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Dose-response of muscle damaging exercise on cell-free DNA /
No full textBackground: It has been observed that severe muscle damage induced by drop jumps has a significant effect on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) concentration. We hypothesized that a reduced volume of drop jumps would indicate a dose-dependent release of cfDNA.Methods: Seven participants (aged 21 ± 1.5 years) performed 25, and 4 participants (aged 22 ± 1.8 years) per-formed 10, intermittent drop jumps (DJs) at 20 s intervals (DJ-25 and DJ-10 groups). We measured cfDNA, creatine kinase (CK), lactate concentrations and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) before and at several time points up to 96 h after exercise.Results: There was a significant increase in plasma cfDNA levels immediately post-exercise in the DJ-25 group (p = 0.012). CK levels increased at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post-exercise (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 003, accord-ingly) in the DJ-25 group. In the DJ-25 group only, DOMS values were increased at 12, 24 and 48 h post-exercise (p < 0.05).Conclusion: cfDNA is responsive to muscle-damaging exercise in a dose-dependent manner, as only 25 DJs resulted in an immediate increase in cfDNA concentrations after exercise, while 10 DJs were insufficient to elicit any change
Percepciones de los estudiantes-deportistas y stakeholders deportivos sobre la plataforma educativa edmedia para la formación y promoción de la carrera dual en medios sociales.
No full textElite athletes face challenges in developing Dual Careers, despite the potential benefits for their future employment. Successful implementation of Dual Careers requires awareness of their importance by both athletes and their environments. Thus, student-athletes with strong Social Media influence should leverage their platforms to support and highlight the significance of balancing sports and academics (Dual Career), thereby enhancing their future prospects after their sports careers. In this context, the EdMedia educational platform was developed to promote Dual Careers and institutional support policies through social media, as well as to train and connect student-athletes with media specialists, coaches, and other sports stakeholders. After the implementation of the program and the platform, a quantitative approach was used through a questionnaire with previously validated scales and high reliability indexes, measuring variables such as usability, learning effectiveness, satisfaction and perception of the contents. One hundred and forty student-athletes and 111 sports stakeholders from six European countries participated in the evaluation of the platform. The results revealed how both groups perceived different aspects of online educational platform, and identified which aspects most influenced the effectiveness of the online educational experience. These findings are valuable for improving the platform’s role in promoting Dual Careers through social media, increasing awareness of the importance and benefits of pursuing a Dual Career, and the support required from academic and sporting institutions. Finally, the study offers some practical implications for improving the design of online educational platforms, providing a model that combines information and academic and sports training, and highlights the importance of involving key stakeholders in the promotion of Dual Career through social media
The benefits of guided imagery on athletic performance: a mixed-methods approach /
No full textIntroduction: Imagery as a psychological skill in sports occupies an essential place in the psychological preparation of athletes and is one of the key factors in realizing an athlete’s potential in competitive sports. It’s role in athlete performance, as well as the differences in its use across various sports and demographic groups, has been a compelling topic in both sports’ science and psychology. This topic has remained relevant in recent years. Aim: This quantitative survey-based and experimental design study aims to first, to determine whether differences in imagery ability profiles, identified through cluster analysis, can characterize differences among athletes with varying levels of athletic achievement. A secondary aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of a guided imagery intervention on imagery abilities and athletic performance. Methods: A total of 500 athletes from different sports, aged M = 21.01 (SD = 2.82), both male and female, completed the Sport Imagery Ability Questionnaire (SIAQ) and provided information regarding their demographics and athletic achievements. In the experimental part of the study, nine alpine skiers were selected to participate in a six-month guided imagery intervention alongside their regular trainings on the ski track to assess the intervention’s impact on performance. Results: The results of K-means cluster analysis on athletic achievements of athletes showed a four-cluster solution that hat emphasized distinctions between the groups and reduced variation within each group. A Multiple Analysis of Covariance revealed that the four cluster groups differ in their imagery abilities. Pre- and post-intervention assessments for the nine alpine skiers were conducted using SIAQ and control training sessions, revealing significant increase in both imagery ability scores and performance indicators (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The research results support recent findings that athletes with higher athletic achievement tend to have stronger imagery abilities. The significant differences observed between the clusters based on athletic achievement levels were confirmed. By using imagery profiling of athletes with an analytical method, this study provides valuable insights into the role of imagery in athletic success, suggesting that tailored imagery training could enhance performance across different levels of athletic achievement
Evaluation of schoolyard environments in the context of promoting physical activity: student and teacher perspectives.
No full textLack of physical activity among adolescents is a global health problem – more than 80% of adolescents do not reach the recommended level of physical activity, which is associated with obesity and other health problems (WHO, 2022). Schoolyards can promote physical activity, but there is a lack of research on their effectiveness in Lithuania. The aim of the study is to determine how teachers and students evaluate schoolyards. Objectives: 1) to identify and compare which areas of the schoolyard are most frequently used by students, based on gender; 2) to determine how often students use schoolyards during breaks; 3) to determine how teachers of different specializations evaluate the attractiveness of schoolyards; 4) to find out what measures would help improve schoolyards so that they promote greater physical activity. Hypotheses: 1) students use yards more often in spring than in winter; 2) boys prefer sports fields more than girls; 3) girls prefer open spaces more than boys. The study involved 410 Lithuanian students in grades 7–12 and 208 teachers, selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, χ² and Spearman correlation tests. The results showed that 77% of students use playgrounds during breaks, but this is hindered by unsuitable weather conditions and unattractive design. Hypotheses 2 and 3 were confirmed: boys more often choose sports fields (70.5%, p<0.001), girls - open spaces (62.9%, p<0.001). Conclusion: school playgrounds have the potential to promote physical activity, but it is necessary to improve the infrastructure
Communication characteristics of physical education teachers: teachers’ and students’ perspectives.
No full textScientific problem of the research: : How do physical education teachers evaluate their communication during physical education lessons, and how do their students assess the communication of their physical education teachers The aim of the research: To reveal the characteristics of physical education teachers' communication during lessons. Research tasks: 1. To identify and compare the perspectives of teachers and students on the communication characteristics of physical education teachers. 2. To determine students' level of satisfaction with physical education lessons. 3. To examine the relationship between students’ satisfaction with physical education lessons and their evaluation of the teachers’ communication. Hypothesis: Teachers will evaluate their own communication more positively, while students will assess their teachers' communication more critically. Research methods: The Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) was used to measure internal motivation, and the School Interpersonal Situations Questionnaire (SISQ) was used to evaluate teacher-student communication. Conclusions: 1. Statistically significant differences were found in the ways teachers and students perceive the teachers’ communication. Teachers view their communication as more motivating for students, whereas students see it as less motivating. 2. An average level of student satisfaction with physical education lessons was identified. 3. A statistically significant relationship was found between student satisfaction and teacher communication that meets student needs. Student satisfaction with physical education lessons is higher when, according to students, the teacher demonstrates communication that satisfies their needs
The role of website quality and social capital in strengthening customer loyality in the tourism market.
No full textResearch problem: What factors of website quality and social capital determine customer loyalty in the tourism market? Objective: To determine the impact of website quality and social capital on strengthening customer loyalty in the tourism market. Tasks: 1) To review the influence of website quality and social capital on consumer behavior. 2) To identify criteria for evaluating website quality and social capital in the tourism market based on existing scientific research. 3) To determine the influence of website quality and social capital on customer loyalty in the tourism sector. Research methods: 1) Analysis of scientific literature. 2) Questionnaire survey. Results: The results of the study showed that website quality has a direct impact on consumer satisfaction, loyalty, and trust. Although the loyalty index compared to competitors was moderate (2.8), this indicates that users are not entirely confident in their choice and may consider other options. Social connections with the agency's community were rated as average (3.0–3.5), suggesting that while users feel some connection, active engagement is not a primary driver of their loyalty. The data also revealed that the website's information is perceived as reliable and comprehensive (4.0–4.3), and the quality of the system and service delivery, rated highly (3.9–4.2), indicates user satisfaction with the technical performance of the site. Conclusions: High-quality websites that are easy to use and provide accurate and comprehensive content enhance user trust and encourage their return. Good website design and usability enable users to easily access information and complete bookings, which directly affects their satisfaction and loyalty. Social capital, including trust and community building, is also an important factor. Users who feel a sense of belonging to a community and trust the company are more likely to become loyal. However, the influence of social capital on loyalty was of moderate strength, indicating that there is room to improve user engagement and community building
The role of the diabetes nurse in the diabetic foot care room.
No full textBackground. As the incidence of diabetes rises rapidly around the world, so does the number of associated complica-tions that require skilled and complex nursing care.Aim. To discover the views of diabetes nurses on their role, training opportunities, and challenges in diabetic foot care in the office.Methods. Seven participants (six women and one man), general nurses with a specialisation in diabetes nursing and who have been working in a diabetic foot care practice for at least two years, voluntarily participated in the study. A semi-structured interview method was used for data collection. The interview questions related to the clinical activi-ties, challenges, and continuous professional development activities of the participants.Results. The study revealed the main roles of the diabetes nurse: care provider, teacher, case manager, and consultant. It also revealed the main challenges of working in a diabetic foot care office: long queues for patients, resulting in the risk of diabetic foot or its complications, and high workloads for nurses. Diabetes nurses value and prefer practical training over conferences but expressed a lack of quality practical in-service training in Lithuania.Conclusions. Diabetes nurses play multifaceted roles in the management of diabetes mellitus, and to ensure their effec-tiveness it is necessary to improve the accessibility of services to patients and to create conditions for their continuous professional development
Brokolių miltelių poveikis atsistatymui po fizinio krūvio sukeltos raumenų pažaidos.
No full textBackground: Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) leads to soreness, inflammation, and reduced function, affecting recovery and performance. Nutritional interventions with bioactive compounds may support muscle repair. This study examines the effects of high-glucoraphanin broccoli powder on muscle recovery, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and hypertrophy following eccentric arm exercise. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted with healthy males (18–35 years) who had not engaged in regular gym training for at least six months. Participants performed 60 maximal eccentric biceps contractions on a Biodex dynamometer. They consumed either broccoli powder (10 g daily) or a placebo (spinach powder) for one week before and three days after exercise. Muscle soreness was assessed using a 10-point scale, while creatine kinase (CK) levels were measured from blood samples. Ultrasound imaging evaluated muscle damage and recovery on days 0, 2, and 4. Range of motion (ROM) was assessed before and after exercise and on days 2 and 4. Results: Isometric and isokinetic peak torque, as well as elbow joint angles, decreased significantly post-exercise in both groups (p 0.05). Muscle soreness, arm girth, and CK activity increased similarly, with CK showing high variability despite a 50-fold rise (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Broccoli supplementation did not enhance muscle recovery under the tested conditions. Further research should explore optimal dosage, timing, and exercise conditions to assess its potential benefits
The effectiveness of physical activity with additional cognitive stimulation components on cognitive and physical functions in people with Alzheimer's disease.
No full textThis thesis analyzes the impact of physical activity incorporating additional cognitive stimulation components on the cognitive and physical functions of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Given the current lack of effective treatment for AD, there is a growing need to apply non-pharmacological interventions that may slow disease progression and improve patients' quality of life. A 10-week physical activity program was implemented, during which participants performed exercises while singing popular and traditional Lithuanian folk songs. The study involved 9 participants diagnosed with AD. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Clock Drawing Test; physical condition was evaluated using the Keitel Functional Movement Test; emotional well-being was assessed using a facial expression scale. The results revealed a slight but statistically insignificant improvement in cognitive functions, while physical condition improved significantly (p<0.05). Positive changes in emotional state were also recorded following the intervention. The study confirms that physical activity with musical elements can have a comprehensive impact—not only improving physical condition but also supporting emotional responses and the maintenance of cognitive functions. The findings may be relevant for healthcare and social care institutions, as well as professionals working with individuals affected by AD. It is recommended that such programs be implemented in practice and their long-term effects further explored
The effect of trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrical stimulation on low back pain and functional status in visually impaired individuals.
No full textResearch problem: What is the effect of trunk stabilisation exercises on the functional status and pain of the trunk in visually impaired individuals with lumbar pain? The aim of the study: To evaluate the effects of trunk stabilization exercises, with and without electrical stimulation, on low back pain, trunk muscle endurance, and functional movements in individuals with visual impairment. Objectives: 1. To assess changes in lumbar pain intensity in visually impaired individuals performing trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrostimulation. 2. To assess changes in trunk muscle static endurance in visually impaired individuals performing trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrostimulation. 3. To assess changes in functional movement in visually impaired individuals performing trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrostimulation. 4. To compare the effects of trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrostimulation on pain, muscle endurance, and functional status in visually impaired individuals. Hypothesis: trunk stabilisation exercises have been shown to reduce lumbar pain and improve trunk functional status (Frizziero et al., 2021), so we hypothesise that trunk stabilisation exercises will have the same effect on lumbar pain and functional status in visually impaired individuals. Study methodology: 1) 14 subjects with visual impairment and lumbar pain (10 males and 4 females), age 25.57 ± 3.67 years, height 174.5 ± 6.63 cm., weight 68.07 ± 9.16 kg, were selected by questionnaire. SAS pain score 3.21 ± 0.89, 6 ± 2.6 months. ; 2) Initial examination (trunk functional status - static endurance tests (trunk flexor, extensor and lateral muscles, FMS methodology, pain - SAS) and grouping of subjects took place at Kaunas Centre for the Blind and Partially Sighted; 3) Intervention (experimental group - dynamic and static trunk stabilisation exercises 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks, control group - dynamic and static trunk stabilisation exercises 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of lumbar area 2 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks); 4) Secondary follow-up; 5) Analysis of results. Results. There was a statistically significant reduction in pain in both groups (p 0.05). Static abdominal, back extensor, and lateral trunk muscle endurance improved statistically significantly (p 0.05). No change in functional movement assessment test scores was observed (p > 0.05), there was no significant difference between groups (p > 0.05), however, the total functional movement assessment score increased statistically significantly (p 0.05). Conclusions. 1. The intensity of lumbar pain was significantly reduced in both visually impaired individuals performing trunk stabilization exercises and those who combined the exercises with electrostimulation. 2. Static trunk muscle endurance improved in both visually impaired individuals performing trunk stabilization exercises alone and those who combined these exercises with electrostimulation. 3. The quality of functional movement improved in all visually impaired individuals experiencing lumbar pain who performed trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrostimulation. 4. When comparing the effects of trunk stabilization exercises with and without electrostimulation in visually impaired individuals, no significant differences were found between the groups – changes in pain intensity, muscle endurance, and functional status were similar in both groups