Introduction: The modern Paralympics Movement covers people with physical impairments, cerebral palsy, blind, visual impaired and people with intellectual disabilities with borderline intellectual functioning. Sports injuries are some of the risk of Paralympics sport. Injuries are integral part of sport for persons with and without disabilities. The role of experts is to eliminate all the risk associated with injuries in sport. The aim of this study was to characterize the injuries occurring in Paralympics sport. Material and methods: The polish and foreign literature were reviewed in terms of sports injuries in different Paralympics sport disciplines. Results: The review of literature shows that the prevalence of injuries in almost all Paralympics disciplines is very common. The results confirm that the Paralympics athletes similarly as Olympics athletes are exposed to sports injuries, but in the majority of sports injuries are not associated with long-term convalescence. In the Paralympics sport dominate minor injuries, which consequence is a break in training, not exceeding 7 days. The studies prove the trend of reducing the number of injuries in the wheelchair disciplines, which is probably related to a change in the rules of the game and technological progress. Conclusions: A critical view of problems of injuries in sport for persons with disabilities confirms the absence of implementation new testing methods. Most of the research have been carried out in 90s, and only few studies from the last decade generally confirm previous reports. It is also necessary to make clear the methods of prevention and to determine the mechanisms of sports injuries.
Wstęp: Parakajakarstwo jest dyscypliną paraolimpijską, w której zawodnicy rywalizują na dystansie 200m w trzech klasach funkcjonalnych. Celem pracy było porównanie parametrów wydolności beztlenowej zawodników różnych klas. Materiał i metody: W badaniach wzięło udział 14 zawodników rywalizujących w klasach A i LTA. W celu określenia wybranych parametrów wydolności beztlenowej (mocy maksymalnej, mocy maksymalnej względnej, wskaźnika zmęczenia, czasu osiągnięcia mocy maksymalnej) przeprowadzono 30s test Wingate na ergometrze ręcznym. Wyniki: W przeprowadzonych badaniach wykazano, że istnieją różnice w wydolności beztlenowej pomiędzy zawodnikami różnych klas w parakajakarstwie. Wnioski: Istnieje zależność pomiędzy wybranymi parametrami wydolności anaerobowej i klasyfikacją funkcjonalną.
Introduction Basketball is characterized by high intensity play and a lot of physical contact. Players are required to be well-trained physically in order to be able to face the dynamics, speed and variability of the game and the training loads to which they are exposed. Basketball is a sport that predisposes the athletes to musculoskeletal injuries. The aim of this study was to characterize the injuries experienced by young adult male basketball players. Material and methods Young adult male Polish basketball players from various clubs (17±1.4 years; n = 28; 47%) and amateur basketball players (17±1.4 years; n =30; 53%) took part in this study. To assess the injuries of young basketball players, a survey consisting of 28 questions was used. Results The most common injuries were lower limb injuries (54%), of which ankle injuries prevailed (ankle injuries were the most common injuries of all). Upper limb injuries accounted for 36% of all injuries. Of these, subluxations in finger joints occurred most often. Most often, injuries occurred during physical contact with another player (40%). Despite an injury, the players either did not alter the length of their warm-up or they devoted more time to it. In terms of stretching before a training session or a match, differences between players training up to three times a week and players training four or more times per week were statistically significant (χ2 = 8.926, p = 0.012, V = 0.392). Conclusions Basketball is a sport that causes injuries. Basketball players mostly experience lower limb injuries.
Introduction: Understanding the special needs of persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) seems to be necessary to improve the performance of a variety of social roles, and the activities in the various forms of movement. Unsolved research problem remains whether people with ID are at all able to make efforts short of the maximum intensity The aim of the study was to evaluate the response of the people with intellectual disabilities in the shortterm efforts of the maximum intensity Material and methods: The participants of the study were 16 persons with intellectual disabilities - 10 men and 6 women The subjects were participants in occupational therapy workshops, not who practice the sport. All participants underwent Wingate test twice, at an interval of one week. Correlation was assessed at maximum power (PP), relative maximum power (rPP), average power (MP), the relative average power (rMP) and the fatigue index (FI) between the results of the tests. Additionally, compared to the results obtained in a group of men and women in the study 1 and 2, and also in relation to the size of the previously presented for the able-bodied reference. Results: There has been significant correlations for all investigated parameters in women as well as the results of MP and PP rMP in men. No significant differences between the results obtained in the first and second study, with the exception of the fatigue index in women’s group. Conclusions: Pilot studies indicate that the Wingate test is reliable in a group of untrained adult men and women with intellectual disabilities and can be used in this kind of disability.
Introduction This study sought to analyze performance progression in track and field sprint events (100-400 m) at Paralympic Games (PG) held between 1992 and 2016 and to make comparisons with Olympic athletes. Material and methods Of 19 sport classes, five were selected in which the ratio of world records (WRs) set by Paralympic athletes to WRs set by Olympic athletes was the highest (T13 – visual impairments, T38 – coordination impairments, T46/47 – upper limb deficiencies, T42 and T44 – amputations and with lower limb deficiencies, T54 – wheelchair users). Percentage indices, PG/OG performance ratio as well as competition density were used to assess changes in performance. Linear regression was applied to predict performance at 2021 PG. Results In the period from 1992 to 2016, PG finalists improved their results by 5 to 22% in all the classes, while OG finalists improved their performance by 1 to 2%. PG/OG performance ratio depended on the class and sprint distance. The highest ratio was noted in the case of T44 (0.92 for 200 m) and T54 (0.93 for 400 m). Conclusions The prediction showed the highest values of the coefficient of determination (R2>70%) in T38 and T44 in 100 m and T38 in 200 m. The data obtained from the prediction may determine coaches’ activities in terms of assessing an athlete’s chances of qualifying for 2021 PG finals.
Introduction: Health is highly valued by individuals as well as whole social groups. Lifestyle, and related with this health behaviors are believed to be the main factors that largely determine its condition. Poland is a country, where the number of malignant cancer morbidity is systematically increasing. Breast cancer is the most common among women aged 45 years old. Despite the relative stability of the mortality outcomes the rate of it is still high. This situation is influenced by many factors, including the limited awareness of the value of health-related behaviors. Material and methods: The study included 70 women aged 45-75 years old. The study and control group consisted of: 36 women with breast cancer and 34 women without cancer in history. The specifically developed questionnaire and the Positive Health Behaviors Scale for Women developed by Hildt-Ciupińska were used in this study. IBM SPSS v. 21.0 was used for statistical analysis and non-parametric U-Mann Whitney test. Results: The study let determine the level of women's health behaviors. The analysis of the results showed that there are much anomalies in health-related behaviors in both studied groups. The lowest point scale values were reported in the "Physical activity" subscale. The highest values were reported in the "Safety behaviors" and "Caring body" subscale. The disappointing results in statements related with the prevention of cancer were the most alarmous. Conclusions: The introduction of health prevention awareness programs in the group of women over 45 years of age, may contribute to an increase in the frequency of health-promoting behaviors.
Celem pracy była ocena sprawności fizycznej wszechstronnej i specjalnej zawodników niepełnosprawnych tre-nujących piłkę siatkową na siedząco. W badaniach wzięło udział 21 zawodników. Badani byli reprezentantami drużyny klubowej z Litwy (n = 7) oraz kadry narodowej Polski (n = 14). Dokonano pomiaru masy i wysokości ciała oraz zasięgu kończyn górnych w pozycji siedzącej. Zastosowano 3 próby testowe sprawności fizycznej specjalnej i wszechstronnej: poruszanie się na odcinku 5 m, podanie piłki siatkowej techniką oburącz sprzed klatki piersiowej na odległość, poruszanie się po kopercie o wymiarach 1,5 × 2,5 m. Wyniki badań potwierdziły możliwość wyko-rzystywania trzech zaproponowanych testów do oceny sprawności fizycznej zawodników niepełnosprawnych. Konieczne wydaje się opracowanie baterii testów sprawności fizycznej specjalnej-technicznej w połączeniu ze zdolnościami koordynacyjnymi oraz oceną skuteczności gry.
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The aim of the study was to evaluate sport-specific and general sporting physical fitness of disabled sitting volley-ball athletes. 21 players took part in the study. The subjects were members of a club team from Lithuania (n = 7), and of Polish national team (n = 14). Body mass, height, range of reaching of the upper limbs measured in sitting position were assessed. Three skill tests were carried out: 5 m sprint, pass the volleyball ball with both hands from the chest, and envelope (1.5 × 2.5 m) drill test. The results confirm that it is possible to use the three tests in sitting volleyball training. It is important to establish a set of skill tests for sitting volleyball athletes together with evaluation of coordination and game efficiency.
Introduction Physical activity is one of the basic elements that affect functional performance and body composition. The age may result in adverse changes in these parameters. The study aimed to compare the functional fitness and body composition in physically active women over 60 years old in different age groups and determine the relationship between those two components. Material and methods The study participants attended gymnastic classes at the University of Third Age of Warsaw University of Technology. A total of 39 women were examined in three age categories - 60-64 years (13 women), 65-69 years (13 women), 70-74 years (13 women). The study used the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) to assess functional fitness. Body composition was tested using a device Tanita BC 420. Results Statistical analysis showed no statistically significant (p≤0.05) differences in functional fitness and body composition between women of different age groups. A statistically significant negative correlation was found for Back Scratch test with BMI and percentage of body fat and a positive with muscle mass. Additionally, 8-ft up-and-go test positively correlated with BMI and percentage of body fat and negatively with muscle mass. Conclusions Regular physical activity allows to maintain the level of functional fitness in older women. Element requiring additional commitment are flexibility exercises. The study confirmed the relationship between body composition and functional fitness of older women.
Introduction Physical activity is defined as every movement performed by skeletal muscles above resting metabolic rate. It is important for children and youth as it contributes to appropriate emotional, social and somatic development. It may be limited by developmental disorders, diseases and disabilities. The aim of the work was to review the literature regarding physical activity of children and youth with motor disabilities. Material and methods The literature review was performed with the use of EBSCO and PubMed databases. The study inclusion criteria were as follows: publication in the English, Spanish or Polish language (1), abstract and/or title of the work included phrases “physical activity” and “children” and “disability” or “children with disabilities” and “fitness” and “activity” or “performance” and “children with disabilities” and “physical activity” (2), the work was published in the years 2011-2018 (3), it is available as a full-text article (4) and it comes from a scientific journal (5). Results As a result of the literature review, 516 articles were found, out of which 66 were found in EBSCO and 450 in PubMed. Ultimately, 35 papers which fulfilled the inclusion criteria (27 original articles and 8 reviews) were qualified for the study. Conclusions Persons with disabilities take up any forms of physical activity considerably less frequently than functionally fit individuals. Barriers which hinder taking up physical activity by children with disabilities are constituted mainly by environmental, psychological and physical factors. In order to assess physical activity of children and youth with disabilities, accelerometers, endurance tests, participation and quality of life questionnaires and interviews are applied most frequently.
Introduction This study sought to identify and analyse the ranges, determinants and differences in physical activity levels of athletes with cancer. Material and methods The analysis included questionnaire responses provided by 169 out of 210 participants of the Onco-Olympics (80 out of 92 girls and 89 out of 118 boys). The mean age was 13.05 years for girls and 13.08 years for boys. The study group consisted of the following participants: 62 girls and 69 boys from Poland, 6 girls and 4 boys from Lithuania, 4 girls and 8 boys from Romania and 8 girls and 8 boys from Ukraine. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used in the study. Results Girls demonstrated lower levels of vigorous (3.56 days per week, 88 minutes per day) and moderate (3.61 days per week, 96.5 minutes per day) physical activity than boys (3.91 days per week, 99.35 minutes per day, and 4.20 days per week, 103.7 minutes per day, respectively). Walking time per week was 16.18 hours for girls and 15.91 hours for boys, while sitting time per week was 5.17 hours for girls and 5.57 hours for boys. Athletes with neuroblastoma and bone cancer displayed the highest levels of vigorous and moderate physical activity, while its lower levels were found in athletes with leukemia, lymphoma and solid tumors. Physical activity levels differed depending on the type of cancer. Conclusions Physical activity of Polish athletes with cancer does not depend on their sex, age in the examined range, body mass, body height or the BMI but it depends on the type of cancer. Drawing on the example of the group of athletes under investigation, it is reasonable to assume that recommended physical activity levels (expressed in MET – minutes per week) ought to be different for persons with different types of oncological diseases.
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Wstęp Celem było rozpoznanie i analiza zakresów, uwarunkowań i zróżnicowania aktywności fizycznej wśród sportowców z problemami onkologicznymi. Materiał i metody Analizie poddano odpowiedzi na pytania ankiety uzyskane od 169 osób na 210 uczestników igrzysk Onko-Olimpiady (80 dziewcząt i 89 na 118 chłopców). Średnia wieku dziewcząt wynosiła 13,05 lat, a chłopców 13,08 lat. Reprezentowali Polskę (62 dziewcząt i 69 chłopców), Litwę (6 dziewcząt i 4 chłopców), Rumunię (4 dziewczęta i 8 chłopców), Ukrainę (8 dziewcząt i 8 chłopców). Zastosowano międzynarodowy kwestionariusz aktywności fizycznej (IPAQ). Wyniki Dziewczęta wykazały mniejszą intensywną (3,56 dnia/tyg. po 88 min/dzień) i umiarkowaną (3,61 dnia/tyg. po 96,5 min/dzień) aktywność fizyczną niż chłopcy (intensywna – 3,91 dnia/tyg. po 99,35 min/dzień., umiarkowana – 4,20 dnia/tyg. po 103,7 min/dzień). Czas chodzenia w tygodniu (dziewczęta – 16,18 godz., chłopcy – 15,91 godz.) i siedzenia (dziewczęta – 5,17 godz., chłopcy – 5,57 godz.). Wśród sportowców największą intensywną i umiarkowaną aktywność fizyczną wykazały osoby z nerwiakiem zarodkowym i nowotworem kości, a mniejszą osoby z białaczką, chłoniakiem i guzami litymi. Istniało zróżnicowanie aktywności fizycznej ze względu na rodzaj choroby nowotworowej. Wnioski Aktywność fizyczna sportowców z problemami onkologicznymi w Polsce nie zależy od płci, wieku w badanym jego zakresie, masy, wysokości ciała a także wskaźnika BMI, a zależy od rodzaju choroby nowotworowej. Istnieją przesłanki na przykładzie badanej grupy sportowców do różnicowania zalecanej aktywności fizycznej wyrażonej w MET-min./tyg. dla osób z różnymi rodzajami chorób onkologicznych.
Introduction: Persons with intellectual disabilities are faced with many obstacles in performing physical activity. The trigger may be coming from genetics, environmental factors (eg. financial), as well as psychological related, inter alia, the level of motivation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anaerobic performance of the lower limbs of men with intellectual disabilities. Another aim of this study was to compare the anaerobic performance of physically active and inactive men with intellectual disabilities. Material and methods: The participants of the study were 22 physically active men and 9 physically inactive man with intellectual disability. All participants performed a 30-second Wingate test twice. The following parameters were evaluated the mean power (MP), the relative mean power (rMP), the maximum power (PP), the relative maximum power (rPP) and fatigue index (FI). We compared the results obtained in both tests 30-second to examine the reliability and the values obtained in the test between active and inactive persons . Results: The results showed significant correlations between all power parameters studied, except for the fatigue index. All parameters of physically active group with intellectual disabilities achieved significantly better results relative then inactive persons. Conclusions: The reliability of 30-second Wingate test for persons with intellectual disabilities were confirmed. Also confirmed a higher power level inactive men with intellectual disabilities in relation to the untrained men.
Introduction There are some studies concern special field-based tests for wheelchair basketball players however, there were not a lot of studies confirmed reliability and/or validity of wheelchair basketball field-based tests. The aim of the present study was to assess test-retest reliability of the newly developed field-based tests focused on short time efforts with maximal intensity for wheelchair basketball players. Material and methods Nine elite male wheelchair basketball players (mean age 29.7 ± 5.9 years) performed two times 11 field-based tests focused on short time efforts with the maximal intensity: 3 m sprint, 5 m sprint, 10 m sprint, 20 m sprint, pass basketball ball by both hands from the chest, pass medicine ball (3 kg) by both hands from the chest, bilateral handgrip, 3-6-9 m drill test, 30-seconds sprint test, agility drill test, and 10x5 m sprint test. All sprint tests’ time were measured by Microgate® photocells (Bolzano, Italy). Differences between field-based tests repetitions were compared by the t-test for dependent samples, relationship between repetitions was calculated by the Pearson correlation coefficient, and the ICCs were calculated (test-retest reliability). Results The ICCs were ‘very good’, correlations were strong for each field-based test (r > 0.7). Only for the agility drill test the first repetition is statistically different compare to the second repetition (p = .015). Conclusions The main application of our research is a confirmation of reliability of 10 field-based tests related to short time efforts with maximum intensity: 3 m sprint, 5 m sprint, 10 m sprint, 20 m sprint, pass basketball ball by both hands from the chest, pass medicine ball (3 kg) by both hands from the chest, bilateral handgrip, 3-6-9 m drill test, 30-seconds sprint test, and 10x5 m sprint test.
Background The profession of a firefighter involves multiple factors that directly or indirectly impact on the person's health. The aim of this study was to establish the correlation between physical fitness of the selected group of firefighters with respect to anthropometric parameters, additional physical activity, and injury rate. Material and methods The study examined 77 men who worked for the State Fire Service (age: 28.87±9.84 years, body mass: 82.13±9.37 kg, body height: 180.12±6.39 cm). Of he study group, 53% of the fire-fighters had normal BMI, 42% were overweight and 5% had first degree obesity. The study used a survey questionnaire concerning the anthropometric data, previous injuries, physiotherapeutic procedures following the injury, and participants' involvement in additional physical activity. A physical fitness test battery was used to determine the correlation between physical fitness and: age, BMI and additional physical activity and injury rate. Results Musculoskeletal injuries accounted for 51% of all injuries. Of all injuries, 56% were occupational. The correlations between the results of the handgrip test were insignificant with respect to BMI and age, whereas in other tests, the correlations were statistically significant (p<0.05). No differences were observed in the results of handgrip test between the group of firefighters who were and those who were not involve in additional physical activity. Comparison of the results obtained by firefighters following the injury and without previous injuries revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the 4 x 10 m shuttle run. Conclusions Age and higher values of BMI are the factors that reduce the level of physical fitness of firefighters. Involvement in additional physical activity is a factor in improving physical fitness of firefighters. Previous injuries the firefighters had suffered did not have an effect on their physical fitness.
Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between anaerobic performance (AnP), applicable field tests, and the functional classification levels in female wheelchair basketball athletes. Methods. Female wheelchair basketball athletes (N = 23; Category A, n = 9; Category B, n = 14) from the Canadian national team were evaluated using field tests and the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test. Measures of peak power output (PP), time to achieve peak power (tPP), mean power output (MP), and a fatigue index (FI) were used to assess AnP. A test battery evaluating seven wheelchair basketball skills was applied. Student’s t test was used to identify differences between the two main functional categories (A and B). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient were calculated to determine the significance of all relationships between the parameters of AnP, the results of the field tests, and the eight functional classification levels of the athletes (1.0-4.5 pts.). Results. In all analyzed parameters, except for the field test measuring shooting skills, the results of AnP were significantly higher for Category B players. Significant relationships were observed between athletes’ classification level and AnP and the field tests except for tPP, the 5 m sprint, and the shooting test. The strongest association was observed for MP and PP, MP and FI, PP and FI (p = 0.001). Conclusions. Strong associations were found between the functional classification level and AnP of the female wheelchair basketball athletes. The strongest correlation was confirmed between MP, PP, and the field test measuring the two-handed chest pass, suggesting that this test can be used to indirectly assess the anaerobic performance of female wheelchair basketball athletes.
Purpose. The purpose of the study was to examine game efficiency of elite wheelchair rugby players in consideration of International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) classification during the 2008 Paralympic Games played according to the old wheelchair rugby rules.Basic procedures. A group of 77 athletes representing 8 national teams participated in the study. Each team played 5 games for 32 min each. Athletes who played for more than 8 min in total at the 2008 Paralympics qualified for the study. The seven IWRF player point classes were collapsed into four groups. The game efficiency analysis was based on the IWRF Statistical Reports. The following six game efficiency parameters were analyzed: played time (T), sum of all points scored (PT), assist passes (AS), assist blocks (AB), turnovers (TO) and steals (ST).Main findings. The major finding of the study was that most differences in PT, AS, AB, TO and ST were found among all the examined groups (I-IV), except groups I and II. The played time (T) was not sensitive enough to identify significant differences among all the groups. This indicates that played time in the context of substitutions limited by classification point requirements does not reflect the differences between player classes.Conclusions. Generally, there was a tendency for highpoint class players to perform better. The study findings point to the importance of analysis of game efficiency of elite wheelchair rugby players with regard to their IWRF classification during tournaments played according to the new wheelchair rugby rules.
Introduction: Looking for solutions to improve physical fitness of persons with sensory impairments, both in the context of physiotherapy and the creation of adapted physical activity programs in the physical education and extracurricular activities, it seems important to determine the effect of sensory impairments at the level of coordination motor abilities (CMA). The aim of the study was to compare the coordination motor abilities of blind, deaf and able-bodied boys aged 14-17. Material and methods: The research was carried out on 37 boys: totally blind students (14) from the Education Centre for Blind Children in Laski, deaf students (18) from Deaf Institute in Warsaw and able-bodied peers (15) from School No.51 in Warsaw. The following tests evaluating selected CMA were used in the research: spatial orientation, dynamic balance, high frequency of movement, rhythmicising, kinesthetic differentmiation, connection of movement. Participants performed motor tests such as: walking into goal, turn on a bar of a gym bench, flat tapping, rhythmic drumming of upper and lower limbs, long jump at 50% capacity, transfering a gym stick, skiping with clapping under the knees, The Starosta Global Coordination Test. Measurements and evaluation of basic anthropometric parameters were done as well as Body Mass Index was calculated. Means of results of every tests were evaluated through nonparametric Krauskal-Wallis test. Statistical significance between the groups was determined using the U Mann-Whitney test. Results: Coordination motor abilities differentiated the groups of boys - blind, deaf and able-bodied. The lowest level of the CMA was obtained in a group of blind boys and there were only little differences between the deaf and able-bodied participants. For the blind boys the most difficult test was rotation on the bench gym, which may indirectly indicate low level of dynamic balance. Conclusions: The ability to rhythmic whole body and spatial orientation were the CMA that needed improvement in the group of deaf boys. There is no correlation between the results obtained in tests of CMA and body height, weight, BMI and age of individuals
Dotychczasowe analizy środowiska zawodników niepełnosprawnych wskazały, że o wyborze trenowania dyscypliny sportu decydują zarówno aspekty sportowe, jak i zdrowotne. Natomiast badania grup koszykarzy na wózkach sugerowały, że aspekt zdrowotny jest pomijany przez zawodników wybierających tą dyscyplinę sportu. Brak jest szczegółowych badań opisujących przyczyny, jakimi kierują się niepełnosprawni sportowcy przy wyborze rugby na wózkach i boccii. Celem pracy było określenie motywacji zawodników niepełnosprawnych do uczestniczenia w zajęciach koszykówki na wózkach, rugby na wózkach oraz boccii wraz z diagnozą środowiska uwzględniającą wiek, staż treningowy oraz objętości treningu zawodników. Materiał badań stanowiło 174 zawodników niepełnosprawnych uczestniczących w treningach koszykówki na wózkach (46), rugby na wózkach (62) i boccii (66). Do realizacji założonego celu pracy wykorzystano tzw. Participation Reason Scale (Skalę Motywów Uczestnictwa - PRS). Wyniki badań wskazały, między innymi, że zespołowe współdziałanie w sporcie oraz emocje związane ze sportem są głównymi czynnikami motywującymi osoby niepełnosprawne do uprawiania koszykówki oraz rugby na wózkach. Z kolei aspekty zdrowotne aktywności sportowej są głównymi motywami uczestnictwa w zajęciach boccii. Stopień ograniczenia możliwości funkcjonalnych jest głównym kryterium determinującym motywy uczestnictwa przez osoby niepełnosprawne w sporcie - im większa niepełnosprawność, tym większą rolę odgrywają aspekty zdrowotne sportu.
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The analyses of athletes with disabilities carried out so far have shown that both sports and health aspects play an important role in choosing to take up various sports. However, the analysis of wheelchair basketball players indicated that the health aspect is ignored by the athletes who choose to practice this discipline. There are no detailed papers describing reasons behind the choice of particular discipline among wheelchair rugby and boccia players. The aim of this paper was to determine what motivated the disabled athletes to take up wheelchair basketball, rugby or boccia and to evaluate their environment taking into account their age, training experience and training intensity. The research group consisted of 174 disabled athletes participating in wheelchair basketball (46), rugby (62) and boccia (66). In order to achieve the aim Reason for Participation Questionnaire was used (RPQ). The results showed that, among other things, teamwork and emotions related to sports were the main factors motivating the disabled athletes to take up wheelchair basketball and rugby. Health aspects of physical activity were the main reasons for participating in boccia training. The degree of functional limitations was the main criterion determining the reasons for participation in sports activities - the greater the disability, the more important role played by health aspects of the practised sport.
Introduction Paralympic sailing was introduced at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games. Since then it has been developing rapidly and an increasing number of individuals in Poland and abroad regularly take part in sports competitions. Currently, disabled athletes can compete in three classes: Sonar, 2.4mR and Skud 18. The review of the Polish and foreign lit-erature does not give a clear indication of the motives for participation in Paralympic sailing. Material and methods The study was carried out on 52 regatta sailors with physical disabilities. Group I consisted of 20 sailors from the Polish National Team. Group II consisted of 32 sailors from 10 European countries. The study was conducted during the National Team camp in Górki Zachodnie and during the European Championships in Switzerland. The Par-ticipation Reasons Scale (PRS - developed by Brasile and Hedrick in 1991) was used in the study. Results Excitement of the activity and an opportunity to improve abilities were rated highest by the disabled sailors from the Polish National Team. In the group of sailors from other European countries, the motives rated highest included the chance to be with friends and challenges related to sailing. Conclusions Sports-related aspects and emotions are the main factors motivating dis-abled persons to practise sailing. If we take into account the needs indicated by the sailors in planning sports activities for people with disabilities, it may contribute to faster development of Paralympic sailing in our country.
The aim of this study was to review the literature dealing with the force-time characteristics of different forms of physical activity performed with upper limbs by the elderly and the disabled (Nordic Walking and using a wheelchair, respectively) and of manual techniques used by physiotherapists. Values of work and power were analysed as well. Based on the analysis of the literature concerning the substantive areas included in this article, we believe that objective measurements will expand the present knowledge about values of force developed by upper limbs during different forms of human activity. It seems to be of particular significance in the application of manual therapy techniques, because currently values of force exerted upon the patient while applying these techniques are selected by a physiotherapist intuitively and are neither objective nor systematically controlled. The identification of the values of force developed with upper limbs by the elderly, the disabled and physiotherapists during the aforementioned forms of activity will make an original contribution to the broadly defined physical culture, especially rehabilitation and health promotion.
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Niniejsze badania miały na celu przegląd literatury dotyczącej charakterystyki siła- czas kończyn górnych osób starszych i niepełnosprawnych podczas różnych form aktywności fizycznej (odpowiednio Nordic Walking oraz poruszanie się na wózku) oraz fizjoterapeutów podczas stosowania technik manualnych, jak również analizę wartości pracy i mocy. W oparciu o analizę literatury przedmiotu dotyczącej zagadnień merytorycznych uwzględnionych w niniejszym artykule uważamy, że obiektywne pomiary rozszerzą aktualny stan wiedzy na temat wartości sił rozwijanych przez kończyny górne podczas różnych form aktywności fizycznej. Wydaje się to mieć szczególne znaczenie w przypadku stosowania manualnych technik fizjoterapeutycznych, jako że aktualnie wartości siły wywieranej na pacjenta podczas stosowania tych technik są dobierane intuicyjnie przez fizjoterapeutę i nie są ani obiektywne, ani systematycznie kontrolowane. Identyfikacja wartości sił rozwijanych kończynami górnymi przez osoby starsze, niepełnosprawne oraz przez fizjoterapeutów podczas wyżej wymienionych form aktywności przyczyni się do rozwoju szeroko pojętej kultury fizycznej, w tym szczególnie rehabilitacji oraz promocji zdrowia.
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