Acta Kinesiologica

Hemodynamic response of the circulatory system to static exercise in women of different ages

2025-07-30T14:03:55+02:00

Purpose: One of the factors influencing changes in blood pressure is the age of the examined person. Hence, the aim of this
study is to determine the hemodynamic response during the isometric handgrip test (HGT) in women of different ages.
Methods: The study involved 116 women over 19 and under 80 years of age, divided into 6 age groups, i.e. up to 30
(23.17±2.90) years, 40 (35.89±2.08) years, 50 (45.31±3.17) years, 60 (56.69±3.20) years, 70 (65.24±1.30) years and over
70 (74.07±3.10) years of age. Under these people, somatic and maximum handgrip strength (MVC) measurements were
performed. In resting conditions and in the first, second and third minute of HGT performed with a force of 30% MVC,
systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured.
Results: Younger individuals were characterized by lower body mass index (BMI) and higher MVC values than older women.
During HGT, higher values of circulatory system variables were observed compared to resting values from the 2nd minute of
the test and the effect size of these changes (η2) ranged from medium (.09) to big (.45). In terms of intergroup differences,
higher HR and lower SBP were observed in younger women compared to older women, with no significant differences in
DBP.
Conclusions: Age and the involutional changes it determines in women are of significant importance for the development of
hemodynamic reactions both at rest and during HGT. The age limit of 50 years is significant in this respect.

Effects of a 6-week Lokomat® intervention on paretic and non-paretic lower-limb force in subacute stroke patients

2025-07-20T16:20:03+02:00

Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Lokomat® intervention on paretic and non-paretic
lower-limb force (L-FORCE) in subacute stroke patients.
Methods: For this observational, case-control study, we recruited 13 subacute stroke patients (age = 53.38 ± 8.78 years,
38.50% women) who experienced a stroke <2 months prior an intervention. Pre-post changes for Lokomat® system in hip
and knee flexion and extension movements were observed.
Results: At baseline, no significant differences between left and right leg in hip flexion (Z – value = 0.002, P= .998), hip
extension (Z – value = 0.526, P= .609), knee flexion (Z – value = -1.056, P= .314) and knee extension (Z – value = 0.043,
P= .967) were found. Over a period of 6 weeks, the Lokomat® guided intervention non-significantly increased hip flexion
torques in paretic leg (ES = .18, P= .716) and non-paretic leg (ES = .38, P= .056). For knee flexion, non-significant increases for
paretic leg (ES = .24, P= .225) and non-paretic leg (ES = .22, P= .291) were observed. Results for hip extension indicated nonsignificant
increases for paretic leg (ES = .23, P= .269) and non-paretic leg (ES = .35, P= .095). Similar to other movements,
non-significant increases were shown for paretic leg (ES = .15, P= .744) and non-paretic leg (ES = .26, P= .229) in knee
extension. Non-significant differences in pre-post changes between paretic and non-paretic leg were observed for hip flexion
(P= 0.442), hip extension (P= .055), knee flexion (P= .477) and knee extension (P= .554).
Conclusions: A 6-week Lokomat® intervention produced small positive changes in flexion and extension hip and knee
movements for paretic and non-paretic leg in subacute stroke patients. Thus, the Lokomat® is able to detect and measure
changes within a certain joint and between paretic and non-paretic limb.

Effects of acute boxing exercises on attention and psychophysiological states

2025-09-03T08:35:38+02:00

Purpose: The objective of this investigation was to determine the effects of acute boxing exercises on attention, heart rate
(HR), and mood states among regional boxing secondary school students.
Methods: Fourteen students (8 males and 6 females, age = 16.10 ± .30 years, height = 166.92 ± 3.66 cm, body mass = 60.90
± 7.80 kg) specialized in competing in boxing participated in the present study. They were randomly assigned to one of the
following three sessions in a crossover design: (i) a tag boxing game condition, (ii) a footwork drills condition, and (iii) a
control condition (CC). Cognitive performance, namely concentration performance (CP) and fluctuation rate (FR), HR, and
rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed pre and immediately post each condition using d2 test, a wrist monitor
recorder, and Borg CR-10 scale, respectively. Mood state was quantified using Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) questionnaire
only immediately after each condition.
Results: The findings revealed that while overall CP did not differ between tag boxing games and footwork drills (P= .24), the
consistency of attention was superior following tag boxing, as indicated by a significantly lower FR (P= .02). FR was also lower
in tag boxing compared to the CC (P< .001). No significant difference in HR was found between the two exercise conditions
(P= 1.00). Regarding psychological measures, higher RPE and fatigue subscale values were reported after footwork drills
than after tag boxing games (P= .03 and .04, respectively) and CC (P< .001). Conversely, higher vigor subscale values were
reported following tag boxing games compared to footwork drills (P= .03) and CC (P< .001).
Conclusions: Acute boxing exercises, notably tag boxing games, demonstrate a significant benefit for the persistence and
consistency of attention control, despite showing no difference in overall concentration performance. This suggests that
boxing practitioners may implement tag boxing games prior to any tasks requiring sustained and stable visual attention.

Leisure Satisfaction as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Recreational Area Preferences and Flow Experiences

2025-09-07T14:44:01+02:00

Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationship between recreational area preferences and recreational flow
experiences in green leisure participants, particularly focusing on the mediating effect of leisure satisfaction.
Method: The study involved 663 adults aged 18–65. Participants completed three standardized scales. The factor structure
of the scales was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, and the mediation model was tested using Hayes' PROCESS
Macro (Model 4) with 5,000 bootstrap samples.
Results: The results revealed that recreational area preferences are positively related to green leisure participants’
recreational flow experiences. The effects of leisure satisfaction were shown to mediate the relationship between recreational
area preferences and recreational flow experiences (ΔR² = .10, P≤ .001).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that leisure satisfaction is not only an outcome but also an important process contributing
to the relationship between recreational area preferences and flow experiences. Accordingly, it is suggested that green space
designs incorporating active and passive areas, sensory features, and structured programs may facilitate users' more intense
and meaningful experiences.

Effects of magnetic stimulation and kinesitherapy on inflammatory and nutritional parameters in hemodialysis patients: a pilot study

2025-07-24T11:00:33+02:00

Purpose: The study evaluated the effects of low-frequency magnetic field and kinesitherapy on selected parameters of
nutritional status and inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis.
Methods: The study included 25 hemodialysis patients with stage G5 CKD, divided into three groups: magnetic stimulation
+ kinesitherapy, kinesitherapy only, and a control group. Magnetic stimulation was applied three times a week for 12 weeks.
Blood tests were performed to assess nutritional status (TP, ALB, TC, TG), inflammation (CRP) and liver enzymes AST and
ALT.
Results: Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in TC (P = .675), TG (P = .861), ALT (P = .991),
AST (P = .840), TP (P = .509), or ALB (P = .276). CRP values trended toward statistical significance (P = .069); the highest
median was seen in Group 2 (10.50 mg/L). After therapy, there was a significant decrease in CRP levels in Group 2 (P =
.013). Other parameters showed no significant changes. TC decreased in all groups, with the greatest decrease observed in
the control group. TG levels varied among groups: they increased in Group 1, decreased in the control group, and remained
stable in Group 2 (P = .245). AST and ALT stayed within normal limits. ALB levels slightly decreased in Groups 1 and 2, which,
along with higher CRP, suggests an association with inflammation.
Conclusion: Some patients with advanced CKD on haemodialysis have elevated CRP levels and low albumin, which may
signal malnutrition. Both treatments can affect inflammatory and nutritional status.

Individual forms of leisure-time physical activity across generations: Determinants in an obesogenic environment

2025-09-18T10:31:37+02:00

Purpose: This study aims to explore the external and internal determinants of individual forms of leisure-time physical
activity (IF LTPA) among adults living in Świętochłowice, one of the regions with the highest obesity rates in Poland. It
explores the effects of the generational cohort on the likelihood of engaging in IF LTPA.
Methods: The authors demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach, integrating public health science, sports science, and
management science. In view of this, the convenience sampling recognized in development sciences was used. Data were
collected in two phases: anthropometric measurements and a face-to-face questionnaire. The sample (N = 1,065 adults) was
divided into three generational cohorts: Generation Y, Generation X and the Baby Boomers. Logistic regression was applied
to identify relations between sociodemographic and anthropometric variables and engaging in IF LTPA.
Results: Younger generations are more likely to engage in IF LTPA (36% for Generation Y and 41% for Generation X vs 20%
for Baby Boomers). Moreover, only 8% of Generation Y reported no form of LTPA. Significant predictors of IF LTPA included
gender, BMI, socioeconomic group, financial situation, motivation (especially health), and overall physical activity level.
Women were significantly less likely to engage in IF LTPA across all cohorts.
Conclusions: The results suggest that physical activity and leisure offerings should be tailored to specific generational
cohorts. Physical activity and leisure-based products (services) should be designed and managed responsibly. Promoting IF
LTPA may enhance engagement in healthy lifestyles and support public health efforts in obesogenic environments.

Animating Learning: Effects of AI-Based 3D Visual Feedback on Tackling Skill Acquisition, Motivation, and Performance in Youth Soccer

2025-09-24T11:50:38+02:00

Purpose: The integration of visual feedback (VFB) has become essential in physical education (PE), particularly with the
emergence in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. However, tackling techniques in youth soccer training have received
limited empirical attention, even though they represent a complex and high-risk defensive skill. The purpose of the study
was to analyse the effects of AI-enhanced VFB, using 3D animated motion capture, on the acquisition of tackling skills among
youth soccer players.
Methods: Twenty-three participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n = 12), utilizing AI-animated
VFB, or to a control group (CG; n = 11) which received only verbal feedback. Technical performance was evaluated through
four validated success criteria at the 1st, 6th, and 12th training lessons, while biomechanical efficiency was measured by
comparing the trunk-leg angle to a model angle (167.3°). Motivation was evaluated using the Situational Motivation Scale.
Results: The findings show that the EG achieved a significantly greater improvement in technical performance (+179%)
compared to the CG (+96%), with very marked effects for leg-knee positioning (Criteria 3) and ball contact (Criteria 4).
The leg-trunk angle of the EG also improved significantly (+23.84%), approaching the expert model, while the CG showed
only a modest increase (+9.63%). Furthermore, intrinsic motivation increased significantly in the EG (P = .001; d = 1.44),
accompanied by a significant reduction in amotivation (P = .004; d = 1.07).
Conclusions: The AI-enhanced VFB allowed players to analyse their performance through 3D animations, facilitating skill
improvement. These findings highlight the potential of AI-driven visual feedback in sports training, through further research
needed to optimize its application in skill acquisition.

Effects of Video-Based Feedback Instruction on Tactical Learning, Interest, and Self-Efficacy in Handball Education

2025-09-24T11:12:01+02:00

Purpose: This study examines the impact of video use in three different formats: continuous playback without interruption,
self-paced control, and feedback-based format, on situational interest, self-efficacy, and the development of tactical knowledge
in handball among students in physical education.
Methods: Sixty secondary school students, (age 14.47±0.44 years) were divided into three groups of 20 students each, with
10 girls and 10 boys per group: The Continuous Video Group (CVG; n=20), the Video Control Group (CTR; n= 20), and the
Video Feedback Group (VFB; n=20). Students viewed a handball video scenario and then completed recall and transfer tests,
as well as situational interest and self-efficacy questionnaires.
Results: Non-parametric analyses (Mann-Whitney U tests) showed that the Video Control Group had significantly better
recall than the Video Continuous (U= 52, P< .001) and Video Feedback groups (U= 71.5, P< .001). For transfer and efficacy
tests, both the Control and Feedback groups outperformed the Continuous group (transfer: U=4 7, P< .001; U= 73, P< .001;
efficacy: U=118.5, P= .026; U= 110, P= .014). Situational interest was significantly higher in the Continuous group compared
to the Feedback group (P= .027), suggesting continuous video exposure elicits greater interest than delayed feedback.
Conclusions: These results suggest that, although the continuous reading group demonstrated higher situational interest, their
memorization and transfer performance was lower than that of the groups using video control or video feedback. Therefore,
video control and video feedback appear to promote both self-efficacy and performance. Therefore, to optimize results, the use
of these teaching tools should be progressively structured and adapted to the cognitive abilities of physical education students.

Educational Strategies for Spinal Health: Challenges and Perspectives in Preventing Low Back Pain in Youth

2025-08-27T16:48:56+02:00

Purpose: Given the growing prevalence of low back pain (LBP) starting in early adolescence, closely linked to prolonged
sitting, poor posture, and physical inactivity, there is a need to introduce proactive interventions. The objective of this
narrative review is to explore and synthesize existing knowledge on school-based educational programs aimed at spinal
health and preventing poor posture.
Methods: A literature search was conducted across multiple databases using keywords related to school-based educational
programs aimed at promoting spinal health.
Results: School-based interventions proved effective in raising awareness of spinal health and promoting healthy postural
behaviors. Programs that combined physical activity with interactive, student-centered learning showed the most significant
promise. Most studies focused on children aged 6-12, despite LBP often beginning during adolescence. Existing interventions
were frequently short-term and teacher-centered. There was a growing need for long-term, curriculum-integrated, studentcentered
programs that measured both knowledge retention and behavioral outcomes. Furthermore, many studies lacked
methodological rigor, underscoring the importance of well-designed, randomized controlled trials that utilize validated
tools. Insufficient attention was also given to digital methods, teacher training, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Conclusions: School-based interventions have proven effective in raising awareness of spinal health, with programs that
integrate physical activity and interactive, student-centered learning showing the greatest potential for promoting healthy
postural behaviors. However, inconsistent implementation and reliance on individual educators revealed the need for
systemic change. Integrating postural education into school health curricula- supported by digital tools and cross-sector
collaboration- was recognized as a way to improve long-term student health and serve as a meaningful public health initiative.

The Indivisible Triad: Why Kinesiologists Must Embrace the One Health Approach

2025-09-22T15:10:51+02:00

One Health is often perceived as the domain of epidemiologists, veterinarians or environmental scientists. As a kinesiologist, I argue that this view is not only reductive but also overlooks a critical pillar of the triad: human movement and physical activity.