Lithuanian Sports University e-Journals
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Blood Volume, Haemoglobin Mass, and Aerobic Capacity in Male and Female Junior Rowers
Full text linkPurpose: To compare total blood volume (BV), haemoglobin (Hb) mass, and aerobic capacity in male and female elite junior rowers.
Methods: Competitive academic rowers (25 males and 14 females) of the Lithuanian junior rowing national team were recruited for the study. Mean age in males and females was 18.4 ± 2.4 and 17.0 ± 1.9 years, height – 1.92 ± 0.50 and 1.77 ± 0.70 m, body mass – 89.26 ± 4.72 and 74.17 ± 11.25 kg, respectively. They completed gradually increasing workload on rowing ergometer (Concept 2), during which pulmonary gas exchange was measured on a breath-by-breath basis using the portable analyser MetaMax 3B (Cortex, Germany). BV and Hb mass were determined using the CO rebreathing method.
Results: Hb concentration (males – 149.5 ± 9.5 vs females – 134.1 ± 6.9 g/L), absolute Hb mass (1,082.6 ± 90.7 vs 720.2 ± 49.3 g) and relative to body mass Hb mass (12.17 ± 1.07 vs 9.86 ± 1.20 g/kg) values were higher in male rowers compared to female rowers (p < 0.01). However, Hb mass relative to fat-free mass (FFM) did not differ between genders (13.68 ± 0.96 vs 13.04 ± 1.21 g/FFM kg; p > 0.05). Absolute plasma volume (PV) was higher in male rowers (3,948.7 ± 531.9 vs 3,174.3 ± 359.4 ml; p < 0.01), although PV relative to FFM was higher in female rowers (49.94 ± 6.53 vs 57.23 ± 4.79 ml/FFM kg; p < 0.01). PV relative to body weight did not differ between genders (p > 0.05). Absolute BV (7,270.0 ± 716.8 vs 5,388.1 ± 470.8 ml) and relative to body weight BV (81.62 ± 8.44 vs 73.51 ± 8.34 ml/kg) was higher in male rowers (p < 0.01), but BV relative to FFM (91.92 ± 8.39 vs 97.35 ± 7.57 ml/FFM kg) did not differ between genders (p > 0.05). Absolute maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) (6.278 ± 0.400 vs 4.478 ± 0.288 L/min) and relative to body mass V̇O2max (70.17 ± 5.58 vs 61.28 ± 7.28 ml/kg/min) during graded exercise test was higher in male rowers compared to female rowers (p < 0.01). However, V̇O2max relative to FFM (79.43 ± 5.31 vs 81.12 ± 7.25 ml/FFM kg/min) did not differ between genders (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Absolute and relative to body mass total BV, Hb mass, and aerobic capacity variables are higher in elite junior male rowers compared to females, but similar when adjusted for fat-free mass. In contrast, plasma volume relative to fat-free mass is higher in elite junior female rowers compared to male
Co-Creating Interventions With Adolescents to Promote Movement Behaviours and Wellbeing: A Realist-Informed Process Evaluation of Setting up the First Sessions in the Multi-Country YoPA Project
Full text linkPurpose: Promoting 24-hour healthy movement behaviours and wellbeing to reduce non-communicable diseases among adolescents is key to address population-level health challenges and health inequities. While interventions targeting young people are growing in number, implementation processes and outcomes often differ markedly between high- and low-income countries, particularly in participatory approaches.
The Youth-Centred Participatory Action (YoPA, https://www.yopa-project.eu/) project aims to co-design and implement context-specific interventions in four diverse sites across Europe and Africa. Through participatory action research (PAR), adolescents and key stakeholders collaborate to co-create sustainable, community-embedded initiatives to improve movement behaviours and wellbeing, reducing non-communicable diseases.
Despite growing interest in PAR approaches, evidence on how contextual barriers and facilitators influence their implementation, especially in global, multi-site settings, remains limited. This qualitative study provides a realist-informed process evaluation of Phase 1 of YoPA, focused on setting up local YoPA communities. It aims to identify challenges and facilitators during early implementation and to examine cross-site similarities and differences in initiating co-creation within varied socio-cultural and institutional contexts.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 researchers, facilitators, and institutional stakeholders across all sites. Data sources included interview transcripts, facilitator logbooks, session plans, and local protocols. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using MAXQDA. Findings were interpreted using the ICAMO (Intervention–Context–Actors–Mechanisms–Outcomes) realist framework.
Results: While barriers and facilitators varied strongly across contexts, some commonalities emerged. A key finding was the crucial role of the actors in implementation. Elements of the co-creation protocol, such as applying theoretical frameworks with youth and adapting content to local contexts, proved challenging. Additionally, communication barriers were noted, particularly in engaging adolescents meaningfully. Some mechanisms, like giving voice to youth and sharing power, were central. Facilitators included strong ties with local host institutions or agents (e.g. teachers, youth coordinators) and integrating action team sessions into existing activity curricula. Ultimately, despite a shared intervention approach, local context significantly shaped intervention characteristics.
Conclusion: This study offers comparative insights on implementing co-creation in multi-country projects to promote youth wellbeing and movement. These insights can support researchers and practitioners in preparing and conducting PAR to co-create more effective, locally relevant interventions
Collaboration Between Schools and Sports Clubs to Enhance Physical Activity Among Young People
Full text linkPurpose: The potential of schools as settings for health and physical activity promotion is well recognised. However, little is known about how schools collaborate with sports clubs to enhance physical activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate collaboration strategies between schools and sports clubs in Sweden over the past five years.
Methods: Using data from a Swedish nationwide registration system, a total of 1,639 schools self-reported assessments between 2020 and 2024 were included. Responses were based on a 4-point scale (1 = no collaboration, 4 = a lot of collaboration with sports clubs). The data were analysed cross-sectionally using univariate statistics. In addition, free-text responses from 1,277 schools were examined through thematic analysis.
Results: The number of registrations per year was as follows: 2020 = 584, 2021 = 389, 2022 = 226, 2023 = 219, and 2024 = 221. Overall, schools reported a low level of collaboration with sports clubs; in 2020, 71% of schools indicated no collaboration, compared to 40% in 2024. However, the extent of collaboration increased steadily over the five-year period, with the proportion of schools reporting ‘a substantial amount’ or ‘a lot of’ collaboration rising from 7% in 2020 to 27% in 2024 (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between schools located in areas with low versus high socioeconomic status. Collaboration activities were bidirectional, involving both sports clubs visiting schools and pupils attending activities at sports clubs. In some cases, schools organised transportation directly from school to the sports clubs after the school day ended.
Conclusion: A positive trend was observed in the increasing collaboration between schools and sports clubs over the five-year period. Municipalities appeared to play a facilitative role in supporting and accelerating this development, and the collaborative efforts were highly valued by both schools and sports clubs. Notably, the level of collaboration was consistent across areas with differing socioeconomic status, indicating a degree of socioeconomic equity. Despite these advancements, there remains considerable potential to further enhance inter-sectoral cooperation to fully harness its health-promoting impact.
Support/Funding Source: Foundation Kronprinsessan Margaretas Minnesfond
Effects of a Two-Week Reduction in Physical Activity on Skeletal Muscle Strength and Endurance in Young Men and Women
Full text linkCertain form of physical inactivity, i.e. daily step counts of less than 2,500 steps/day, is considered to be very low and meeting only basic requirements (Tudor-Locke et al., 2009). Two weeks of such low physical activity can result in deterioration of glycaemic control, reduction in the rate of muscle protein synthesis and induce a decrease in muscle strength (Breen et al., 2013; Devries et al., 2015; McGlory et al., 2018). Our study focused on effects of two-week reduction in physical activity on young men and women. All volunteers (n = 39) gave their written informed consent to participate in the study which was approved by the Kaunas Regional Biomedical Ethics Committee (No. BE-2-98). Volunteers were randomly assigned (1:1) to the control (CON) or intervention (INT) groups, respectively. CON group (8 men, 11 women) maintained their usual levels of physical activity while INT group (8 males, 12 females) reduced physical activity to less than 2,500 steps per day as monitored for two weeks with step counts recorded using wrist bands (Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 6, 1.56\u27\u27). There were no significant changes in body mass or composition in the groups. There were no differences between men and women in daily step counts as CON group had approximately five-fold greater (p < 0.001) step count compared to INT group. Women had higher (p < 0.01) heart rate (HR) than men. HR increased (p < 0.001) with an increase in exercise intensity for both sexes. There were no significant differences in changes of HR between CON or INT groups in pre- and post- intervention measurements. Men generated greater torque (p < 0.001) than women in both knee extension and flexion. CON and INT groups differed (p < 0.01) in changes of MVC for knee extension as MVC increased in CON group and decreased in INT group from the pre- to the post- measurements. There were no such differences for knee flexion. There were no differences between men and women in the endurance time. Endurance time tended to be slightly longer in pre- compared to post- measurements, but this change was not significant (p = 0.0684)
Evaluating the Dutch Action Plan on Physical Activity From a Systems’ Perspective
Full text linkPurpose: The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport wants to make it easier for people to be active every day. This requires changes to the living environment, like improving cycling paths, and cooperation across domains such as healthcare, education, and workplaces, ranging from local to national level. For this purpose, the Ministry created the Dutch Action Plan on Physical Activity (2023–2025). This Action Plan takes a system approach, addressing all aspects of physical activity (PA) rather than focusing on a single component like sports. The plan contributes to the government’s goal of 75% adherence to the Dutch Physical Activity Guidelines by 2040. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) evaluates the Action Plan and reported on its progress in the first 1.5 years.
Project and Policy Description: Actions and policies have been implemented across three Action Tracks: 1) increasing awareness of PA’s importance among society and policymakers, 2) fostering collaboration in promoting PA through the Physical Activity Network Alliance, and 3) enhancing cross-domain cooperation at local/regional levels. Progress in implementing the three Action Tracks is evaluated based on output in different areas: increased awareness, more (implementation of) cross-domain PA policy, and strengthening of new and existing PA initiatives. This output is expected to contribute to increased PA in the long-term. The interim evaluation shows positive developments in all Action Tracks. An example of a positive development is that within one year, three times as many parties have joined the Physical Activity Network Alliance, now totalling over 400. Furthermore, despite challenges in cross-domain collaboration, parties from different sectors are increasingly working together to promote PA through the living environment, nationally and locally. However, not all plans to encourage PA have yet been translated into concrete actions.
Conclusion: This interim evaluation shows early positive developments since the launch of the Action Plan. Yet, continued commitment from all levels is needed to turn plans into action. Structural, long-term policy beyond single government terms is important, as well as time to realise system changes and impact PA behaviour. RIVM therefore advises extending the policy initiatives beyond the Action Plan period
Exploring Physical Activity Promotion in Exercise and Physical Therapy: Patient-Reported Experiences and Therapist-Reported Actions in Medical Rehabilitation
Full text linkPurpose: A key goal of exercise and physical therapy (EPT) is to enable individuals to be physically active. However, many rehabilitation patients struggle to maintain adequate physical activity levels after completing rehabilitation. Promoting individual competencies for initiating and maintaining a physically active lifestyle is a promising strategy for long-term physical activity promotion. Yet, it is unclear to what extent competencies such as Physical Activity-Related Health Competence (PAHCO) are considered in EPT. This contribution aims to describe the status quo of EPT with a focus on physical activity promotion in three rehabilitation centres in Bavaria, Germany.
Methods: To collect information about rehabilitation patients’ experiences with EPT focused on physical activity promotion, a Patient-Reported Experience Measure (PREM) questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire includes 11 items, answered on a five-point Likert scale, covering the components of PAHCO and the action model for PAHCO promotion. Analogously, a Therapist-Reported Action Measure (TRAM) questionnaire was developed to assess therapists’ actions in the three domains of implementation, attitude, and competence in relation to focusing PAHCO in EPT. Each TRAM domain comprises 11 items, analogous to the PREM items. The data were analysed descriptively.
Results: Overall, both rehabilitation patients (n = 222; Mrange = 3.54 to 4.62) and therapists (n = 36; Mrange = 3.00 to 4.60) reported moderate-to-high levels of PAHCO-focused EPT implementation. Notably, elements related to planning and maintaining physical activity appeared to be implemented less than those involving the execution of physical activity, as reported by patients and therapists. While the implementation of a PAHCO-focused EPT (Mdiff = 0.61) showed differences between the rehabilitation centres, as reported by therapists, their ratings in terms of attitude (Mdiff = 0.30) and competence (Mdiff = 0.32) were rather similar across all centres.
Conclusion: These findings highlight both strengths and areas for improvement in EPT regarding physical activity promotion in three Bavarian rehabilitation centres. The limited emphasis on planning and maintaining physical activity may represent a missed opportunity to support sustained behavioural change in patients. Additionally, variability in implementation across centres suggests the need for more standardised and comprehensive EPT concepts to enhance physical activity promotion in medical rehabilitation settings.
Support/Funding Source: German Pension Insurance Bavaria North, German Pension Insurance Bavaria South
Exploring the Influence of Culture on Adherence to Physical Activity Guidelines Among Older Adults With Diabetes Mellitus and/or Chronic Kidney Disease in KSA: A Mixed Methods Study
Full text linkBackground: Physical activity is essential for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially among older adults. However, adherence to physical activity guidelines remains low, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where cultural norms and traditions may significantly influence engagement. While previous research has examined biomedical factors, limited studies have explored the role of cultural perceptions in shaping physical activity behaviours among this population.
Aim: This study investigates the cultural influences on adherence to physical activity recommendations among older adults (aged 65 years and above) diagnosed with DM and/or CKD in Saudi Arabia, incorporating perspectives from both patients and their informal caregivers.
Methods: A mixed-methods, sequential explanatory design was employed. The quantitative phase involved a cross-sectional survey assessing physical activity levels using the validated Arabic version of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) (n = 256). The qualitative phase utilised dyadic interviews with older adults and their caregivers (n = 15 dyads) to explore cultural perceptions, facilitators, and barriers to physical activity adherence. Data were analysed using statistical methods for the quantitative phase and thematic analysis for qualitative findings.
Preliminary Findings: Older adults in Saudi Arabia with DM and/or CKD reported low PA levels based on quantitative and qualitative findings. The mean PA score was 30.62, mostly from light housework (6.35) and caregiving (5.88). PA declined with age, with those 80+ scoring 86% lower than those aged 65–69 (p < 0.001). University-educated participants had 2.5 times higher PA than those with no formal education (p = 0.018). CKD patients were less active than those with DM (RR = 0.586, p = 0.038), and longer illness duration reduced PA. Qualitative findings showed PA was seen as part of daily life, influenced by gender roles, ageing norms, family protectiveness, and social expectations.
Conclusion and Conference Presentation: This study provides novel insights into the cultural dimensions of physical activity adherence among older adults with DM and/or CKD KSA. Understanding these influences is crucial for developing culturally tailored interventions that promote physical activity in this population.
Keywords: PA, culture, older adults, DM, CK
Feasibility of FitSkills for an Adult With Cerebral Palsy Using a Wheelchair in a Regional Setting: A Mixed Methods Case Study
Full text linkPurpose: This study aims to assess the feasibility of FitSkills, a student-mentored community gym-based exercise intervention for an adult with cerebral palsy (CP) who uses a wheelchair in regional Australia. FitSkills was adapted to enable the participant to remain seated during the exercises, ensuring safety and convenience while undertaking the programme.
Materials and Methods: This single-case mixed methods study used a convergent parallel design to evaluate feasibility across four domains: 1. acceptability, 2. practicality, 3. adaptation, and 4. limited efficacy. One adult participant (GMFCS IV) and a student mentor completed a 12-week gym-based intervention in a community gym in a regional city. Quantitative outcomes included attendance, safety, participation goals, strength, cardiovascular fitness, and quality of life. Qualitative data from interviews explored perspectives with categories distilled using qualitative description and deductive analysis into categories aligned with feasibility domains.
Results: FitSkills was safe and acceptable, with 85% session attendance and only minor adverse events reported from the adult with CP (muscle soreness). Modest gains in strength and cardiovascular fitness were observed. Quality of life improved in two domains, anxiety and depression. Participation goals relating to work, established using Goal Attainment Scaling, were achieved, including increased attendance and greater involvement at work, such as more significant contributions to the operations of a photoshoot. Adaptations allowed full participation without requiring the participant to transfer from the wheelchair. The participant and student mentor described the mentor–participant relationship as a key enabler of motivation and sustained engagement.
Conclusion: FitSkills has the potential to be feasible for adults with CP using wheelchairs when implemented in regional community gyms. Key adaptations include environmental and social modifications such as a student mentor and exercise strategies and show promise tailored for wheelchair use. Future studies should evaluate the feasibility of these strategies across diverse presentations in different regional community gym settings.
Implications for Practice: Tailoring student-mentored support interventions to local contexts and emphasising social partnerships could promote physical activity participation and health for adults with CP in small regional cities. Future research is needed to evaluate FitSkills in regional settings, ensuring their adaptability to a broader range of disabilities and diverse presentations
Fitness as a Mediator Between the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Mathematical Fluency in Adolescents
Full text linkPurpose: Lack of physical activity (PA), prolonged screen time, and insufficient sleep present major health challenges for adolescents, not only because they are associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, also because of their effects on academic performance. This study examines the association between different adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines and mathematical fluency in adolescents with cardiorespiratory (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF) as mediators.
Methods: A total of 522 adolescents (12.46 ± 0.73 years; 48.6% female) from 11 Spanish secondary schools participated in the study. Adolescents wore wrist-mounted accelerometers for eight consecutive days to assess adherence to the guidelines for (1) PA and (2) sleep. Compliance with the (3) recreational screen time guideline was assessed using self-reported data on time spent using different devices. CRF and MF were assessed through ALPHA fitness test battery and mathematical fluency using test number 6 of the Woodcock protocol. Participants were categorised into three groups: (1) no behaviours met, (2) one behaviour met, and (3) two or more behaviours met. One-way ANOVA with post hoc test compared mean differences between groups. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine the mediating role of CRF and MF in the relationship between adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines and mathematical fluency.
Results: A 7.4% of adolescents met two or more guidelines, while 38% met one and 54.6% met no guideline. The mediation analysis showed a positive and significant indirect effect (p < 0.05) of adherence to guidelines on mathematical fluency via CRF, but not significant effect via MF (p > 0.05). This indirect effect was observed in participants who met one behaviour compared to those who met none (β = 0.0388; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.0041, 0.0832) and was stronger when comparing those who met two or more guidelines to those who met none (β = 0.0987; 95% CI = 0.0257, 0.1960).
Conclusion: Promoting CRF through adherence to daily movement guidelines may enhance mathematical fluency, suggesting that PA policies could serve as a tool to improve cognitive and educational outcomes in youth.
Support/Funding Source: This study is part of projects PID2022-137450OA-I00, grants CNS2022-135604 and PU/EPIF-FPI-CT/CP/2023-046, and funded by MCIN/AEI, ERDF/EU, NextGenerationEU, and FSE+
Going Beyond Walkability: Development of a Neighbourhood Active Living Environment Index in the Oriscav-Lux Study
Full text linkPurpose: The walkability index (WI) is considered the gold standard in environmental research on physical activity (PA) but overlooks key environmental characteristics conducive for an active lifestyle. We developed a more comprehensive index, the Active Living Environment (ALE) index, assessing additional neighbourhood characteristics potentially encouraging PA.
Methods: Using a subsample of the Oriscav-Lux 2 study (n = 476), we calculated the ALE index based on three sub-indicators: 1) amenities, 2) sports facilities, and 3) green and blue spaces. Associations between the ALE index and sub-indicators with device-measured PA outcomes (moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA], light PA [LPA] and sedentary time [ST]) were assessed using gamma generalised linear models. Effect modification by lifestyle preferences, education, and sex was explored, and values were predicted for significant interactions (p < 0.1). Descriptive and regression results of the ALE index and WI were compared.
Results: The median participant’s ALE index score was 35.7 (interquartile range (IQR) = 41.3) and median WI score was 47.2 (IQR = 25.6). Active living scores and walkability were highest in urban communes and densely populated neighbourhoods (>2,238 inhabitants/km2). None of the fully adjusted models were significant. However, moderation analyses revealed that women showed increased MVPA with higher scores on the ALE index and the ALE sub-indicator amenities, and increased LPA with higher scores on the ALE sub-indicator sports facilities. For men, these associations were negative. The WI and WI sub-indicator residential density displayed similar results by sex for MVPA and LPA. Participants not prioritising PA benefited from higher scores on the ALE sub-indicator green and blue spaces across all outcomes. Higher education was linked to increased LPA with higher scores on the ALE sub-indicator sports facilities.
Conclusion: The ALE index, incorporating broader built environment characteristics, assessed environmental associations with PA behaviour more accurately among subgroups than the WI. These findings highlight the potential of the ALE index as a tool for creating more inclusive active living environments.
Support/Funding Source: The EU Horizon2020 programme funded the current study (Grant Agreement Number 956780 SURREAL). The Luxembourg Ministries of Health and Higher Education and Research funded ORISCAV-LUX. MET’HOOD was funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (CORE 2020 programme, C20/BM/14787166)