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Consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on the levels of primary school children health-related physical literacy.
No full textThe relevance of the topic – Physical literacy is described as the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life (IPLA, 2017). Physical literacy has been proposed as a foundation for engagement in physical activity (PA) and the development of skills, knowledge, and attitudes that are essential for lifelong participation in PA (Whitehead, 2013). The promotion of physical literacy could help to increase physical activity in children which could help to develop some health benefits and academic performance (Guo et al., 2012). Children fundamental movement skills development were affected by decreased physical activity levels and insufficient progress of these skills negatively impact children physical literacy development (Stodden et al., 2008). Girls have higher chances of lower physical literacy level because of weaker fundamental movement skills (Eather et al., 2018). Research object – physical literacy of primary school children. Methods – Anthropometry measurements, Physical Fitness Test Battery for Children (standing broad jump, jumping 7 m distance on one and two legs, 1 kg medicine ball push, 6 min cardiovascular endurance run), physical activity assessment using the Netherland Physical Activity Questionnaire (NPAQ), and CAPL assessment questionnaire for knowledge and understanding, and motivation and confidence domains. The purpose of the investigation – to evaluate physical literacy components of primary school children and compare results with 2019 (before COVID-19 restrictions). Hypothesis – Girls physical literacy is expected to be lower than boys. Primary school children physical literacy level is expected to be lower compared to 2019 (before COVID-19 restrictions and online learning). Tasks: 1. To access physical activity of primary school children and compare by gender. 2. To evaluate physical competence of primary school children and compare by gender. 3. To identify knowledge and understanding level of physical activity in primary school children and compare by gender. 4. To evaluate motivation and confidence in primary school children while participating in physical activities and compare by gender. 5. To compare 2022 (after COVID restrictions and online learning) and 2019 (before COVID-19 restrictions) physical literacy results. Conclusions: 1. Physical activity of primary schoolchildren is average. No statistical differences were noticed between genders (p>0,05). 2. Physical competence of majority of primary schoolchildren is of average or higher level. Boys had better physical competence results in most components compared to girls except in endurance. 3. Primary schoolchildren Knowledge and Understanding level is mostly average (55,3%) or adequate (21,2%) with some cases of low (11,8%) or even highest level (11,8%). Girls had higher results than boys (p<0,05). 4. Primary schoolchildren Motivation and Confidence is average (57,6%) or low (41,2%), only. Boys were more motivated to exercise compared to girls. 5. Compared with 2019 study results, primary schoolchildren PL in 2022 has significantly decreased in daily behavior and physical competence domains
The effect of massage and physiotherapy on the balance and pain of pre-school teachers experiencing low back pain.
No full textResearch problem: What is the effect of classical massage in a physiotherapy program on teachers' balance and low back pain? The aim of the study was to determine the effect of classical lumbar, buttocks, legs and feet massage in the physiotherapy program on the improvement of balance and pain reduction among preschool educators experiencing low back pain after one session. Objectives: 1. to identify and evaluate the effects of balance exercises and classical massage of the waist, buttocks, legs and feet on low back pain; 2. identify and evaluate the effects of balance exercises and classical massage of the waist, buttocks, legs and feet on balance; 3. to compare the effects of balance training exercises with and without classical lumbar, buttocks, leg and foot massage on the balance and pain of preschool teachers experiencing lumbar pain. Hypothesis: The effect of a one-time physiotherapy balance training program in combination with classical massage on the balance and pain of preschool educators experiencing low back pain will be greater than in the group where only exercises without massage will be performed. Methods: VAS pain scale - to assess lumbar pain; Stand and go test - to measure dynamic balance; Tree (Vrikshasana) test - to measure static balance; Tekscan (HR mat) mat - to evaluate the distribution of body weight in the legs and the deviations of the body weight center. Results: Experimental group subjects experienced less pain (2.90 ± 0.99) after massage after equilibrium training than control group subjects (5.10 ± 1.59). Balance training with and without massage significantly prolonged the time of the "Tree" test both when open (standing on the left leg p = 0.002) and when closing (standing on the left leg p = 0.000; on the right leg - p = 0.001). An increase in body weight imbalance was observed with both legs eyes open after balance training with and without massage (p = 0.012). No statistically significant differences were found between the results of the dynamic equilibrium test. Conclusion: In order to reduce the lumbar pain experienced by pre-school teachers after one physiotherapy session, it is worthwhile to use balance training exercises together with classical lumbar, buttocks, leg and foot massage, but this method, compared to the current balance training exercises without massage, significantly it has no significant effect on improving the balance
The extended UTAUT model and learning management system during COVID-19: evidence from PLS-SEM and conditional process modeling /
No full textThe undertaken research investigates the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model from the perspective of online education in the deadliest period of COVID-19. This research investigates the extended dimensions, for instance, mobile self-efficacy and perceived enjoyment besides traditional elements of the UTAUT model with the relationship of behavioural intention and user behaviour of LMS. Since the COVID-19 led to social isolation (SIS), thus, this study has incorporated SIS as mediating factor and fear of COVID-19 (FOC) as the moderating factor for the considered extended model of UTAUT. The data of 1875 respondents was collected from five different Asian countries. For the data analysis, this study employed structural equation modeling through PLS-SEM and condition process modeling. This research demonstrates that the extended dimensions such as mobile self-efficacy, besides the traditional elements of the UTAUT model, exerted a cogent impact on behavioural intention except for the perceived enjoyment. Similarly, the behavioural intention demonstrated a substantial effect on the user behaviour of LMS. Additionally, social isolation as a mediating factor and FOC has a significant effect between dimensions of extended UTAUT model and behavioural intention of LMS. The outcomes of this research demonstrate significant theoretical and practical implications during the COVID-19 pandemic
Aggression management at work experienced by employees in the health services sector.
No full textThe aim of the study: to evaluate the management of aggression at work experienced by employees in the health services sector. Tasks: 1. Discuss the forms, consequences and preventive measures of aggression in the workplace. 2. To determine the nature and frequency of aggression in the work environment. 3. Reveal the role of the organization in management of aggression experienced by employees. Research methods: research method - quantitative research, questionnaire survey. The questionnaire consists of three parts: The first part covers the issue of aggression experienced by employees. The occurrence of aggression were investigated based on “Employee Violence Risk Assessment Questionnaire” (WSPS) (2018) statements, adapted to the specifics of the health organization. The second part consists of questions regarding the management and prevention of aggression, in which the questionnaire of the authors of Spector, Coulter, Stockwell, & Matz, (2007) was integrated. The third part includes questions about the respondents themselves (socio - demographic data). Key Findings: An analysis of the management of aggression experienced by workers in the health sector found that 88 percent respondents in the study experience verbal aggression, which main source is the manager and clients. After experiencing an incident which involves aggression, whether verbal or physical, less than a third of the surveyed specialists are encouraged to report the incident and more than half of them believes that their managers think that experiencing aggression in the work place is “part of the job”. Conclusions: In the health care sector, employees are most often confronted with verbal forms of aggression when they are insulted, slandered, sworn at, yelled at, being wrongly accused and so on. This is usually experienced due to managers and sometimes co-workers
The mediating effect of nature restorativeness, stress level, and nature connectedness in the association between nature exposure and quality of life /
No full textThis study aimed to test the mediating effects of nature restorativeness, stress, and nature connectedness in the association between nature exposure and quality of life (QoL). Urban and rural Lithuanian inhabitants (n = 924; 73.6% were women), mean age of 40.0 ± 12.4 years (age range of 18–79) participated in the study. In total, 31% of the respondents lived in rural areas. Study participants completed an online survey form with measures on sociodemographic factors, nature proximity, nature exposure, nature connectedness, and nature restorativeness, stress, and QoL assessed by the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Questionnaire’s (WHOQOL-BREF). Path analysis was conducted to test the mediating effects of nature restorativeness, stress, and nature connectedness in the model of nature exposure and QoL. Nature exposure was directly associated with a greater QoL (β = 0.14; B = 2.60; SE = 0.57; p < 0.001) and mediated the association between nature proximity and QoL. Nature restorativeness and lower stress levels were mediators between nature exposure and QoL. Nature connectedness was a mediator between nature exposure and QoL. A path model was invariant across genders and the urban and rural place of residence groups: patterns of loadings of the pathways were found to be similar. Nature restorativeness (β = 0.10–0.12; p < 0.01) had a positive effect on the psychological, physical, social, and environmental domains of QoL. Connectedness to nature positively predicted psychological (β = 0.079; p < 0.05) and environmental (β = 0.082; p < 0.05) domains of QoL. Enhancing nature exposure and nature connectedness might help strengthen QoL in urban and rural inhabitants
The competency-based training & assessment, and improvement of technical competencies and changes in pedagogical behavior /
No full textThis research aims to analyze the improvement of technical competencies and changes in pedagogical behavior on competency-based training and assessment. We developed a modified conceptual model with the help of previous literature. We examined the impact of competency-based training & assessment on traditional teaching methodologies, practical teaching strategies, technical knowledge, and pedagogical & technical components as outcome variables. We also incorporated behavior & psychological aspects of teachers as mediators in our modified conceptual model and examined the mediation between exogenous and endogenous variables. We have collected the data of 458 respondents using a modified structured questionnaire from public and private teachers of Sindh technical and vocational institutions online from different regions of Sindh, Pakistan. For the data analyses, we employed SEM-based multivariate techniques. The findings exhibit that the direct relationship between competency-based training & assessment (independent variable) has a significant and positive influence on traditional teaching methodologies, practical teaching strategies, technical knowledge, and pedagogical & technical components as outcome variables. Similarly, the findings further concluded that behavior & psychological aspects are potent mediators between competency-based training & assessment and traditional teaching methodologies, teaching-learning abilities, practical teaching strategies, technical knowledge, and pedagogical & technical components as outcome variables. Hence, the behavior & psychological aspects of teachers is a vital factor that accelerates the impact of competency-based training & assessment on the dependent variables. The outcomes of this research are imperative theoretical and practical implications, which may guide the direction of future researchers and policymakers of vocational training and education
The role of age on neuromuscular performance decay induced by a maximal intensity sprint session in a group of competitive endurance athletes /
No full textAge -related changes in the neuromuscular system functions may affect profoundly high -level athletes ' performance across their career s. The present study aimed to analyse the fatiguing effect of a maximal intensity sprint session (MISS) on competitive athletes of diffe rent age s. Thirty - one competitive endurance athletes completed a knee extensors and flexors ' maximal -voluntary- isometric -contraction (MVC) test before and after a maximal -intensity -sprint -session (MISS) consisting of 4x15s Wingate -tests. The data have been stratified considering three age categories (18 -28, n=11, 29- 38; n=10; 39 -43, n=10). Overall, both quadricep and hamstring muscles early and late rate of torque development (RTD) dropped significantly more than the maximal voluntary torque (MVT) (p<.05). Age had a significant effect on early RTD , with older athletes exhibiting greater RTD (p<.05). A significant effect of age also emerged for the changes in surface sEMG variables, in which the frequency spectrum variables dropped significantly more than the sEMG amplitude (RMS) (p<.05). The dynamics of changes in neuromuscular performance markers after a MISS suggested that getting older competitive athletes may potentially experience a greater loss in early explosive strength compared to maxim al or late exp losive strength
Effect of acute game-based exercises on steroid hormones and cognitive performance in adolescents /
No full textPurpose While exercise was found to affect cognitive performance in adolescents, the underlying mechanisms need to be considered. This study compared the effect of a 20 min game-based exercise with different intensities on hormonal responses and potential links to cognitive performance. Methods 37 adolescents (24 girls and 13 boys; 15–16 years of age) were randomly assigned into light intensity (LIG; 58.64% HRmax), vigorous intensity (VIG; 89.51% HRmax), and control group (CON). The concentration of salivary Testosterone and Cortisol was measured before, immediately after, 20 min and 60 min after the intervention. Results Repeated-measure ANOVA revealed that neither light nor vigorous game-based exercise acutely affects Testosterone, while Cortisol was higher in the VIG, 20 min after the intervention compared to the LIG and CON. Furthermore, changes in Testosterone were negatively associated with changes in cognitive performance after the acute vigorous intensity exercise (r = −0.63, p = .039) and control condition (r = −0.78, p = .003), but positively associated with post-intervention cognitive performance after the acute light intensity exercise (r = 0.67, p = .012). Conclusion The intensity of game-based exercise affected Cortisol concentration in adolescents, while Testosterone concentration did not change after the intervention. On the other hand, exercise intensity plays an important role in the association between Testosterone concentration and cognitive performance
Different programs of physiotherapy effect for heart indicators and functional capacity after myocardial infarction.
No full textResearch object: functional indicators of patients with myocardial infarction for lower extremities applying aerobic and strength training. The aim: to identify different programs of physiotherapy effect for heart and blood vessels functional indicators, lower extremities strength and functional capacity. The goals: 1. to evaluate aerobic exercises effect for heart and blood vessels indicators to lower extremities muscles strength and functional capacity. 2. to evaluate strength exercises effect for heart and blood vessels indicators to lower extremities muscles strength and functional capacity. 3. to compare different programs of physiotherapy for heart and blood vessels indicators, lower extremities strength and functional capacity. Hypothesis: aerobic program of physiotherapy is more efficient to recover for heart and blood vessels functional capacity and lower extremities muscles strength after myocardial infarction. The method: the research was conducted in health center “ Energetikas” in 2021. 20 people, after myocardial infarction, participated in the research (10 women and 10 men). Subjects were divided into two groups: for first group subjects (n=10) was applied aerobic training, for second group of subjects (n=10) was applied strength training. All subjects had 12 physiotherapy procedures. To evaluate subjects functional indicators, functional capacity and lower extremities strength used subjective status assessment questionnaire, 6 min. walk test, Borgo scale, measured pulse and blood pressure before and after physical activities, for lower extremities strength – used Lovett scale. Conclusions: 1. 1. After the aerobic exercise program, the muscle strength of the lower extremities increased, the heart rate decreased, arterial blood pressure decreased, fatigue and shortness of breath were not felt, and tolerance to exercise was improved. 2. After the strength exercise program, the muscles of the lower extremities increased, fatigue and shortness of breath decreased, and tolerance to exercise improved. 3. Both physiotherapy programs have improved lower extremity muscle strength and exercise tolerance and reduced perceived fatigue, but the effects on cardiovascular function are greater with aerobic exercise programs
Assessment of the physical fitness of the population of Kaunas district.
No full textThe model presented by Bouchard et al. in 2012 highlights the links between physical activity and health. According to this model, heredity has a direct impact on both physical activity, physical fitness and health. However, this model provides a very clear link between these three factors. As physical activity levels increase, all components of physical ability are developed. This leads to an increase in an individual's functional capacity and improved health (Bouchard, Blake, & Haskell, 2012). The research problem is that declining physical activity has a negative impact on physical performance at all ages, so it is important to assess a person's declining physical status in time to maintain good health. The aim of the study was to assess the physical fitness of the population of Kaunas district in terms of age, gender, and area of residence. Objectives of the study: 1. To assess the physical ability of Kaunas district population in terms of age; 2. To assess the physical ability of Kaunas district population in terms of gender; 3. To assess the physical ability of Kaunas district population in terms of place of residence Research methods - The research will use tests to determine: Aerobic endurance (2 km walking tests); Musculoskeletal capacity (dynamometry, explosive strength, upper body muscular endurance, lumbar muscular endurance, and neck and shoulder flexibility); Body composition (waist circumference, body mass index); Motor system capacity (balance assessment, agility). Results – Taken together, these age groups show that those aged 60-65 and 50-59 have the worst physical performance. The age group 40-49 years has the average physical fitness. The best physical fitness is found in the 30-39 and 19-29 age groups. To summarise the results by gender, females in the 19-29, 40-49 and 60-65 age groups were more physically fit than males. In the 50-59 and 30-39 age groups, men were more physically fit than women. Summarising the results in terms of place of residence, it can be said that of the total population of the district, those living in urban areas had a lower physical capacity than those living in rural areas. In the first age group, subjects living in the urban area have a higher physical fitness than those living in the town. In the fifth age group, we can say that subjects in urban and rural areas have a higher physical capacity than subjects living in towns