Background: Disadvantageous tendencies bound with a growing distance between the somatic development and motor condition of children and youth raise well understood anxiety, as these phenomena endanger health and fitness of future generations. The aim of this work is to verify if the above-mentioned phenomenon may be referred to youth groups for whom physical activity and motor development are important elements of everyday life. Material/Methods: Between 1983 and 2009 data on a total of 7,663 men and 7,368 women from Poznan AWF (University School of Physical Education) were collected annually at the same time each year. Information was collected on the body height and mass, and the vertical jump test. The maximum anaerobic work was calculated. Results: In both men and women there was a tendency for a negative association between body dimensions and fitness. A correlation analysis revealed a strong relationship between body height and mass, directly proportional tendencies, at p<0.05 significance level, and better performance on the vertical jump test associated with higher maximum anaerobic work. Conclusions: Summing up, it is possible to suppose that along with stabilization of the economic situation of the state one should expect maintaining the progress of the secular trend in the case of somatic features; unfortunately, at the same time we will probably observe a slump in motor development.
Introduction. Physical activity is an important factor in health risk prevention, which improves the quality of life, as well as promotes both physical and mental health preservation [1, 2]. Each year, the lack of physical activity causes death of 600,000 people in Europe - approximately 6% of the total population [3]. Despite the significant number of studies that have been conducted on students' physical activity, it is also being claimed that studies on the teenage group are essential yet scarce, and the results are ambiguous [4]. This confirms the need for more such studies in order to better determine the significant factors in the promotion of students' physical activity. Material and methods. 339 students aged 11 to 19 participated in the collection of data base: 147 boys and 192 girls. Average age of participants was: 14.6 years. 75 students aged 14-19 years (33 girls and 42 boys) were involved in the pedagogical experiment. The average age of the participants was 16-19 years in School 1 (11 girls and 18 boys), and 14-17 years in School 2 (19 girls and 27 boys). Average age of participants was: 16.3 years. Three sports teachers participated in the pedagogical experiment as well. During the course of the experiment, teachers developed a model of pedagogical interaction in physical education classes. At each school the experiment lasted for 14 weeks. In both schools physical education classes were held twice a week. Results. Based on factor analysis, a model of pedagogical interactions promoting physical activity of students was developed. According to the results of the physical activity habits test (inventory) we can conclude that students have experienced positive and statistically significant changes in their physical activity. The boys were considerably more active during classes where the teacher was present as a participant of physical activities. Conclusions. Teachers and students remark that the applied contents of the pedagogical interaction model have positive effects on the interaction between students and teachers and stimulate physical activity of students.
Background: The objective of this study was to find out the most important influences affecting the women's choice of a fitness club and to show that a fitness instructor is one of the significant factors in this decision making process. Comprehensive understanding by instructors of the women's decision making process will help in improving the women's satisfaction level, hence their regular participation in fitness activities.Material/Methods: Two different target groups connected with the activity of fitness clubs were studied. In the first one there were 339 female fitness class participants at the age of 13 to 76. There were 188 group fitness instructors at the age of 19 to 59 in the second target group. Both groups filled in a questionnaire constructed for this research project. 17 factors that might affect the women's choice of a fitness club were analyzed.Results: The study reveals that fitness instructors' qualifications and the factors connected with their work have a much more important impact on the women's choice of a club than some other promotional activities.Conclusions: Maintaining a high level of fitness instructors' qualifications and enabling them to deliver the highest quality of work should have the highest priority in the marketing strategy of fitness clubs. High expectations that women have of fitness instructors prove the necessity of developing training standards for leisure time physical activity instructors in Poland. This is essential to ensure an appropriate level of their professional qualifications.
This study aimed to analyze the acute effects of a single session of a community-based group exercise program combining step aerobics and bodyweight resistance exercise on blood pressure in healthy young adult women. Twentythree healthy young adult women (aged 31.57 ± 7.87 years) participated in two experimental sessions (exercise and control) in a crossover study design. Blood pressure was monitored before, immediately after and at 10, 20 and 30 min of recovery. The exercise session consisted of four phases: 1) a warm-up (5 min of dance aerobics); 2) aerobic exercise training (30 min of step aerobics); 3) resistance exercise training (six sets of 12 repetitions of three bodyweight exercises in a circuit mode, 10 min); and 4) a cool-down (5 min of breathing and flexibility exercises); totaling 50 min of duration. Systolic blood pressure after exercise was significantly lower compared to control at the 10th min (-10.83 ± 2.13 vs. -2.6 ± 2.13 mmHg; p = 0.009), 20th min (-11.26 ± 2.13 vs. -3.04 ± 2.13 mmHg; p = 0.009) and 30th min of recovery (-10.87 ± 2.39 vs. -0.48 ± 2.39 mmHg; p = 0.004). A single session of a community-based group exercise program combining step aerobics and bodyweight resistance exercise was effective in inducing significant post-exercise hypotension in healthy young adult women. This type of low-cost exercise interventions may have an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and in community health promotion.
Background: The aim of the study was to compare the mobility of the thoracic-lumbar segment of the spine and the mobility of its separate segments - the thoracic and lumbar ones in the saggital and transverse plane among young men divided into three groups that differ in the current commitment to physical activity.Material/Methods: 135 young men - students of Physical Education Faculty and of Tourism and Recreation Faculty at the Academy of Physical Education and Sport in Gdansk as well as students from the University of Gdansk aged 21-22 who did not participate actively in any sports discipline were involved in the study. In the saggital plane in the range of bending the torso forwards the flexibility of the thoracic-lumbar segment of the spine was tested according to Wolański's assumptions, the flexibility of the thoracic segment of the spine with Otto and Wurm's test and the lumbar segment of the spine with Schober's test. In the transverse plane in the range of torso twist to the right and to the left the mobility of the thoracic-lumbar segment of the spine and the lumbar segment were examined with the usage of Pavelek's tests.Results: In the saggital plane of the body among men from individual groups, the mobility of the thoracic-lumbar and lumbar segments of the spine during bend forwards was in the norm and above it, whereas the mobility of the thoracic segment of the spine was above the norm. In the transverse plane the range of the spine movement in the thoracic-lumbar and the lumbar spine to the right and left was similar among all the tested men, whereas the range of the thoracic-lumbar segment movement was above and of the lumbar segment below the norm. The students from Physical Education Faculty were characterised as having the highest flexibility of the thoracic-lumbar segment of the spine in the saggital plane in comparison with other students' flexibility. Against the background of the other groups the students of Tourism and Recreation Faculty demonstrated the highest mobility of the lumbar spine in the saggital plane. The stated differences were statistically significant.Conclusions: Higher frequency of participation in physical exercises and their longer duration among the students of Physical Education (PE) in comparison with the other groups did not influence significantly the range of their spine mobility apart from the range of bend forwards of the whole thoracic-lumbar segment of the spine in the saggital plane.
Background: Unhealthy habits (poor diet, smoking and hazardous alcohol drinking) often originate from early-life. We assessed the knowledge on selected cardiovascular and cancer risk factors, healthy habits and its implementation among adolescents and the correlation with their residence. Material and methods: A survey-based study (38-item inventory) was conducted among adolescents from urban and rural-urban areas recruited in two Tricity high-schools and one junior high school from Gniewkowo, respectively. Results: A total of 410 students (59% girls) form Tricity and 287 (51% girls) from Gniewkowo completed the inventory. The mean age was 15.3 years. Students from Gniewkowo spend weekly 8.9±6.2 hours on structured physical activity, which contrasts with 5.5±4.5hrs in Tricity(P<0.001). Gniewkowo residents restrained from alcohol consumption in 38.7% vs. 31.1% in Tricity (P=0.04); were active smokers at 9.4% vs. 4.2% (P=0.007); regular fruits and vegetables consumption was low in both Gniewkowo and Tricity 11.8% vs. 8.6% (P=0.19); respectively. The awareness of the risk factors of non-communicable diseases was more common amongst Tricity adolescents. This was consistently coupled with the knowledge on preventive methods. Conclusions: The level of knowledge on common non-communicable disease risk factors is higher among teenagers from urban areas, however this does not necessarily translate to more frequent introduction of healthy lifestyle.
Background: Shaping proper health attitudes in young people has an essential meaning for their health in the future. The age of youth is a period when pro-health attitudes set in and behaviours risky for health appear. Monitoring them is the starting point for planning prophylaxis programmes realised by schools.Health attitudes of girls completing their education in secondary schools was the subject of this study, and the main goal was to assess dependencies between the degree of intensity of health attitudes and nutritional behaviours, the level of physical activity and the value of the body mass index (BMI).Material/Methods: In the school year 2010/2011 research among randomly chosen pupils of secondary schools in Gdańsk was conducted. Basic anthropometric measurements of the studied 3rd grade schoolgirls (body height, body mass, evaluation of body composition) were carried out. A questionnaire consisting of 3 parts concerning health attitudes was the basic research tool.Results: Irregularities in nutritional behaviours in the studied schoolgirls were revealed, and in particular resignation from eating the first breakfast, insufficient consumption of vegetables and fruit. It was noticed that the level of physical activity investigated by IPAQ questionnaire is at a low level. The majority of girls showed a low or average level of health attitudes (HA).Conclusions: Learning about health attitudes will allow schools to diagnose these behaviours and to prepare proper programmes promoting health.
Background: The subject of the paper is pro-health behaviour of women (N=477) who have children (N=124) and those who have no children (N=353). The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) by Icek Ajzen, in the light of which the differences in the health behaviour level of the sample group are considered, constitutes the theoretical basis of this work.Material/Methods: The research group consisted of women at the age of 19-36 (M=27, 5 yrs of age SD=4 yrs of age). The Health and Behaviour Survey Questionnaire by Steptoe and Wardle was used for the measurement. Four scales of healthy behaviour values, i.e., taking up physical activity, avoiding addictions, hygienic and medical behaviour and nutritional habits were analysed.Results: As a result of the comparison, it appears that childless women demonstrated a significantly higher physical activity level (M=263.03) compared to women who have children (M=170.58) at the significance level (p=0.001). As far as the hygienic and medical behaviour is concerned, a significantly higher level was observed in the group of women who have children (M=261.15) than in the group of childless women (M=231.22) at the significance level (p=0.037).Conclusions: Further research should focus on the determination of the influence of subjective norm change (knowledge) on the health activities undertaken by women.
Introduction: Although practicing physical activity according to recommendations has health benefits, many studies have reported that the level of participation is lower than recommended. Methods: In this behavioural epidemiological study, we used a correlational design to determine the contribution made by physical education (PE) classes to daily physical activity in a sample of 694 Spanish adolescents. Physical activity levels were determined using the Four by One-Day Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: 65.1% of adolescents comply with the recommendations on PE school days, compared to 36.6% who do so on the days with no PE class. Moreover, on PE school days, they obtain significantly higher physical activity level scores compared to days with no PE class. Conclusion: The study, therefore, shows the fundamental role of PE in increasing daily physical activity levels. Proposals to improve physical activity levels in these adolescents should be put forward, with educational centres being one of the best settings to achieve this goal.
The main aim of the study was to examine whether relationships exist between particular temperamental traits within the concept of Regulative Theory of Temperament and components of physical fitness, that are most crucial for success in sport. The research involved 108 individuals including 63 men (age 21.1 ± 1.6 yrs) and 45 women (age 20.7 ± 1.3 yrs). None of the respondents were professionally engaged in sport. Components of physical fitness included: aerobic capacity, strength, agility, static-dynamic balance and reaction time. The respondents also completed two questionnaires: the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour – Temperament Inventory and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The results indicate that the temperamental traits had average to poor correlations with the components of physical fitness, whereas more statistically significant correlations were observed in women. Negative correlations were obtained between emotional reactivity and agility, which was a result confirmed by previous research. All temperamental traits related with the energetic aspects of behaviour correlated with simple reaction time in women. Physical activity and aerobic capacity did not correlate with any of the studied traits. The results do not allow for any general conclusions to be drawn, but can serve as a reference point for future research on temperamental traits as delineated by Regulative Theory of Temperament and their relationship with the components of physical fitness.
Rising life expectancy of the populations living in highly developed countries has been observed over recent decades. The number of people worldwide above the age of 60 is increasing at an unprecedented pace. The purpose of the study was to determine the significance of physical activity of older people in the process of successful ageing. Research methods. This article is a review of Polish and foreign studies considering the relationship between physical activity and successful ageing. The elaboration refers to the results of surveys published in the reviewed scientific journals including empirical studies mainly based on diagnostic survey. Study results. A thorough analysis identified three parts: the concept of successful ageing, the relationship between physical activity and health, and physical activity of older persons in Poland compared to their counterparts abroad. A review of the literature and documents has revealed that one of the main factors affecting successful ageing is physical activity. Conclusions. Physical activity and successful ageing are different in the assessed communities. Thus, it is necessary to monitor physical activity of older people in the context of successful ageing – in order to provide conducive circumstances to activating this social group and thus reducing social security cost.
The aim of the study was to assess selected nutritional behaviors and the level of physical activity of high school students in the West Pomeranian Voivodship. The research included questionnaires regarding the consumption of breakfast, detailing school days and weekends, the amount of vegetables, fruit, sweets and sugary drinks consumed, as well as questions about physical activity during school and extracurricular classes, intensity of exercises and participation of parents in joint sport. Anthropometric measurements were performed including: body weight, height, BMI, fat mass, lean mass, muscle mass. Body composition analysis was based on the bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA). There were many irregularities in the way students were eating: lack of breakfast, too little consumption of vegetables and fruits and frequent consumption of sweets and sugary drinks. Physical activity in the majority of students was at a correct level. Despite the nutritional mistakes made, the average BMI of the tested students was correct.
Introduction: The paper presents the results of the interaction analysis between physical activity (PA), joy of movement (PACES) and areas of quality of life (SQUALA) of high school students with different levels of sport performance and different ages. These factors have wider background. Phenomenon of the subjective assessment “PACES” is stepping to the foreground. “PACES” proves high frequency of interactions with the areas of SQUALA, more than a single volume of PA. Despite of enough PA in week and high level of PACES, no expected interactions with areas of SQUALA in high school students were demonstrated. The low number of positive interactions points to the necessity of monitoring this construct, also in the relation to gender, to different sports level, type of school, region, country and age. Material and Methods: The survey was attended by 16-19 years old (n = 1302) high school students. The quality of life was examined through SQUALA questionnaire, enjoyment of physical activities by the PACES questionnaire and the level of physical activity in hours per week (PAQ) and by sport level. The data are presented by the descriptive characteristics and statistical significance of the differences, respectively the interactions were evaluated by nonparametric methods. Results: The interactions between PA, PACES and SQUALA in high school students with different sports level with different ages have been proven very sporadically. Positive correlations of PA with areas of SQUALA prevails in 18 and 19 years old students. The joy of movement correlates with spiritual well-being in groups of students who carry out the physical activities occasionally and regularly. Positive interactions of joy of movement with physical well-being have not been proven. Negative interactions between the PA, PACES and SQUALA prevails between 16 and 17 years old students. Conclusion: The higher age factor and factor of the regular movement in high school students appears to be very important in this study. The results reaffirm the importance of voluntary and organized physical activities which have potential to raise the level of the joy from the movement in life of high school students.
Developing the awareness of one's level of physical activity is an important prerequisite to change one's lifestyle into a more physically active and healthy style of living. The aim of the study is to verify the efficacy of pedometers in educational environments and to specify the differences between physical activity in boys and girls aged 17. Twenty seven boys and thirty seven girls from randomly selected classes in two high schools in Katowice, Poland participated in the study. Students wore Yamax SW-700 pedometers for three weeks, continuously recorded data from the pedometers, and used the motivational feedback booklets. The three-week intervention using pedometers was complemented with the IPAQ questionnaire to assess their physical activity during the last seven days.For statistical analysis, we used basic statistical characteristics, Mann-Whitney test, repeated ANOVA, "effect size" coefficient ω2 (Tolson, 1980), and other partial analysis programs in Statistica 6 and SPSS 15.Both boys and girls were less physically active on weekend days during the analyzed period. The use of pedometers did not decrease the difference between physical activity on school days and weekend days. No significant differences were found in the average number of steps per day between boys and girls, as well as no significant differences were identified in the interaction of gender vs. school and weekend days.Additional study is necessary to confirm whether the use of pedometers in physical education classes can help decrease the differences in physical activity between boys and girls.
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 Regular physical activity adapted to the current state of health is a priority in successful ageing. Older people want to remain fully independent for as long as possible. In the elderly, revolutionary changes in body structure and posture are taking place. Back pain is a common problem in the elderly and an important factor limiting life activity. Despite the many benefits of physical activity, its effect on the prevention of back pain has not been clearly demonstrated and contradictory information can be found in the literature. The aim of the study was to assess the physical activity of men over 60 years of age and to verify its relation with the occurrence of spinal pain. Material and methods The study included 30 men aged 62-86 years, participants of the university of the third age. Somatic parameters (BH, BM, WC, FAT%, BMI, WHR) were evaluated. Physical activity measured by the number of steps per week. The incidence of spinal pain was assessed using the Oswestra questionnaire. Results Overweight and obesity were over 80%, while abdominal obesity occurred in 67%. Most men had a sedentary lifestyle or low physical activity. The Oswestra questionnaire showed that 56% of the men surveyed had a mediocre and total disability. Conclusions The majority of men were characterized by excess body weight and low physical activity, and the relationship between these variables was clear. The low and weak correlation between spinal pain and physical activity and somatic parameters, as shown in the studies, leads to the search for factors with a greater impact.
Introduction Insufficient physical activity constitutes one of the most problematic issues in the contemporary society. Data show that seniors should take up physical activity as it considerably affects their health and quality of life. Material and method The study included 76 individuals over 60 years of age who actively participated in social life (Senior Clubs, Country Housewives' Clubs, Folk groups) in south-eastern Poland. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Timed Up and Go Cognitive Test (TUG cog), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), right and left handgrip test, Functional Chair Stand Test (FS test), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were applied in the study. Results It was revealed that male participants (p=0.001), individuals being in a relationship (p=0.02) and subjects who had never had any fractures before (p=0.02) demonstrated higher levels of physical activity. In the examined group, a higher level of physical activity significantly correlated with a higher level of muscle strength of lower limbs (p=0.32) and left handgrip strength (p=0.26), shorter time of covering the distance of 10 metres (p=-0.23) and a higher level of cognitive capabilities (p=0.29). Conclusions Physical activity depends on sociodemographic factors and correlates with functional and cognitive capabilities of seniors. Therefore, it is important to promote active lifestyle among elderly individuals and to draw attention to its positive influence on everyday functioning.
The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between the profile of readiness to change and pro-health behaviours as well as physical activity among students of physical education and other teaching specialisation. The study was carried out among a randomly selected group of teaching specialisation students (464 females and 143 males). In the research, the following were applied: Inventory of Pro-health Behaviours by Z. Juczyński, the IPAQ and the Readiness to Change Questionnaire. Diversification in pro-health behaviours, level of physical activity and selected features of readiness to change among students of teaching specialisations was demonstrated. In the general population, along with the increase in selfconfidence, passion and optimism, the level of health pro-behaviours also increased. Regardless of the type of studies, there were significant positive correlations between the level of physical activity and the degree of passion, optimism and boldness. Among students of other teaching specialisations (apart from physical education), a positive relationship was also noted between physical activity and creativity. Among the students of teaching specialisations, a correlation was demonstrated between the level of pro-health behaviours and physical activity as well as the degree of selected features constituting readiness to change.
Background: The research aimed at determining whether the youth taking up studies at a university level institution of physical education are physically active and whether there is a connection with the place of permanent residence, the level of parents' education, economic situation and whether physical activity has anything to do with the choice of the field of studies.Material/Methods: The research involved 1,900 students of full-time studies of the first year at the Academy of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk. A proprietary questionnaire including standardized multiple choice answers and open questions was used. The information achieved by means of the questionnaire concerned, among others, socio-demographic characteristics, economic situation, choice of studies and physical activity. The statistical analysis was conducted by means of Statistica 8.0 software (StatSoft Polska).Results: The results indicate the relationship of physical activity before studies of youth taking up education at a university level institution of physical education with their choice of the field of studies as well as with socio-demographic and economic determinants.Conclusions: On the basis of the analysis of research tests presented in this work it can be assumed that parents' education, place of residence, parents' economic situation are factors forming the environment in which a young person grows up and his/her need for physical activity is developed.
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