Lithuanian Sports University e-Journals
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S05-3: The Role of Movement in Adulthood: Evidence of Dance Movement Therapy for Enhancing Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing
Get PDFThe role and impact of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) in enhancing emotional wellbeing and strengthening mental health leads back to the roots of this profession and the pioneer Marian Chace, who started her career at St. Elisabeth’s Hospital in 1942 where psychological casualties of World War II were beginning to fill the wards. It was there that ‘Dance for Communication’ was first offered and was the start of what became a new mental health profession called Dance Movement Therapy.
The joint Master’s degree programme in Dance Movement Therapy at the Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine & the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre started in 2019. Since 2021, master’s theses in Dance Movement Therapy have explored its application across several thematic areas: mental health and emotional wellbeing; embodiment, identity, and self-exploration; women’s health and life transitions; physical conditions, disability, and pain; eating disorders and body image; occupational and everyday contexts, and creative modalities and ritual.
This presentation focuses on 13 master’s theses addressing the role of Dance Movement Therapy in supporting adults’ mental health and emotional wellbeing. The analysis is structured into three thematic categories: (1) the effects of Dance Movement Therapy on depression and anxiety, (2) its role in addressing trauma, emotional pain, (3) its impact on loneliness and challenges in social relationships.
Findings from quantitative studies demonstrate the effectiveness of Dance Movement Therapy in preventing depression, while qualitative research highlights the diverse ways in which therapeutic movement fosters emotional resilience and provides resources for coping with psychological distress and trauma integration. Together, these studies contribute to a growing body of evidence on the integrative potential of Dance Movement Therapy in adult mental health care
S09-5: Physical Activity and Physical Education Monitoring: A Reflection
Get PDFPurpose: To reflect on global progress in monitoring physical activity (PA) and physical education (PE).
Methods: A non-systematic desk review was conducted to identify key international surveillance systems related to PA, PE, school-based PA, and fitness. This informative review aimed to highlight the current landscape of PA and PE monitoring.
Results: In recent decades, the monitoring of PA and PE has gained priority in public health due to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The review underscores a significant expansion of collaborative networks from the mid-1900s through 2023, aimed at improving PA and PE surveillance globally. Numerous tools and questionnaires were identified for assessing PA levels and school-based PA across diverse settings. Global systems like the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) and the Global Observatory for Physical Education (GoPE!) have emerged, alongside regional and national systems, for tracking PA and PE progress. The GoPA! and GoPE! Observatories have produced key advocacy tools for the field. Initiatives and programmes such as the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance report cards have further contributed by evaluating PA behaviours and activity levels among children and adolescents worldwide. These efforts illustrate the impact of epidemiological research and surveillance to informing policymakers and foster dissemination of data and progress over the years to increase PA across the lifespan.
Conclusions: Monitoring PA and PE is crucial for informing public health policies aimed at reducing physical inactivity and NCDs. Various approaches exist for tracking PA and PE across populations, with GoPA! and GoPE! standing out for their progress over the years and their role in advancing global data-driven action. Continued efforts to refine and expand these monitoring systems are essential for driving evidence-based policy and intervention strategies.
Support/Funding Source: Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!)
S12-3: Empowering Older Adults: Evaluation of An Activity Bench Project on Physical Activity and Development of a Fall Risk Measurement Protocol
Get PDFPurpose: This project aims to enhance physical activity and fall prevention among older adults by installing and activating an IPitup activity bench next to an apartment building of a residential care group in Amsterdam. The project was developed through collaboration among various stakeholders, including municipal sports, health and welfare services, academic research departments, and private partners.
Project Description: The research focused on two main areas: evaluating the effectiveness of the activity bench as a tool to promote physical activity and the development of a fall risk measurement protocol that can be used at the bench. The roll out of the project consisted a strategic roadmap to ensure the creation of a physical activity friendly environment. This involved combining the installation of the bench with an offer of accompanying activities led by trained local community coaches and aligning both at an organisational level (hardware-software-orgware). Evaluation of this process concerned collecting qualitative data through participant interviews and feedback to assess engagement and usability. A literature review was conducted on suitable measurement methods and effective exercise interventions for older adults at risk of falling. A valid and reliable measurement protocol was developed that can be applied at the activity bench, containing muscle strength, mobility, and balance elements as key components.
Conclusions: It is essential for older adults at increased fall risk to participate in a recognised fall prevention programme led by certified individuals to improve stability and movement control while addressing social and cognitive risk factors like isolation and cognitive decline. The activity bench project can offer post-programme support, facilitating ongoing physical activity and social engagement. Within this research, the activity bench project has had a significant social and physical impact on participants. It brought together various local stakeholders which contributed to achieving different policy goals. Recommendations were made to further strengthen these collaborations, increase visibility, and ensure sustainability. The protocol appeared to be feasible, but needs to be tested with a group of seniors at risk of falling. Future research should focus on the design and assessment of an activity bench exercise programme that aligns with established fall prevention programmes.
Keywords: Physical activity, fall prevention, older adults, community-based intervention, fall risk assessmen
S15-3: Barriers to Physical Activity Amongst Persons With Physical Disability
Get PDFPurpose: The lower participation of persons with disabilities (PWD) in physical activity is not only related to health problems, but also to barriers such as the physical and social environment, personal beliefs, and motivation (Úbeda-Colomer et al., 2019). Although sports infrastructure has recently become increasingly adapted to the needs of PWD, the opportunities for PWD to participate in sports are still limited. The aim of the study was to identify and evaluate the main barriers to participation in physical activity by PWD.
Methods: The study involved 54 working age (18–65 years old) persons with physical disabilities whose working capacity was not less than 25 percent. The data collection was done by using: 1) Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) (Washburn et al., 2002) and 2) Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Mobility Impairments (BPAQ-MI) (Úbeda-Colomer et al., 2019).
Results: 92.6% of the subjects had very low physical activity (PA). Women spend more time on light housework than men (U = 214.5; p = 0.009). At the interpersonal level, the inactivity of friends and family were the main barriers. Women lack support from sports centre staff ((χ² = 3) 13.671; p = 0.003) and adapted transport ((χ² = 3) 10.587; p = 0.014) more than men. There was no difference between genders in PA and the association between barriers, and an inverse correlation between PA and social connectedness was found in the total sample (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Physical activity of PWD is very low, only 7.4 percent of subjects participating in the study were physically active. The subjects pointed out these barriers to PA: fatigue, motivation, inadequate facilities, lack of sports programmes, inadequate sidewalks/streets. Analysis of the study data showed that as physical activity increases, dependence on others decreases. No significant differences in physical activity and barriers to participation in physical activity have been identified in terms of gender, except: women spend more time on light housework, women lack the help of sports centre employees, women lack accessible transportation to go to the sports centre.
Keywords: Physical disability, exercise, participatio
S16-1: Evaluating GOAL!: Integrating a Physical Activity and Lifestyle Intervention Into Outpatient Care for People With Severe Mental Illness
Get PDFPurpose: People with severe mental illness (SMI) experience profound health inequalities, partly due to unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. Despite strong evidence supporting the health benefits of physical activity (PA) and other lifestyle behaviours for this population, access to integrated interventions in mental health care for people with SMI remains limited in the Netherlands. This study evaluates the implementation and (cost-)effectiveness of GOAL!, a multicomponent lifestyle programme for people with SMI in outpatient settings.
Methods: GOAL! is being evaluated in a mixed-method quasi-experimental study, comparing 50 participants receiving the intervention to 50 matched individuals receiving care as usual. The intervention combines group-based and individual lifestyle coaching by a multidisciplinary team over two years. The first three months include intensive PA and nutrition support, followed by tailored and long-term guidance for sustainable behaviour change in daily life. The primary outcome is the change in PA. Secondary outcomes include other lifestyle behaviours, physical and mental health, implementation barriers and facilitators, and healthcare and societal costs.
Results: Preliminary results show a promising increase in PA levels after three months (n = 55). GOAL! provides participation in 24 PA group sessions in those first three months, along with multidisciplinary collaboration with a local community sports coach and PA providers for the identification of appropriate physical activities within participants’ own living environments. Implementation facilitators at start of the programme include the high level of expected support from allied GOAL! professionals and the expected benefits of improved lifestyle, physical health, and overall wellbeing. Further results, including broader implementation outcomes and first hypotheses on cost-effectiveness, will be available in September 2025.
Conclusions: GOAL! provides a programme for people with SMI in outpatient care to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours, addressing a significant service gap in the Netherlands. Early results demonstrate the feasibility and potential health benefits of this integrated approach. The findings suggest that GOAL! could effectively improve PA and overall wellbeing in this population. This case study provides valuable insights for embedding PA in mental health services across Europe, highlighting critical factors for successful implementation and potential for broader adoption.
Support/Funding Source: This study is funded by the Dutch Brain Foundation (Hersenstichting) and ZonMw.
Keywords: Severe mental illness, physical activity, lifestyle intervention, implementation, outpatient car
S16-4: Supporting the Long-Term Maintenance of Physical Activity for People Who Live With Severe Mental Ill Health
Get PDFPurpose: Increasing physical activity could reduce the mortality gap experienced by people with serious mental illness (SMI). Physical activity must be undertaken regularly over an extended period to offer maximal benefits. This study provides insights into supporting continued activity for people with SMI.
Methods: An international sample of stakeholders (n = 19) were consulted. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with: 1) peer physical activity practitioners (n = 5) who were involved in the design and delivery of physical activity programmes for people with SMI, 2) physical activity leaders (n = 3), and 3) people with SMI who participated in these physical activity programmes (n = 25). Data were analysed using framework analysis.
Results: Group activities designed specifically for people with SMI and incorporating structured socialisation opportunities will facilitate adherence. Gradual exposure to the group activities is needed, with one-on-one support incorporating personalised goals made available to participants. Socialisation opportunities require meticulous planning by the practitioners to curate social interactions that encourage participant bonding carefully.
Qualities of practitioners deemed essential for adherence included ‘soft skills’, which encompass a wide range of interpersonal skills. These include fostering warm connections (i.e. demonstrating kindness and warmth towards group members), accepting, being non-judgemental, looking past faults, being genuine, encouraging, and flexible, and cultivating mutual respect). Not putting pressure on participants and encouraging autonomous motivation, tailoring sessions to participants’ mental and physical health capabilities and needs were also imperative.
Our findings underscore the importance of mutual compatibility between the participant and the practitioner in the success of physical activity programmes for individuals with SMI. Therefore, providing participants with a choice of practitioners with whom they feel compatible with is a key factor in ensuring their comfort and engagement.
Conclusions: Ensuring that programmes are adequately planned, supported, and resourced will be critical for their ability to foster prolonged participation.
The qualities of the practitioners delivering these programmes and the ability to work beyond their professional roles’ limitations were identified as essential. This suggests a need for changes at the organisational and system levels to support ongoing participation in physical activity.
Support/Funding Source: The NIHR Clinical Research Network
S21-5: Training General Practitioners to Integrate Brief Physical Activity Advice Into Primary Care for Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: Findings From The OptiCor Pragmatic Pilot cRCT
Get PDFPurpose: Physical activity (PA) is essential for coronary heart disease (CHD) management, but German GPs seldom provide PA advice due to insufficient training. Guided by behavioural theory (i.e. COM-B model) and qualitative research with GPs and patients, we developed a 3.5-hour small-group training on 3As (ask, advise, assist) PA counselling. This pilot study evaluated study and training procedures, as well as the preliminary training effectiveness on GP counselling behaviour to inform a pragmatic cluster-randomised controlled trial (cRCT).
Methods: Between 08/2024–10/2024, we conducted a pragmatic two-arm pilot cRCT in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. We randomised (1:1) GP practices to intervention (IG) and control group (CG). GPs of both groups received the 3.5-hour training including theoretical input, role-play, self-reflection, and practical materials. We surveyed patients with CHD (CG: five weeks before GP training; IG: five weeks after) via face-to-face questionnaires immediately after routine GP consultations. Outcomes included recruitment rates (aim: 10 GP practices, 120 patients/12 per practice), patient-reported PA discussion and 3As adherence (intention-to-treat), feasibility of randomisation and data collection processes, and acceptance of materials. A qualitative process evaluation with GPs and patients explored experiences and suggestions for refinement.
Results: We randomised 11 GP practices (CG: n = 5; IG: n = 6 initially, one dropout leaving n = 5; with a total of 15 GPs), and collected data from 114 patients with CHD (CG: n = 52; IG: n = 62; 34% female, mean age 70 ± 12). Randomisation and data collection processes were largely feasible, with minor questionnaire and training material refinements recommended. Qualitative feedback indicated high acceptance of training content and organisation, and suggestions to specify some learning objectives. PA was discussed relatively more frequently with patients of the IG (68%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 55%–79%) than of the CG (33%, 95% CI: 20%–47%). Relatively more patients in the IG received PA advice following the 3As (ask: 65%, advise: 39%, assist: 56% vs. CG: 29%, 17%, 23%).
Conclusions: The pilot confirms feasibility of recruitment, randomisation, and data collection for a full cRCT. It suggests that the training can increase GP-delivered PA discussions and adherence to the 3As. If confirmed in a larger trial, this structured intervention could facilitate sustainable integration of brief PA counselling into routine GP care.
Support/Funding Source: German Ministry of Education and Research.
Keywords: Brief advice, coronary heart disease, education, general practice, physical activit
Analysis of Offensive Efficiency and Goal Scoring in the Stanley Cup Finals 2023 and 2024
Get PDFBackground: The purpose of this study was to investigate the types of situations in which goals are scored at the highest level of ice hockey. The study focused on the Stanley Cup Final games (n=12).
Methods: Two different game analysis methods based on systematic observation were used. The observation was conducted using video recordings after the games. The data consisted of (n=) 1477 shots, (n=) 79 goals, and (n=) 3619 even-strength attacks.
Results: Teams had (n=) 181 even-strength attacks per game. The overall attack efficiency was 7%. For scoring goals, defensive play in the offensive zone was particularly important, as the scoring efficiency of attacks starting in the offensive zone was statistically highly significant compared to the defensive and the neutral zones (p<0.001).
Goal-scoring situations were classified based on the number of players on the ice and the different zones of the rink. Most goals were scored during 5 vs. 5 play (71%), with the remaining goals coming from 5 vs. 4 power plays (9%) or other situations (20%).
The majority of goals were scored from close to the net. Scoring efficiency was statistically significant in sector 1 (p<0.05) compared to sector 2, and highly significant (p<0.001) compared to sectors 3–4.
Conclusion: Scoring becomes easier when: 1) The attack starts in the offensive zone, and 2) the shot is taken close to the net. If the attack starts further away, fast and counter-attacks improve scoring chances, as the opponent does not have time to organize their defense.
Keywords: ice hockey, goal scoring, tactics, game analysis, attack, NH
The Role of Throw-ins in the UEFA Champions League: A Tactical Analysis
Get PDFBackground: This study investigates the tactical role of throw-ins during the 2022–2023 UEFA Champions League season, focusing on their impact on attacking productivity across multiple parameters such as field zone, direction, length, and body targeting method.
Method: A total of 2,855 throw-ins were analysed using logistic regression to assess their effectiveness based on variables like throw-in location (zone), direction, and the body height they targeted.
Results: Short, upward-directed, and backward-passing throw-ins in the final third significantly increased the likelihood of a positive outcome (e.g. shot, corner, goal kick) (p < 0.05). Throw-ins targeting above the waist were 3.51 times, and those in the final third 1.93 times, more likely to yield positive results. Advancing teams had a higher rate of successful throw-ins compared to eliminated teams.
Conclusion: Throw-ins function as strategic micro-tactical tools rather than simple restarts, contributing to possession, attack initiation, and positional advantage. Their effective use appears to correlate with team success, addressing a key gap in the literature.
Keywords: soccer, tactic, match analysis, set piece
The Effect of Temperature Manipulation on Skeletal Muscle Function and Thermal Stress Responses in Young Males
Get PDFBackground and objectives: Temperature manipulation, through heating and cooling strategies such as hot or cold water immersion (HWI, CWI) or exertional heating, alters body temperature and can influence muscle function, metabolic activity, recovery, and thermal stress responses (Cramer et al., 2022; Rodrigues et al., 2022; Versey et al., 2013). These interventions can elevate or reduce core and muscle temperature (Tmu), leading to distinct effects on muscle contractility, fatigue, recovery, and endocrine responses (Bergh & Ekblom, 1979; Cheng et al., 2017; Morton et al., 2007; Mündel et al., 2006). Prolactin is often used as an indirect marker of central fatigue and heat-related stress (Mündel et al., 2006), however, it is unclear whether endocrine responses differ when core temperature increases are closely matched but skin temperature varies between active (exercise-induced, Exer-H) and passive (exogenous, Exo-H) heating. The mechanisms underlying neuromuscular and thermal stress responses remain unclear, particularly regarding the influence of exposure duration and differences between active and passive heating modalities. The general aim of the dissertation was to determine the effects of heating and cooling of varying durations on skeletal muscle function and thermal stress responses in recreationally active young males.
Methods: Four studies were conducted. In Study I, a randomised crossover design was used, in which participants completed both active (exercise-induced) heating (cycling at 60% V̇O2max until rectal temperature (Trec) reached 39°C) and passive (exogenous) heating (lower-body immersion in hot water until Trec reached 39°C). Study II comprised four randomised cross-over experimental trials across two phases: a single exposure phase (SP) for 45 min and an intermittent/prolonged exposure phase (IPP) for 300 min, each including control sitting (CON) and hot water immersion (HWI at 44–45°C up to the waist) performed in random order and separated by at least one week, with muscle force and contractile properties assessed during the experiments. Study III followed the same design as Study II, but used cold water immersion (CWI at 10°C up to the waist) instead of HWI. Study IV combined the protocols of Studies II and III, with participants completing six experimental trials: acute (CON, HWI, CWI) and intermittent/prolonged (CON, HWI, CWI), along with additional assessments of muscle force recovery.
Study I (subjects: young healthy males (n = 14, age: 5 ± 4.1 years): measurements were taken at 0.5°C increase in Trec up to 39°C and during the subsequent decrease down to 37.5°C, including muscle temperature, skin temperature (Tsk), rectal temperature, blood samples for prolactin concentration assessment, and thermal perceptions.
Studies II and III (subjects: recreationally active males (n = 12, age: 27.2 ± 6.6 years). Single (SP) and intermittent/prolonged (IPP) hot water (HWI) or cold water (CWI) immersion. During intermittent/prolonged CWI phase, two additional 15 min immersions were added at 165 min and 255 min, while during intermittent/prolonged HWI, eight additional bouts of HWI were added after 75, 105, 135, 165, 195, 225, 255, and 285 min. Participants underwent measurements of body composition, cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, blood pressure), rectal (Trec) and muscle (Tmu) temperature, and neuromuscular function (P20, P100, TT, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), dynamic knee exercises) at baseline and multiple time points during single and intermittent/prolonged immersion. Both phases concluded with a fatiguing protocol of 100 electrical stimulation trains to the knee extensors.
Study IV (subjects: recreationally active males (n = 10, age: 1 ± 6.8 years). The participants for Study IV are a subset from studies II and III. Assessed the effects of acute and prolonged temperature exposure on muscle recovery, including neuromuscular testing 3 min after fatiguing exercise.
Results:
In Study I, the Δ changes in prolactin concentration were larger in Exo-H compared to Exer-H during both the heating phase (P = 0.011) and post-heating (P = 0.009) phases. The increase in Tsk Calf and Tsk Thigh was larger in Exo-H compared to Exer-H during the heating phase (P < 0.001) and smaller but significant differences were observed in Tsk Shoulder and Forehead (P < 0.01). In Study II (HWI), muscle temperature increased at all depths (~38–38.5°C) and remained elevated during SP and IPP (condition effect, P < 0.001). P100 torque was not affected by single and intermittent/prolonged condition, while half-relaxation time (HRT) decreased compared to control at the end of the single phase (P < 0.008) and over the intermittent/prolonged phase (group effect: P = 0.002) with no differences in Δ changes between single and intermittent/prolonged conditions (P ≤ 0.008). In Study III (CWI), Tmu (at the three depths) were similarly reduced in CWI compared with CON at the end of the single phase and at 60 min during the intermittent/prolonged phase (P < 0.05), remaining reduced until the end of the intermittent/prolonged phase (P < 0.05). P100 was lower in CWI than in CON at the end of the single phase (P < 0.01) and only at 60 min during the intermittent/prolonged phase (P < 0.05), with larger Δ changes reductions in SP-CWI compared to IPP-CWI (P = 0.02). HRT was higher in CWI than CON at the end of the single phase (P < 0.01) and showed a significant group effect over the intermittent/prolonged protocol (P = 0.03), with Δ changes smaller in IPP-CWI than SP-CWI (P < 0.05). In Study IV, MVIC remained significantly lower after 3 min in single CON and HWI, and in all intermittent/prolonged protocol groups (P < 0.05). Central activation ratio (CAR) remained significantly reduced in HWI during the intermittent/prolonged phase at the end of the bath and after 3 min of recovery (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: The findings indicate that Exo-H elicits greater prolactin responses than Exer-H, despite a similarly matched elevation of Trec, likely due to larger lower-limb skin temperature elevations, while thermal perceptions remain similar between conditions. Single or intermittent/prolonged HWI enhances muscle contractile properties and relaxation in the unfatigued state without impairing muscle force, and prolonged exposure does not further augment these effects under moderate thermal stress. In contrast, intermittent/prolonged CWI produces a less pronounced fast-to-slow contractile transition than single immersion, likely due to reduced vasoconstriction and maintained superficial muscle perfusion. Although HWI effectively increases body temperature, it may significantly impair neuromuscular recovery compared with CWI or passive rest.
Keywords: hot-water immersion, cold-water immersion, temperature, thermal stress, neuromuscular functio