Acta Kinesiologica https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica <p class="whitespace-normal break-words">Acta Kinesiologia Journal (AK) is an international peer-reviewed journal that examines practical and research aspects of sport physiology, sport psychology, sport pedagogy, sport traumatology, and sport performance. The editorial mission of AK is to advance knowledge for sport and exercise physiologists, sport scientists, sport physicians, orthopedic sports medicine specialists, and sport performance researchers. The journal promotes publication of research in sport physiology and related disciplines that has direct practical applications for enhancing sport performance and public health.</p> <p class="whitespace-normal break-words">The journal publishes original research, brief reports, invited commentary/technical notes, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and letters to the editor. The intended scope of AK includes team sports, individual sports, performance aspects of environmental physiology, applied sport nutrition, strength and conditioning, biomedical science, and applications of sport technology. Controlled experimental and observational research of a comprehensive or systematic nature is welcome, provided that appropriate standards of scientific methodology and analysis are met.</p> <p class="whitespace-normal break-words">The journal will be of interest to sport scientists, sport psychologists, orthopedic sports medicine specialists, sport physicians, coaches, academic researchers, students, and related professionals.</p> en-US [email protected] (Prof. Johnny Padulo) [email protected] (Prof. Franjo Lovrić, University of Mostar, Faculty of Science and education. Rodoč bb 88000 Mostar Bosnia-Hercegovina.) Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200 OJS 3.3.0.7 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Associations between skinfold thickness, body mass index and waist-to-height ratio in elite national dance sport athletes https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/476 <p><strong>Purpose:</strong> The main purpose of the study was to investigate the associations between fat mass percentage (%) assessed by<br />skinfold thickness with body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR).<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> For this observational study, we recruited 33 young dancer sport athletes who competed at international level (age<br />= 18.70 ± 5.00 yrs, height = 172.43 ± 7.85 cm, weight = 61.88 ± 10.60 kg, BMI = 20.70 ± 2.43 kg/m2, 48.50% women). The<br />sum of seven skinfold thicknesses (triceps, chest, subscapular, midaxillary, suprailia, abdominal, and thigh) were measured<br />using the Harpenden® skinfold caliper on the right side of the body. Body fat % was estimated with the Jackson &amp; Pollock<br />equations for men and women. BMI and WHtR were calculated as weight in kg divided by height in meters squared and the<br />ratio between waist circumference and height in cm.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> In men, the average values in body fat %, BMI and WHtR were 10.17±4.28%, 21.34±2.31 kg/m2 and .43±.03. Body<br />fat % was positively and strongly correlated with BMI (R = .71, P= .002) and WHtR (R = .76, P&lt; .001). In women, the average<br />values in body fat %, BMI and WHtR were 12.94±3.92%, 20.02±2.45 kg/m2 and .43±.04. In comparison to men, body fat<br />% exhibited somewhat stronger correlations with BMI (R = .83, P&lt; .001) in women, yet the correlation with WHtR yielded<br />lower scores (R = .69, P= .003). In the total sample, body fat % remained positively and moderately correlated with BMI (R =<br />.60, P&lt; .001) and WHtR (R = .68, P&lt; .001).<br /><strong>Conclusions</strong>: This study shows that both BMI and WHtR are valid measures to estimate body fat % in elite dance sport<br />athletes.</p> Tamara Despot, Lovro Štefan, Davor Plavec Copyright (c) 2025 Acta Kinesiologica https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/476 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200 The intensity of health behaviors and health satisfaction among physically active paramedics and professional firefighters https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/459 <p><strong>Purpose:</strong> Physical activity positively influences lifestyle changes in society. This study aimed to examine the relationship<br />between the intensity of health behaviours, physical activity, and health satisfaction among paramedics and professional<br />firefighters.<br /><strong>Methods</strong>: The study included 172 participants aged 19–50 years. Physically active paramedics (P1) comprised 32.6% of<br />the sample, professional firefighters (F1) 31.4%, non-exercising paramedics (P2) 25%, and non-exercising firefighters (F2)<br />11%. The standardized Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI) questionnaire and a proprietary questionnaire were used. Both<br />parametric and non-parametric statistical analyses were employed.<br /><strong>Results</strong>: Significant differences were found in the intensity of health behaviours (IHB) among the participants within the IHB<br />point score, correct eating habits (CEH), preventive behaviours (PB), positive mental attitude (PMA), and health practices<br />(HP) (P&lt; .001 for the F-test in each case; ω²= .65–.74). The highest overall intensity of health behaviours (IHB) point score<br />(82.54) was observed among physically active paramedics (P1), who also achieved better results in preventive behaviours<br />(PB), positive mental attitude (PMA), and health practices (HP) compared to inactive firefighters (F2) (P&lt; .001 for the t-test<br />in each case; d= .51–.59). A significant overall variation was confirmed (P&lt; .001 for the H-test; E²R= .11–.18, strong effect)<br />between the Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI) and its categories and participants' health satisfaction. The respondents<br />with the highest IHB point scores, correct eating habits (CEH), preventive behaviours (PB), positive mental attitude (PMA),<br />health practices (HP), were more satisfied with their health (D) compared to those with lower health behaviour scores (A,<br />B, C) (rg= -.40 to -.83).<br /><strong>Conclusions</strong>: The demonstrated relationship between the intensity of health behaviours, physical activity and health<br />satisfaction underscores the need to further promote these behaviours to enhance overall quality of life and improve safety<br />in the professional practice of paramedics and firefighters.</p> Katarzyna Kotarska, Maria Alicja Nowak, Małgorzata Paczyńska- Jędrycka, Ahmet Kurtoğlu, Leonard Nowak, Michalina Kuska Copyright (c) 2025 Acta Kinesiologica https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/459 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Reliability of manual marker placement in twodimensional kinematic analysis of single-leg landing, countermovement jump, and broad jump movement techniques https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/436 <p><strong>Purpose:</strong> Manual two-dimensional (2D) kinematic analysis is widely used in research settings to evaluate jump techniques.<br />However, a gap remains in the literature regarding the reliability and validity of analyzing single-leg jumps. This study<br />examines a previously overlooked source of variability in manual 2D kinematic analysis, specifically: (a) the impact of manual<br />marker placement on anatomical landmarks and (b) the precision of visually identifying key movement time points in singleleg<br />countermovement jumps, single-leg broad jump push-off and landing phases, and single-leg drop landings.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> Eighty professional handball players (age: 21.8±3.9 years; mass: 92.0±9.6 kg; stature: 1.90±.06 m) were video<br />recorded from lateral and frontal planes, and the analysis was manually performed using Kinovea software. The study<br />examined 2D kinematic variables, including the inclinations of the shin, thigh, and trunk segments relative to a vertical<br />reference line, as well as the joint angles between these segments during single-leg jumps. Reliability was assessed by<br />comparing (a) three repetitions of manual marker placement (MP) on anatomical landmarks and (b) three repetitions of<br />visual identification of key movement positions (KPs) during single-leg countermovement jumps, broad jump push-offs and<br />landings, and drop landings. KPs were defined by two criteria, based on either the lowest vertical position of the greater<br />trochanter (subjective) or peak vertical ground reaction force data (objective).<br /><strong>Results:</strong> The main findings of our study indicate that the reliability of marker placement and key position determination,<br />regardless of the test, plane of motion, leg, and criteria of key position determination is acceptable (ICC= .883–.999; CV&lt;10<br />%).<br /><strong>Conclusions:</strong> These findings confirm that manual 2D kinematic analysis reliably evaluates movement techniques during<br />jumps and landings across different KP definitions and variable conditions.</p> Ažbe Ribič, Darjan Spudić, Nejc Šarabon, Primož Pori Copyright (c) 2025 Acta Kinesiologica https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/436 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200 The Importance of Physical Activity and Eating Behaviours for Fat and Muscle Mass in Young Men and Women https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/494 <p><strong>Purpose</strong>: The aim of the study was to determine the relationships between the level of physical activity and eating-related<br />behaviors (such as emotional eating, habitual eating, and dietary restraint) and the amount of fat and muscle tissue in the<br />bodies of young adults.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> The study was conducted among 202 university students (103 women - age 21.44 ±2.14 years, stature 167.91<br />±6.13 cm, body mass 62.08 ±12.11 kg; 99 men - age 21.48 ±1.93 years, stature 179.12±7.11 cm, body mass 77.31±15.32<br />kg) from two higher education institutions. Self-report questionnaires were used: the IPAQ (International Physical Activity<br />Questionnaire) and the KZZJ (Eating Behavior Questionnaire). Anthropometric measurements and body composition<br />analyses were also performed. Data were analyzed using Pearson's r correlations, Mann–Whitney U tests, Pearson's χ² tests,<br />and structural equation modeling (SEM).<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Strong positive correlations were observed between emotional eating and the level of body fat. It was found that<br />only individuals with high-intensity physical activity (over 1500 MET-min/week) had body fat levels within the normal<br />range. For smaller adipose tissue, only the following correlations were statistically significant: intensive exercise around the<br />house (R=- .143, P= .043), intensive physical activity in free time (R= -.268, P&lt; .001) and moderate physical activity in free<br />time (R= - .188, P= .008). For larger muscle tissue, the following correlations were statistically significant: intensive exercise<br />around the house (R=. 140, P= .048), intensive physical activity in free time (R= .198, P= .005). SEM models showed that<br />psychological and physical activity-related variables explained 48% of the variance in body fat and 32% of the variance in<br />muscle mass.<br /><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Physical activity, especially at a high intensity, plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy body composition.<br />At the same time, emotional eating contributes to increased body fat, particularly in women. The findings have practical<br />applications for the prevention of overweight, obesity, and eating disorders among young adults.</p> Dorota Łoboda, Jarosław Ocalewski , Beata Ziółkowska , Szymon Kulis Copyright (c) 2025 Acta Kinesiologica https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/494 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Neuromuscular Profile of Top-Level Youth Taekwondo Competitors Assessed Through Tensiomyography - Croatian National Youth Taekwondo Team Example https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/488 <p>Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the neuromuscular profile of elite youth Taekwondo (TKD) athletes using<br />tensiomyography (TMG) to assess lower-limb muscle contractile properties and estimate muscle fiber composition.<br />Methods: Seventeen members of the Croatian national junior TKD team (10 males, 7 females) participated in this crosssectional<br />study. Anthropometric characteristics and age at peak height velocity (APHV) were assessed, and TMG measurements<br />were performed bilaterally on the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle to obtain contraction time (Tc), delay time (Td), sustain time<br />(Tr), and estimated percentage of type I muscle fibers (MHC-I%). The average chronological age of participants was 16.3 ±<br />0.9 years, with an average APHV of 13.4 ± 0.7 years.<br />Results: Males were taller and heavier than females, and females showed earlier biological maturation. No significant<br />differences were found between the left and right VL for Tc (21.5 ± 2.6 ms vs. 22.2 ± 2.8 ms; P = .29) or MHC-I% (15.4 ± 9.5%<br />vs. 14.4 ± 11.7%; P = .69). However, a significant side-to-side difference was observed in Td (t = 2.43, P = .03), suggesting<br />asymmetries in neuromuscular activation onset. Substantial intra-individual variability in MHC-I% distribution was also<br />observed.<br />Conclusions: These findings provide novel insight into the contractile characteristics of adolescent TKD athletes and highlight<br />the utility of TMG as a non-invasive profiling tool. The results may inform individualized training design, injury prevention<br />strategies, and athlete development models in youth combat sports.</p> Nino Sladic, Drazen Cular, Matej Babic, Ana Kezic, Toni Tomas, Damir Zubac Copyright (c) 2025 Acta Kinesiologica https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/488 Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Comparison of the effects of isometric and dynamic training on strength and body composition in recreational athletes https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/463 <p><strong>Purpose:</strong> The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of isometric and dynamic contractions of equal duration in<br />terms of strength development and changes in body composition.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> Recreational strength-trained men (n=20) were divided into two subgroups that performed an isometric and<br />dynamic contraction protocol. Isometric and dynamic contraction protocols were performed 14 times over a 7-week period<br />and preceded and followed by measurements of maximal weight (1RM – one repetition maximum) using the weightlifting<br />method, MVIC (maximal voluntary isometric contraction) measured on an LR2-P upper limb flexor and extensor torques and<br />body composition made using electrical bioimpedance (BIA)<br /><strong>Results:</strong> MVIC values increased significantly measured in the angle settings of 30º P= .009, 60º P= .016, 90º P= .048. after<br />isometric training, and after training in dynamic conditions only for the joint angle value of 60º P= .016. MVIC differences<br />between the effects of training in isometric conditions and in dynamic conditions, were significant for angles of 90º P= .044<br />and 30º P= .002. The 1RM values did not change significantly after both types of training (pre-post isometric vs dynamic).<br />There were no significant changes in active body mass and body fat of the whole body and segmentally of the upper limbs.<br /><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Given the limited scope and limitations of the study, the use of isometric contractions appears to promote an<br />increase in MVIC values in all angular settings (30, 60, 90°), although the greatest differences between static and dynamic<br />training effects were obtained at 30 and 90°. The lack of significant changes in strength (1RM), active body mass and body<br />fat after the application of both types of training, may indicate an inadequate conversion of the selected loading modality to<br />fitness in these characteristics.</p> Artur Kruszewski, Marek Kruszewski, Kamil Zawadka, Rafał Tabęcki Copyright (c) 2025 Acta Kinesiologica https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/463 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Reaction time analysis in professional table tennis: gender differences and key determinants https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/449 <p><strong>Purpose:</strong> The purpose of study was to identify the factors influencing the visuomotor reaction time of elite male and female<br />players and to assess the magnitude of sex-based differences in reaction times.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> The study involved 64 participants: 44 elite Polish table tennis players (female n=17, male n=27) athletes;<br />female and male students as the control group (n=20). Data on socioeconomic status, physical activity and subjective<br />physiological state were collected using an author-designed questionnaire. Anthropometric data were collected. Reaction<br />time was measured using the Piórkowski’s apparatus. The analyses included Chi2 tests, Student’s t-tests for independent<br />samples, Spearman’s rank correlation and multiple regression analyses.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Significant differences were found in the number of points scored between female table tennis players and female<br />students (137 vs 126 P= .013) and between female and male table tennis players (137 vs 129, P= .023), while no significant<br />differences were observed among male participants. Gender differences were identified in the urbanization of residence<br />(P= .034), participation in additional sports disciplines (P= .013), and anthropometric features such as body height, body<br />mass and Waist to Hip Ratio (P= .001). Among female athletes, moderate negative correlations were found between speed of<br />reaction and training session duration (R= -.559) and body height (R= -.489), suggesting shorter training sessions and lower<br />body height may enhance reaction time. No significant associations between reaction time and the analyzed variables were<br />observed among male athletes.<br /><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The analyses revealed differences in place of residence, participation in additional sports disciplines, hunger<br />perception, and somatic build between female and male athletes. The study demonstrated that certain factors influence<br />reaction time. Appropriate training duration combined with adequate intensity can improve the reaction time of athletes.<br />The obtained results may serve as a foundation for further research and observations of table tennis players.</p> Marcin Szczepański, Monika Lopuszanska-Dawid, Paulina Kubot Copyright (c) 2025 Acta Kinesiologica https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/449 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Development and Internal Validation of a Field-Based Equation for Predicting Half-Squat One-Repetition Maximum in Youth Soccer Players Using Standing Long Jump Performance and Body Mass https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/501 <p><strong>Purpose:</strong> This study aimed to examine the validity of field-based tests, specifically the 5-Jump Test (5JT) and Standing Long<br />Jump (SLJ), combined with anthropometric measures for predicting one-repetition maximum (1RM) half-squat performance<br />in U-13 male soccer players.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> Forty-one male youth soccer players (age: 12.77±.25 years; body-mass (BM): 46.54±7.86 kg; body-height:<br />157.70±9.58 cm) participated in this investigation. Following a one-week familiarization session that included practice<br />trials of all testing procedures and movement pattern instruction, participants completed three testing sessions comprising<br />anthropometric measurements, 1RM half-squat assessment, and field tests (5JT and SLJ). Multiple linear regression analysis<br />was employed to develop prediction equations, with model validation including assessments of normality, homoscedasticity,<br />and multicollinearity.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> The final prediction model incorporating only BM and SLJ explained 70% of the variance in 1RM half-squat<br />performance (R²=.696, P&lt;.001). The resulting equation (1RM=-114.503+ 1.953×BM+71.468×SLJ) demonstrated robust<br />statistical properties, with both predictors showing significant contributions (BM: β=1.953, 95% CI [1.3-2.5], P&lt;.001;<br />SLJ: β=71.468, 95% CI [45.3-97.6], P&lt;.001). The model satisfied assumptions of normality (Shapiro-Wilk: P=.06) and<br />homoscedasticity (Breusch-Pagan: P=.521), with acceptable multicollinearity indices (VIF&lt;4.0). While initially considered,<br />age, standing height, and 5JT did not significantly improve prediction accuracy.<br /><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study validates a practical equation for estimating maximal half-squat strength in youth soccer players<br />using readily available field measures. The combination of SLJ performance and BM provides coaches with a time-efficient,<br />low-risk method for strength assessment in young athletes. This approach provides coaches with an accessible, time-efficient<br />tool for strength monitoring that requires minimal equipment while maintaining scientific validity.</p> Aymen Khemiri, Ala BelHaj Amor, Wissem Dhahbi, Johnny Padulo, Younes Hachana, Ahmed Attia Copyright (c) 2025 Acta Kinesiologica https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/501 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Determinants of Life Satisfaction Among Marathon Runners https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/383 <p><strong>Purpose</strong>: This study aimed to assess life satisfaction and health behaviors among marathon runners and explore the<br />determinants of higher satisfaction levels. The hypothesis was that marathon participation leads to pro-health behaviors<br />and increased life satisfaction.<br /><strong>Methods</strong>: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 506 Polish marathon runners. Participants were recruited through<br />a social network for runners. Health behaviors were measured using the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), while life<br />satisfaction was assessed using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Statistical analyses included regression models to<br />identify predictors of life satisfaction.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> The analysis revealed that marathon runners exhibited a high level of life satisfaction, with 45% of women and<br />37% of men reporting high satisfaction. Significant differences were found in training distances and marathon participation<br />between genders. The regression model identified three key predictors of life satisfaction: training experience, number of<br />marathons completed, and the overall health behavior index (HBI). Additionally, when health behavior categories were<br />further analyzed, the Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) category showed the strongest association with life satisfaction. The<br />final model explained 18% of the variability in life satisfaction, with the number of completed marathons and PMA being<br />significant predictors.<br /><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Marathon participation fosters pro-health behaviors, particularly a positive mental attitude, which contributes<br />to higher life satisfaction. This highlights the importance of mental well-being alongside physical activity in long-distance<br />running. Promoting running as an accessible form of exercise, with a focus on health education and psychological support,<br />could significantly improve participants' quality of life.</p> Paweł F. Nowak, Tuğba Gültekin, Dariusz S. Bajkowski, Thomas Casale Copyright (c) 2025 Acta Kinesiologica https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/383 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200 Changes in body composition and handgrip strength of sports science students in the context of summer break https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/490 <p><strong>Purpose:</strong> The phenomenon of reduced physical activity during the summer holidays and the resulting adverse changes in<br />body composition is addressed in the public health literature. This phenomenon in relation to university students has not yet<br />been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of summer break on body composition and<br />handgrip strength in sports science students.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> Forty-seven male students of the Faculty of Sports Science participated in the first examination conducted in mid-<br />June. Thirty-eight students aged 21.2± .6 years participated in the second examination in early October. Body composition<br />was determined with bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita BC 418 MA). Handgrip strength was assessed with a bulb<br />dynamometer. Students were also questioned about physical activity undertaken during the academic year and during<br />summer holidays.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> None of the body composition parameters changed significantly in examined students after the summer break<br />(P&gt; .05). Handgrip strength increased significantly after summer holidays (P= .01, d= .423). Body weight, muscle mass, and<br />basal metabolic rate were strongly correlated with handgrip strength after the summer break (R&gt;. 50, P&lt; .05). Number of<br />days devoted to intensive and moderate physical activity decreased substantially during the summertime compared with<br />academic year (P&lt; .00, d= .620 and P&lt; .00, d= .771, respectively).<br /><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Despite a reduction in physical activity levels during the summer break, body composition parameters did not<br />change significantly in sports science students. Further research should consider more detailed characteristics of students'<br />physical activity during the summer break.</p> Grzegorz Bielec, Aneta Omelan Copyright (c) 2025 Acta Kinesiologica https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/490 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200