Lithuanian Sports University e-Journals
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Heart Rate Variability Changes in the Integrated Yoga Program: Results and Implications
Get PDFBackground. Different methods are used to study cardiovascular parameters. Of these, heart rate variability (HRV) is a relevant marker for both athletes and physically active people. With regards to physical activity, yoga has become a popular form of activity in the recent years. In fact, research has indicated that yoga is a useful modality for both the management and prevention of several cardiovascular conditions. The purpose of the current study was to observe HRV dynamics in young women during a 6-month yoga intervention.Methods. We recruited 13 women from multiple yoga studios. All participants were practicing Hatha yoga 2 times a week for 6 months. Data were collected: a) at baseline, b) 2 months after the yoga intervention, c) 4 months after the intervention and d) 6 months after the intervention. We used wireless Bluetooth electrocardiogram (ECG) recording device. ECG HVR parameters and heart rate (HR) were used for data analysis.Results. HR dynamics showed no differences during the 6-month yoga intervention. Meanwhile, vLF parameter after relaxation and LF/HF ratio after body scan meditation significantly changed after yoga intervention. No changes were observed in LF or HF parameter dynamics.Conclusion. Our results suggest that 6 months twice per week yoga practice influences vLF and LF/HF ratio, especially during relaxation and body scan meditation. We also suggest that healthy women could benefit from practicing body scan meditation. In conclusion, through modification of emotion reactivity, regular practice of yoga can help improve stress response and offset negative consequences associated with the stress process.Keywords: yoga, heart rate variability, women’s health, ECG, stress
Understanding Factors Related with Cheating in Sport: What We Know and what is Worth Future Consideration
Get PDFBackground. Over the past decade, there has been an increase in scholars’ attention to moral behaviour in sport. Recently more studies have been dealing with cheating with a special focus on doping. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of research focusing on cheating in sport. Specifically, the purpose was to critically analyse research on personal and social factors which have been associated with an intension to cheat and cheating behaviour.Methods. Scientific research analysis on social environment factors related with cheating was carried out by focusing on personal and social environmental factors related with athletes’ attitudes towards, intention and cheating behaviours.Results. Moral identity is an important factor for cheating in sport and intention to use doping. A negative relation was found between moral values of athletes and doping likelihood. Also, when athletes perceive their goal only as winning the game (goal-oriented rather than task-oriented), they are more likely to cheat. Furthermore, recent studies have found the relationship between the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) and the use of doping in sport. Moreover, perfectionism involves positive attitudes towards doping and actual use of doping. Also, there is evidence that moral values relate with athletes’ cheating and gamesmanship. Some social environment factors related with motivational climate created by the coach and parents. Coaches and parents created an ego-oriented climate associated with young athletes’ positive attitudes towards cheating.Conclusion. Athlete’s intention to cheat or actual behaviour is determined by both athlete’s personality and social environment context. The article also provides considerations of directions for future research with special attention to cultural differences.Keywords: cheating, doping, moral identity, motivational climate, personality traits
Are There Differences in Life-Satisfaction, Optimism, Pessimism and Perceived Stress between Therapeutic and Mastery Exercisers? A Preliminary Investigation
Get PDFBackground. Most incentives for exercise can be grouped into health-related ‘therapeutic’ and challenge or enjoyment-related ‘mastery’ categories. If these incentives are not independent of personal needs and expectations, their associated psychological profiles may vary.Methods. Based on the broaden-and-build theory, we examined the hypothesis that mastery exercise is associated with more favourable psychological profile, as reflected in greater life-satisfaction, optimism, pessimism, and perceived stress, than therapeutic exercise or no-exercise (the control group).Results. The results indicated that people who exercised for a mastery purpose (n = 57) reported greater optimism, lower pessimism and lower perceived stress than non-exercisers (n = 57) but they only scored higher in optimism in contrast to the therapeutic exercisers (n = 129) who did not differ from the controls in any of the measures. A composite score of a psychological profile, obtained by subtracting the sum of negative ratings from the sum of positive ratings, revealed that mastery exercisers exhibited higher scores than non-exercisers who did not differ from therapeutic exercisers.Conclusion. These preliminary findings suggest that two very general motives for exercise might be associated with different psychological profiles, which deserves future research attention in the better understanding of the psychological effects of exercise. Keywords: life-satisfaction, optimism, non-exerciser, perceived stress, pessimism
Self-Report of Emotional Abilities and Subjective Quality of Life Among Physical Education Teachers
Get PDFBackground. The behaviour of physical education (PE) teachers in managing the lesson is significantly related to their life satisfaction (Bahadir, 2013). PE teachers’ self-report of emotional abilities is positively associated with the educational achievements of their students and increasing teachers’ self-report of emotional abilities improves the quality of physical education (Buns & Thomas, 2016). High self-report of emotional abilities reduces the impact of work-related stress on teachers, increases their creativity in classroom activities and increases students\u27 satisfaction with physical activities (Huang, Liu, Hsieh, & Chang, 2015). The aim of this study was to evaluate physical education teachers’ self-report of emotional abilities and subjective quality of life in comparison with teachers of other subjects, so that in the future more effective measures for improving teachers’ self-report of emotional abilities and subjective quality of life could be developed.Methods. To collect data, Schutte SSRI and SF-36 questionnaire survey was applied.Results. We found that, according to some sub-scales, men and women were significantly (p < .05) different in the estimation of their subjective quality of life. Women scored better (higher scores) than men in their physical performance, emotional state, energy/fatigue, and perceived pain. In this study, we revealed significant correlations between social skills and appraisal (r = .305, p < .01), emotional well-being and appraisal (r = .214; p < .05), and energy/fatigue and appraisal (r = .209; p < .05). The data obtained in our study revealed that male and female teachers evaluated their ability to understand and analyze emotions and manage emotions differently (p < .05).Conclusions. Teachers’ self-report of emotional abilities differed significantly by appraisal and utilization and by the subject taught, which differed in optimism, appraisal, and utilization. Significant (p < .05) differences in subjective quality of life were found by gender in to physical functioning, emotional well-being, energy/fatigue, and pain. There was no significant difference found in subjective quality of life by the subject taught.Keywords: physical education, teacher, self-report of emotional abilities, subjective quality of life
Vadovavimas ir lyderystė Šiaulių regiono reklamos agentūrose
Get PDFOne can notice intense changes in modern advertising services’ market. Under the conditions of rapid technological changes, violent competition, and increased significance of human capital, advertising agencies face difficulties in covering and retaining the desirable position in the market. Advertising agencies have to react to factors of economic, social, technological environment and to stimulate the employment of human capital, managerial education. Managerial education should cover the development of leadership. It means that managers should educate themselves as leaders. It is a relevant condition for successful management. The manuscript aims at revealing the expression of leadership and management features in advertising agencies in Siauliai region. Theoretical analysis has shown that leadership is defined as relationships between leader and her followers. These relationships are based upon influence and aim at change implementation while pursuing common goals. Management is treated as knowledge and skills of managers. Knowledge and skills ensure the achievement of company’s goals and harmonious activity of congenial people and employees. It was found that a leader and a manager in an organization can be a different person. Results of empirical research has shown that majority of employees of advertising agencies in Siauliai region treat a leader as a person who takes responsibility and is inclined to take new activities in spite of given instructions. Leaders use current potential and seek for better results of activity. Majority of employees paid attention to one more important aspect of a leader, i.e. motivation to pursue common goals. One should notice the impact of a leader on employees during the process of the implementation of change. Results of the research confirmed that leader had a significant impact upon the success of the organization.Keywords: management, leadership, change management, human capital, advertising services.Publikacija skirta vadovavimo ir lyderystės reiškinių nagrinėjimui Šiaulių regiono reklamos agentūrose. Autorius apibrėžė lyderystės ir vadovavimo sampratas šiuolaikinių vadybos ir lyderystės teorijų kontekste, identifikavo lyderystės ir vadovavimo bruožus verslo organizacijose, ištyrė lyderystės ir vadovavimo bruožų raišką Šiaulių regiono reklamos agentūrose.Raktažodžiai: vadovavimas, lyderystė, pokyčių valdymas, žmogiškasis kapitalas, reklamos paslaugos
Vienkartinės galvos padėties korekcijos poveikis asmenų, turinčių viršutinį kryžminį sindromą, smilkininio apatinio žandikaulio sąnario funkcijai
Get PDFBackground. In 1996, meta-analysis of studies was performed and it showed the connections between head posture changes and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctions (Harrison et al., 1996), but the abnormalities of the mandibular usually were treated as the only pathology leading to poor clinical effect (Lee et al., 2017). Supposedly, occlusion problems are related not only to the position of the jaw and skull, but also to the shoulder and spine, which act as a biomechanical chain (Moreno, Aranza, 2013; Shousha et al., 2018). There is a lack of evidence how head posture correction changes stomatognathic system functions, that is why our study aimed to determine if a short-term head posture correction affects the system. Research aim. Determine the effect of short-term forward head posture correction for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function. Research methods. Evaluation of posture, TMJ range of motion, jaw opening stereotype. Research results. After a short-term head posture correction, head inclination angle alteration was as follows: ScapularR = 5.65°, ScapularL = 3.9°. Jaw opening alteration was ScapularR 15.09 mm, ScapularL 15.58 mm. The difference between mandibular deviations decreased to ScapularR 0.32 mm; ScapularL 1.60 mm. Deviation during jaw opening reduced ScapularR 2.06 mm; ScapularL 2.38 mm. Conclusion. Short-term head posture correction signifcantly reduced head inclination angle, mandibular opening movement amplitude and deviation from the centre line in individuals with upper cross syndrome and asymmetric scapular position.Keywords: temporomandibular joint, head posture, upper cross syndrome.Tyrimo pagrindimas. Nors jau 1996 metais atlikta studijų metaanalizė, kurioje nurodomos galvos padėties pokyčių ir smilkininio apatinio žandikaulio sąnario (SAŽS) disfunkcijų sąsajos (Harrison et al., 1996), tačiau apatinio žandikaulio (AŽ) nukrypimai dažniausiai vis dar gydomi kaip vienintelė patologija, o tai lemia menką klinikinį efektą (Lee et al., 2017). Manoma, kad sąkandžio problemos gali būti susijusios ne tik su žandikaulių ir kaukolės padėtimi, bet ir su pečiais, stuburu, kurie veikia kaip biomechaninė grandinė (Moreno, Aranza, 2013; Shousha et al., 2018). Kadangi vis dar trūksta įrodymų, kaip koreguojant galvos padėtį keičiasi kramtomosios sistemos funkcijos, atlikome tyrimą norėdami nustatyti, ar vienkartinė galvos padėties korekcija turi įtakos kramtomajai sistemai. Tikslas – nustatyti vienkartinės galvos padėties korekcijos poveikį smilkininio apatinio žandikaulio sąnario funkcijai. Metodai. Laikysenos, SAŽS judesių amplitudžių, AŽ nuleidimo judesio stereotipo vertinimas. Rezultatai. Po vienkartinės galvos padėties korekcijos pakito galvos pasvirimas pirmyn (MentėD 5,65°; MentėK 3,9°). Apatinio žandikaulio nuleidimo amplitudė reikšmingai sumažėjo (MentėD 15,09 mm, MentėK 15,58 mm), nuokrypis nuleidimo judesio metu sumažėjo (MentėD 2,06 mm; MentėK 2,38 mm). Skirtumas tarp AŽ nuokrypio į šonus reikšmingai sumažėjo (MentėD iki 0,32 mm; MentėK iki 1,60 mm). Išvados. Vienkartinė galvos padėties korekcija reikšmingai sumažina asmenų, turinčių viršutinį kryžminį sindromą, galvos pasvirimo pirmyn kampą, apatinio žandikaulio nuleidimo amplitudę ir nuokrypį nuo centro linijos, nesimetrišką menčių padėtį.Raktažodžiai: smilkininis apatinio žandikaulio sąnarys, galvos padėtis, laikysena, korekcija
Virtualiosios realybės terapija rankų funkcijai po insulto. Sisteminė straipsnių apžvalga
No full textBackground. After a stroke attack, the majority of the individuals suffer from the upper extremity functional impairments. Recently, virtual reality has indicated promising positive functional outcomes in stroke patients. To identify the efficacy of virtual reality therapy, there is an essential need to measure its effectiveness on the parameters of evidence-based science.
Design. Systematic review of literature.
The aim. To analyse the effectiveness of the virtual reality therapy on the upper extremity functions after stroke.
Methods. A database of articles published from 2010 to 2018 was compiled by using the keywords: stroke, stroke rehabilitation, virtual reality, virtual reality therapy, upper limb, and upper extremity. After careful screening of the articles, the articles, which met the selection criteria, were included. Fourteen studies involving 416 patients in total were analysed.
Findings. Virtual reality was found to be a remarkable rehabilitation therapy. All methods that were applied in virtual reality therapy on the patients suffering from Ischemic and Haemorrhagic stroke provided significant positive results in the functionality of the upper extremity.
Conclusion. In all cases, virtual reality was found to be a highly effective and useful tool for rehabilitation in stroke patients.
Keywords: stroke, virtual reality, stroke rehabilitation, upper extremity.Pagrindimas. Po insulto dauguma žmonių kenčia nuo rankų funkcinių sutrikimų. Pastaraisiais metais nustatyta, kad virtualioji realybė teigiamai veikia insultą patyrusių žmonių funkcinius rodiklius. Virtualiosios realybės terapijos veiksmingumas turi būti patvirtintas mokslu grįstais įrodymais.
Tikslas – išanalizuoti virtualiosios realybės terapijos veiksmingumą ligonių, patyrusių galvos smegenų insultą, rankų funkcijai.
Dizainas. Sisteminė literatūros apžvalga.
Metodai. Duomenys surinkti iš duomenų bazių, straipsniai publikuoti tarp 2010 ir 2018 metų. Ieškoma su šiais raktažodžiais: insultas, insulto reabilitacija, virtualioji realybė, virtualiosios realybės terapija, rankos. Atidžiai patikrinus straipsnius, atitinkančius vertinimo kriterijus, jie buvo įtraukti ir išanalizuoti. Nagrinėta 14 straipsnių, kuriuose analizuojama 416 insultą patyrusių ligonių rankos funkcija.
Tyrimų rezultatai. Virtualioji realybė buvo puikus gydymo būdas. Visi metodai, taikomi virtualiosios realybės terapijos metu, pagerino ligonių, sergančių išeminiu ir hemoraginiu insultu, rankų funkcionalumą.
Išvados. Visais atvejais virtualioji realybė nustatyta kaip labai veiksminga ir naudinga priemonė insultą patyrusiems ligoniams.
Raktažodžiai: insultas, virtualioji realybė, reabilitacija po insulto, ranka.
 
Shooting Analysis of Lithuanian National Basketball Men’s Teams in Different Age Categories
No full textBackground. One of the most important problems for players, coaches and scientists is improving the accuracy of shooting the basket. It is the most important technique for playing basketball, and its dependence on performance is multifaceted.Methods. All 37 games in the 2015 European Championships in U16, U18, U20 and men’s national team were analyzed. Data was selected from the official boxscores of FIBA (International Basketball Federation). The following absolute game-related statistics were gathered: free-throws, 2-point and 3-point field goals (both successful and unsuccessful). The obtained values of the rate of success of 2-point, 3-point and free throw shooting were tested by the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-test. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows, version 20.0, and statistical significance was set at p < .05.Results. Comparing the number and accuracy of shots taken from 2-point distance, we found that there was no significant difference between men of different ages (p > .05). Most 3-point shots were done by U16 youth team, the least was in men’s national basketball team, a significant difference in the indicators (p < .05) was found between all the teams, except between men’s national team and U18 (p > .05). Comparing free-throws’ indicators between different age groups, most throws were done by U16 team, the least were done by the U20 team (p < .05); however, there were no differences between the other significant indicators (p > .05). Comparing free-throws accuracy indicators between the different age groups of basketball teams, significant differences in indicators were found between men’s national basketball team and U20, U16 (p < .05).Conclusions. The count of 2-point shots made in Lithuanian different age basketball national team games was more or less similar. Most 3-point shots were made by U16 team and the national men’s team made least 3-pointers. The indicators of accuracy did not have a significant difference between national teams, except for free throws: men’s national team made these shots most accurately, opposite situation was with U16 team
Links between Adolescents’ Health Literacy and their Physical Activity and Body Mass Index
Get PDFBackground. The aim of the study was to identify links between health literacy, health information literacy and physical activity as well as body mass index in adolescents.Methods. The study was carried out from September till the end of November, 2018. Research participants were 167 14–18-year-old students from Kaunas, Klaipeda and Vilnius (n = 107 females, n = 60 males). Participants were asked to fill in an anonymous online questionnaire, which consisted of basic demographics, physical activity, health information literacy and health literacy. Adolescents’ body mass index was calculated using ISO-BMI calculations. Physical activity was assessed by Petronytė’s physical activity questionnaire. To determine adolescents’ everyday health information literacy, we used self-assessed 10-item screening tool (EHIL-10) and to determine health literacy, we used Newest Vital Sign (NVS) screening test. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 program for Windows.Results. Health literacy did not have association with body mass index or the level of physical activity. Health literacy scores gave important data of the level of health literacy. The scores indicated that 21.6% of Lithuanian adolescents had adequate level of health literacy. It was found that age correlated positively with health literacy. Self-assessed everyday health information literacy was higher since 85% of the students had medium high or high level of health information literacy. The data revealed that adolescents were not sure where they could find health related information and who they could trust in health-related issues. For males, finding health information and knowing who they could trust in health issues was easier than for females. Health information literacy did not have association with ISO-BMI. Sufficient evaluation of health-related information was higher among normally weighted adolescents. Physically active students had higher health information literacy and participation in sports club activities had positive relation with better health information literacy. Additionally, involvement in organized activities associated with superior understanding of terms and sentences of health information. Evaluation of health information was higher among those who were actively involved in organized physical activities.Conclusions. Health information literacy did not have association with ISO-BMI. Those, who were involved in sports club activities or were more actively involved in organized physical activities had better health information literacy and evaluation of health information. Nevertheless, there was no connection between health literacy and physical activity. Keywords: health literacy, health information literacy, physical activity, body mass index
Factors Affecting Stadium Attendance of Professional Football Club Supporters
Get PDFBackground. The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting the stadium attendance of the supporters of professional football clubs that have stadiums meeting the UEFA criteria.Methods. The study population included the supporters of Galatasaray Sport Club, Fenerbahce Sport Club and Kayserispor football clubs participating in the Spor Toto Super League-Turkey in the 2013–2014 seasons and having stadiums that meet the UEFA criteria. The sample consists of randomly selected (n = 1237) supporters. Additionally, demographic data of the supporters, reasons affecting the Stadium Attendance and Non-Attendance Reason Scale (SANARS) which consists of 30 questions were used to collect the data. Statistical analysis of the data was done using the SPSS 16.0 packet program and descriptive statistics, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA test were performed.Results. Generally, factors affecting the stadium attendance of the supporters were as follows: opportunity for recreational activities, stadium atmosphere, and personal relaxation. On the other hand, the factors generally affecting the supporters’ nonattendance were as follows: negative ergonomic environment and unethical situations. Conclusion. Among the factors affecting the supporters’ attendance in the stadiums, the component of “Opportunity for Recreational Activities” was found to be the most influential factor. This revealed the necessity of increasing the number of high quality organizations related to recreational activities in the stadiums. In this study, the factor of “Negative Ergonomic Environment” was found to be the most influential factor influencing stadium attendance. In conclusion, negative ergonomic environmental conditions need to be improved to increase stadium attendance. Keywords: fans (supporters), Football, Stadium Attendance and Non-Attendance, UEFA stadium criteria.