49 per cent of the girls) matched to the low level. Among the research participants of other dance styles, the level of communicative abilities was high in 30.00 per cent of the boys and 24.98 per cent of the girls. After assessing the organizational abilities of this group of dancers, it was determined the low level of organizational abilities was most expressed, matching 30.24 per cent of the boys and 64.86 per cent of the girls. Conclusions. After assessing the adolescents that attended dance sport or dance of other styles, it was determined the level of communicative and organizational abilities among the research participants of those groups did not differ statistically significantly. Key words: dance sport, other dance styles, communicative abilities, organizational abilities
Development of management skills in Birštonas and Prienai sports centers.
No full textAim: the development of management skills in Birštonas and Prienai sports centers. The tasks of research: 1. To perform the analysis of scientific literature on the theoretical development of sports organization management skills aspects. 2. To identify the most important aspects of sports organization management skills development in the modern context of sports organizations. 3. To analyze and compare the process of developing management skills in Birštonas and Prienai sports centers. Methods of research: 1. Analysis of scientific literature. 2. Questionnaire survey. 3. Mathematical statistics. Results: the management style of both sports centers is considered democratic. The majority of the employees of Prienai sports center (88.2%) agree that their organization is rapidly implementing innovations, while 52.9% of the employees of Birštonas sports center didn’t have a strong opinion on this question (p = 0.01). According to 58.8% of Birštonas and 47.1% of Prienai sports center employees, professional development courses are often provided (p> 0.05). The majority of the employees of Birštonas (88.2%) and Prienai (64.7%) sports centers think that communication with their manager is sufficient (p> 0.05). 82.4% of the employees of Birštonas sports center always feel supported by their manager and almost half (47.1%) of the employees of Prienai sports center were undecided (p> 0.05). 82.4% of the employees of Birštonas sports center believe that their manager is a real leader, motivating, building and earning trust, while at the Prienai sports center less than half of the employees (41.2%) agreed with this statement (p = 0.032). Conclusion: in today’s modern society, it is important for a manager to be qualified, innovative and have the leadership skills in order to ensure effective management of sports organizations. In the process of developing the management skills, employees need to know the vision and the strategic plan of the organization and should be motivated to improve their knowledge, skills and work together towards common goals
Effect of Schroth method for adult female patients with idiopatic scoliosis and lower back pain.
No full textThe problem of research: There is a lack of data about effect of the Schroth method for adult scoliosis. The purpose of research: to evaluate Schroth method effect for lower back pain intensity and changes of core muscles functions in adult female scoliosis. The hypothesis of research: after Schroth method intervention trunk rotation, lower back pain intensity will decrease, trunk flexibility, core muscle endurance will increase. The objectives of research: 1. To evaluate effect of Schroth method for trunk rotation, lower back pain intensity, trunk flexibility, core muscles endurance. 2. To evaluate effect of core stabilization exercises for trunk rotation, lower back pain intensity, trunk flexibility, core muscles endurance. 3. To compare Schroth method and core stabilization exercises effect for trunk rotation, lower back pain intensity, trunk flexibility, core muscles endurance. The methods of research: before and after exercises programs trunk rotation (scoliometer), back pain (SAS), trunk flexibility (modified Schober test), core muscles endurance (McGill tests) were done. After interventions SRS-22 questionnaire. The results of research: trunk rotation (p<0,001), back pain (p<0,05) significantly decreased in Schroth method group after intervention. Trunk flexibility significantly increased (p<0,05) in Schroth method group. Core muscles endurance significantly improved in both groups (p<0,05). The conclusions of research: Schroth method is effective for decreasing trunk rotation, back pain and for improving trunk flexibility, core muscles endurance in female adult scoliosis patients
Antsvorio ir fizinio aktyvumo poveikis 6-19 metų amžiaus moksleivių aerobiniam pajėgumui ir kognityvinėms funkcijoms.
No full textAccording to the World Health Organization more than 40 million children over the age of five were overweight in 2011. Over 30 million overweight children live in developing countries (WHO, 2013). It has been argued that being overweight has an impact on cognitive functions and their formation (Willeumier et al., 2011). Sabia and colleagues (2009) found that overweight adults have lower cognitive functions than their counterparts without overweight. If overweight affects the brain, it is important to use preventive measures for a critical period of brain development, in particular developing cognitive functions that are closely related to academic achievement, social function and emotional management (Clair-Thompson et al., 2006; Best et al. 2010; Hongwanishkul et al., 2005). It is known that there is a relationship between body mass index and cognitive function in adults, but it is still unclear whether overweight has the impact for the development of cognitive functions of children and adolescents (Bruce et al., 2011). Physical activity among children is decreasing. Scientists of UK recently found that 49% of children are less physical active that 60 min per day (Harrison et al, 2017). Children with a range of physical activities have better outcomes at school (Coe et al., 2013; Taras 2005). Good physical fitness is associated with academic achievement (Casteli et al., 2007). Overweight children are characterized by lower academic achievement (Castelli et al., 2007; Shore et al., 2008). It is not yet clear whether physical activity and physical fitness have the impact for cognitive functions such as cognition, memory, concentration, logical thinking for education (Davis et al., 2011). In the last decade, two comprehensive literature reviews have been published (Fawkner, Armstrong, 2003; Armstrong, Barker, 2009). They noted that assessment of the respiration rate and oxygen consumption kinetics of the body at the beginning and after the exercise is a good non-invasive way to measure muscle metabolism and to understand its development in ontogenesis. In this regard, children and adolescents show several differences compared to adults. Changes in childhood oxygen consumption and heart rate are faster than in adults. It is considered that the children's faster than adult VO2 kinetics is determined by the fact that children are basically less able to recruit, employ high-threshold type II motor units (Dotan , 2017). Research conducted (Lambrick et al., 2013) shows that pre-pubertal overweight children and overweight oxygen kinetics (VO2) differ in their medium to high intensity work. C.R. Potter with co-authors (2013) found that the mean time to peak oxygen consumption (tVO2) and the mean oxygen response (VO2 (MRT)) was lower in overweight children than absent, absolute oxygen intake (VO2 (Phase II)) was higher in children. Also it is not clear what differences in aerobic capacity are in pre-pubertal, pubertal, and pos-pubertal periods of school-age children. Aim of the study is to determine the impact of overweight and physical activity on 6-19 year old pupils' aerobic capacity and cognitive functions. The tasks of the study: 1. To investigate the impact of overweight on the aerobic capacity in 6-19 years old pupils. 2. To investigate the impact of overweight on cognitive functions in 6-19 years old pupils. 3. To investigate the impact of physical activity on the aerobic capacity in 6- 19 years old pupils. 4. To investigate the impact of physical activity on the cognitive function in 6-19 years old pupils. 5. Identify the correlation between aerobic capacity and cognitive function in 6-19 years old pupils. Conclusions: 1.Overweight children demonstrate a slower time constant of oxygen uptake, lower VO2peak and slower muscle oxygenation. Weight status is significantly associated with oxygen uptake dynamics and muscle oxygenation among 6-19 years old. 2.Overweight children demonstrate poorer cognitive functions. Weight status is significantly associated with changes in the cognitive function among 6-19 years old pupils groups. 3.Sport trained 6-19 years old pupils demonstrate higher aerobic capacity (faster VO2kinetics and higher VO2peak) and faster muscle oxygenation as compared with untrained and overweight peers. 4.Sport trained 6-19 years old pupils demonstrate better cognitive functions as compared with untrained and overweight peers. 5.Aerobic capacity parameters are significantly and positively correlated with cognitive function tests results among 6-19 years old pupils
Effects of self-massage and foot exercises on lumbar spine pain and functional condition in sedentary men.
No full textBackground. Lumbar pain is one of the most common disorders of the musculoskeletal system in workers who sit for prolonged periods of time. Prolonged sitting hours change muscle activity and create tension, which negatively affects the structure of the fascia. Myofascial exercises for the posterior superficial chain have been shown to reduce lumbar pain, but the effect of self-massage and foot exercises on the functional condition of the lumbar in office workers is unclear. The aim. To assess the effect of self-massage and foot exercises on lumbar pain and functional condition in male office workers. Methods. The study included 20 men (25.8 ± 2,6 year) (10 in the experimental group, 10 in the control group) engaged in sedentary work and experiencing chronic non-specific lumbar pain. Before and after the study, a pain intensity assessment was performed using the numerical rating scale (NRS), a functional status assessment using the Oswestry questionnaire, and an assessment of the superficial length of the back superficial chain (lower part) using the toe reach test. For the experimental group, 5 times a week for 10 weeks for 10 minutes, self-massage was applied to each foot; and 3 times a week for 30 minutes, exercises for the feet. Results. After self-massage and foot exercises, the intensity of pain and functional disability decreased significantly (p <0.001), and the length of the back superficial chain (lower part) increased (p <0.001). Functional disability increased in the control group (p <0.001). After the study, functional disability differed significantly between groups (p = 0.02). Conclusion. Self-massage and foot exercises improved functional condition and reduced lumbar pain in male office workers. Keywords: low back pain, fascia, myofascial chain, massage, physiotherapy
The effect of physiotherapy program using therapeutic balls on the balance and posture of preschool children.
No full textRelevance of the Topic: About 75 percent of children attend preschools and spend about 7 hours a day there, so this could be a place where children learn the right movement and are physically active. Postural or imbalance disorders that occur at an early age can lead to skeletal musculoskeletal stress or deformity, slowing down the development of motor skills. For the prevention of posture and balance, it is important to start appropriate physiotherapy programs in the preschool age in time, and this can be helped by therapeutic balls, which strengthen muscles, improves endurance, coordination and balance during exercise. Problem: Can a well-designed physiotherapy program using therapeutic balls have an effect on the balance and posture of preschool children? Study object: The effect of physiotherapy program using therapeutic balls on the balance and posture of preschool children. Hypothesis: We believe that the use of therapeutic balls in a physiotherapy program will improve the balance and posture of preschool children compared to children who engage in normal physical activity. The aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of a physiotherapy program using therapeutic balls on the posture and balance of preschool children. Research tasks: 1. To evaluate the posture and balance of preschool children before participating in a physiotherapy program. 2. To evaluate the posture and balance of preschool children after participating in a physiotherapy program. 3. To determine the effect of physiotherapy programs using therapeutic balls on the balance and posture of preschool children. Conclusions: 1. Assessing the posture of preschool children, it was found that 31% of children have excellent posture, 57% of children have good posture and 12% of children have satisfactory posture. 2. Improvement in posture was observed after participation in the physiotherapy program: 55% of the children had excellent posture, 38% had good posture and only 7% had satisfactory posture. 3. The posture and balance of the study group after the study were significantly better than that of the control group that did not participate in the physiotherapy program using therapeutic balls