Acta Kinesiologica

The Effect of Virtual Reality Exergames on General Mood Scale of Summer Sports Camp Participants with Moderate Intellectual Disabilities

2024-10-24T18:36:25+02:00

Purpose: This research aims to present the effect of virtual reality (VR) exergames on the change of general mood in summer
camp participants with Moderate Intellectual Disabilities (MID), while observing for the presence of variables such as
physical or mental problems with understanding the exergames main task.
Methods: The participants were divided randomly (n= 48) into two groups: experimental (n= 24) and control (n= 24). The
experimental group participated in exergames class lasting 30 minutes of physical activity (PA) using VR glasses, while the
control group participated in PA at the rope park. Both groups completed two measurements of the General Mood Scale
(Positive Mood Scale and Negative Mood Scale) and heart rate before, during and after PA to control the moderate intensity
of exercise. Also, each participant was observed for difficulty of exergames main task: understanding commands, interest in
the type of PA, motor competence, engagement, completion of PA, difficulties with locomotion after completing main task.
Results: The analysis examined two factors: 'group' (experimental vs. control) and 'measurements' (pre-test and posttest).
The study shows a significant interaction effects “group” × ”measurements” for the Positive Mood Scale F(1.46)= 6.69,
P= .013, η²= .13, power= .72) and the Negative Mood Scale F(1. 46)= 6.47, P= .014, η²= .12, power= .70. There were practically
no physical or mental problems related to understanding the main task of the exergames (participants scored 95.5%).
Conclusions: Exergames may lead to an increase in Positive Mood Scale and decrease in Negative Mood Scale for summer
sports camp participants with MID. Exergames can be used as a PA for MID because of the low possibility of problems with
understanding the main task.

Diet and eating behaviour of university youth in the context of body fat and muscle mass

2024-10-21T10:36:23+02:00

Purpose: The aim of the study conducted among students from Poland was to examine the relationship between nutritional
behaviors from a psychological perspective (emotional eating, habitual eating, dietary restrictions) and preferred diet
(healthy vs. unhealthy), in relation to selected anthropometric variables – body fat and muscle mass.
Methods: A total of 202 participants took part in the study. Including 103 women (age 21.44 ±2.14 years, stature 167.91
±6.13 cm, body mass 62.08 ±12.11 kg) and 99 men (age 21.48±1.93 years, stature 179.12±7.11 cm, body mass 77.31±15.32
kg). The study used: 1) Eating Behaviour Questionnaire to measure the psychological attitude of an individual towards food
and the functions it performs for them, 2) KOMPAN Questionnaire to verify eating habits and choices, 3) the medical scale
to measure body mass, the stadiometer to measure stature and to assess the percentage of body fat. In addition, metric data
were collected.
Results: Statistical analyses showed that psychologically understood eating behaviors were associated with the percentage
of body fat - the higher the intensity of emotional eating, the higher the percentage of body fat (R= .382; P< .001) and the
lower the percentage of muscle in total body mass (R=- .202; P< .01). Women in the studied sample showed a higher intensity
of emotional eating compared to men (Mwomen 5.06±2.16 a.u.; Mmen 3.44±2.26 a.u.; U=2992.50; P< .001).
Conclusions: The significance of eating behavior in psychological terms for the proportion of body fat in body composition
was confirmed. The increase in the intensity of emotional eating increases the proportion of body fat and decreases the
proportion of muscle tissue in total body weight.

The Deaflympic Games 2017 vs. Olympic Games 2016 - male swimming competition, analysis of the age, reaction time, speed and final time

2024-10-24T18:33:38+02:00

Purpose: The aim was to analyze the swimming performance of the world's best deaf male swimmers at the Deaflympic
Games (2017) and male hearing swimmers at the Olympic Games (2016).
Methods: To analysis at Deaflympic competition the results of 8 the best finalists in all strokes and distances were used
(n=128 records). Olympic participants (n=312) were divided into two groups (a) 8 the best finalists in all swimming strokes
and distances (b) outsiders – last 16 places (records) from the participation’s lists were used to compare. The age, start
reaction time, average speed swimming and finish time of race in all strokes and distances were compared. The comparison
of starting variables was made using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s post-hoc test or, alternatively, the Kruskal-
Wallis test.
Results: No statistically significant differences were found for age and start reaction time. Differences between deaf and best
hearing swimmers were found for average speed swimming and final race time (all P< .001, except freestyle at the distance
50 m (P= .264)). Comparing deaf and last 16 places hearing swimmers’ significant values was found for: freestyle at distance
50 m and 1500 m (P= .009, P= .017), breaststroke at distance 100 m and 200 m (P= .038; P= .009), butterfly at 200 m (P=
.006), individual medley at distance 200 m and 400 m (P= .011, P= .004).
Conclusions: The results achieved by the best deaf swimmers placed them rather at the same level with the group of hearing
swimmers with the worst times than with the group of hearing leaders. The results obtained by deaf swimmers confirm the
necessity of separating competitions for deaf and hearing people due to health and organizational limitations. Include Deaf
swimmers in hearing sports, they could reach the level of hearing swimmers. The analyses performed may be helpful in the
training process and in setting sports goals.

Occupational burnout and quality of life of professionals working with people aged 65+

2024-08-18T19:56:08+02:00

Purpose: Occupational burnout is increasingly diagnosed among working people. The main objective of the study was to
evaluate the level of occupational burnout among professionals working with people aged 65+ (in the medical sector and the
social services sector) and the factors that determine this syndrome. Furthermore, we also assessed the participants' quality of
life.
Methods: The study included 224 women, working with age people 65+ (age of respondents: 41.26±10.91 years). The study
used the Polish adaptation of the Italian Link Burnout Questionnaire and the WHOQoL-BREF self-reported quality of life
questionnaire (short version).
Results: The study group reported average and high levels of occupational burnout. Significant correlations were found
between occupational burnout and self-reported quality of life, i.e., between the psychophysical exhaustion scale and sense
of self-efficacy and the domains of quality of life: somatic, psychological, environmental, and satisfaction with quality of life
and health (P< .05).
Conclusions: Professionals working with older adults are at risk of developing burnout syndrome. The level of occupational
burnout is negatively correlated with self-reported quality of life. The level of burnout depends on the hourly workload
and the performance of leadership roles. Determinants of low levels of occupational burnout include a suitable family
environment, having hobbies, and satisfaction with salary.

Experts’ consensus statement to guide the evidencebased classification of sitting volleyball athletes with a physical impairment: A Delphi study

2024-11-11T20:48:35+01:00

Purpose: The main aim of this study was to identify future steps and research priorities for developing evidence-based
classifications by experts’ consensus in sitting volleyball.
Methods: Forty-nine experts were invited to take part in a three-round Delphi study in eleven topic areas specific for
development of classification in sitting volleyball. Two researchers independently analyzed the opinions of experts from
each phase. To ensure external validation of the study, the third researcher reviewed the result of the analysis of the other
two researchers and proposed corrections.
Results: Fundamental sitting volleyball skills as sport performance determinants specific for the discipline were established.
Experts identified that upper limb function is crucial for all volleyball activities and agreed with nearly all current minimum
impairment and sport class VS1/VS2 criteria; however, they addressed that players with upper limb impairment are in the
same class with lower limb impairment players, and suggested consideration for a separate class for those players.
Conclusions: In the end, with conclusions pertaining to several eligible impairment groups of lower and/or upper limbs, the
separation for upper limb impairment athletes or new impairments criteria for class VS1 needs to be discussed and developed.
Importantly, respondents’ opinion should not be the only evidence for developing and changing the current classification
system. Any change in the system should come based on research results considering sport specific and participants needs.

Changes in the biological condition and isometric strength of male and female youth during social isolation

2024-12-02T09:50:58+01:00

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate how the biological condition and isometric strength differ between the
groups of physically active young people, those who have previously experienced social isolation associated with the
COVID-19 lockdown and those who have not. Such isolation involved a reduction in physical activity.
Methods: During the observational study, 876 women and men aged 18-23 years, who started studying in University of Health
and Sport Sciences, were examined (572 – before pandemic, 304 – after lockdown). Biological condition was assessed based
on selected features treated as indicators of health risk. Anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis using
the bioelectrical impedance method and tests of upper and lower limb and back muscle strength were performed. Selected
indices were calculated: Body Mass Index, Waist to Hip Ratio, Waist to Height Ratio, Body Adiposity Index, Subcutaneous Fat
Distribution Index, Body Cell Mass Index.
Results: As a result of social isolation, gender-dependent changes in biological condition and strength was observed. People
who experienced isolation were characterized by a higher percentage of fat (P= .001 for both sexes) and a lower percentage
of muscle (P= .001 for men and P= .011 for women), with greater difference in fat content observed in women. Increased
body circumferences were observed only in the females (for hip circumference P= .008, for arm circumference P= .009)
and decreased strength only in the males (for right hand and back P= .001, for left hand P= .006 and for leg P= .011). Fat
distribution pattern changed only among women – those who have experienced lockdown presented greater fatness around
the waist (P= .029 for Waist to Hip Ratio).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the experience of social isolation associated with physical activity restriction increased
the health risk and decreased strength of young people in a gender-specific manner.

Effects of competitiveness in rhythmic gymnastics: a qualitative research

2024-12-16T20:05:08+01:00

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the perceptions of female rhythmic gymnasts at professional
and non-professional levels, with a focus on identifying and comparing psychological disorders.
Methods: The sample consisted of 24 female rhythmic gymnasts, aged 13 to 20 years, divided into two groups: a professional
group, consisting of athletes at an advanced competitive level, and a non-professional group, with athletes at an early stage
of performance. All participants completed a 22-question survey, divided into three sections: the first assessing cognitive
factors, the second focusing on eating behaviours, and the third exploring the latent dynamics behind their engagement in
the sport.
Results: The results confirmed the presence of psychological distress in both groups, with the most significant distress
observed in the professional gymnasts. This was supported by the significance of responses to questions regarding stress (P
= .014), diet (P = .033), and pressure exerted by coaches (P = .012).
Conclusions: Based on the differences in psychological discomfort between the professional and non-professional groups,
rhythmic gymnastics itself can be ruled out as the cause. It is more likely that the psychological discomfort arises from an
inadequate educational relationship between coach and athlete.

Boosting Strength and Awareness: Effects of Resistance Training on Adolescents’ Perceptions and Progress. A Pilot study

2024-12-17T10:45:57+01:00

Purpose: The aim of the study is to explore the connection between the impact of the physical effects of a training protocol
for the development of resistance strength on adolescents' perceptions, opinions and awareness.
Methods: A sample of 12 subjects aged 10-12 years, all male, took part in the present study. The procedure is the administration
of the Broad Jump Test before and after the strength versus endurance development training protocol, with subsequent
administration of a questionnaire consisting of 2 items: the first on perceptions and opinions, the second on awareness. To
analyse the data, the student’s t-test for dependent samples, descriptive statistics, the Chi Square Test (X2) and Pearson's
correlation were used.
Results: 9.86% increase in strength was observed (P= .0016). Regarding perceptions, 66.7% of participants felt more
energized after the training, correlating with greater awareness of their abilities and progress (P= .028). Additionally, 83.3%
found the protocol stimulating, linked to improved recognition of bodily responses (P= .020). Among those who felt fit
(91.7%), a deeper understanding of body responses emerged (P< .001). Lastly, 83.3% who noted increased energy showed
heightened sensitivity to action outcomes (P= .028).
Conclusions: The results suggest a close connection between strength development and the positive impact on individual
perceptions and awareness, indicating that resistance training protocols not only promote physical adaptations, but also
foster awareness of the connections between improvement and benefit

The 8-week additional sensomotoric warm-up drills improves motor performance and postural stability in high-performance female Rugby-7 players

2024-12-13T15:27:38+01:00

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized training program to improve lower
limb muscle strength and balance in professional female rugby 7 players. Given the strong association between postural
stability, muscle strength and injury risk among athletes, and given the high incidence of injuries in rugby, preventive
measures are warranted.
Methods: The study group consisted of 15 rugby 7s players (aged: 25.53 ± 4.58 years) who trained at least 3 times per week
and had a minimum of 2 years of training experience. They underwent an 8-week training program (2 times per week) based
on the Fifa-11 and Activate protocols. Anthropometric measurements, postural stability assessment using a stabilographic
platform, and maximal muscle torque were measured in the participants.
Results: After completing the program, the players achieved significantly better values in static stabilographic indicators
with closed eyes: overall stability index (OSI) (P< .05), anterior-posterior stability index (APSI) (P< .01), and medial-lateral
stability index (MLSI) (P< .01). Additionally, dynamic indices at various levels of platform instability showed improvement:
fall risk index (FRI12-6) (P< .01) and FRI6-2 (P< .001). An increase in the strength of the thigh extensors (right- R: P= .001;
left- L: P< .01) and flexors (R: P< .05; L: P< .05) was also observed.
Conclusions: The standard training for rugby players should be supplemented with exercises from the proposed intervention
to improve muscle strength and postural stability and thereby enhance proprioception.

Pectoralis Major Muscle Belly Rupture: A Narrative Review

2024-10-23T18:40:07+02:00

Purpose: Tears of the pectoralis major (PM) rupture are uncommon and are associated with sport. Early diagnosis is
essential to obtain a satisfactory functional outcome. Ruptures can be full or partial and can present as acute or chronic
injuries. Most commonly, ruptures are located at the level of the humeral insertion of the PM, followed by ruptures at the
musculotendinous junction. Muscle belly ruptures are rare.
Methods: We review the literature, and we add our personal case about a 53-year-old male bodybuilder with an intramuscular
rupture of the PM managed conservatively.
Results: The management of pectoralis muscle belly rupture should be discussed on a case-by-case basis, according to the
patient, and their functional demands and expectations. The fact that these injuries are at best uncommon makes it difficult
to plan and execute randomised controlled trials to gain level I evidence for their management.
Conclusions: Intramuscular tears of the pectoralis major are rare and the best treatment for these injuries remains unclear.