Background and Study Aim. Field-based physical fitness tests are widely used in the assessment of physical education students. However, test interpretation is often based on absolute outcomes that do not account for differences in body size, potentially influencing the evaluation of sex- and country-related differences. The aim of this study was to determine whether the interpretation of selected physical fitness test outcomes differs when absolute results and simple body-size-adjusted indicators are applied. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 515 undergraduate physical education students from Poland (n = 258) and Romania (n = 257). Physical fitness was assessed using three Eurofit tests: plate tapping, sit-ups, and standing long jump. Test outcomes were analyzed using both absolute values and simple body-size-adjusted indicators. Sex- and country-related differences were examined using two-way analysis of variance. Results. Analyses based on absolute outcomes revealed significant sex- and country-related differences across all tests, with a particularly large sex effect observed in the standing long jump. After adjustment for body size, group differences were substantially reduced in tests requiring body mass displacement, and sex-related differences in the standing long jump were no longer statistically significant. In contrast, the results of the plate tapping test remained unchanged regardless of the method used to express performance outcomes. Conclusions. The findings indicate that the interpretation of physical fitness test results in physical education students may vary depending on whether absolute outcomes or simple body-size-adjusted indicators are used. The applied ratio-based adjustments substantially altered the pattern of sex- and country-related differences in tests involving body mass displacement, whereas they had little influence on outcomes primarily reflecting movement speed and coordination. These findings suggest that simple body-size-adjusted indicators may influence the interpretation of physical fitness outcomes in educational and comparative settings.
Background and Study Aim. Artificial intelligence technologies are increasingly being integrated into health promotion and lifestyle management. Their growing use has expanded opportunities for personalized support in physical education and health-related decision-making. Despite their increasing use, the factors influencing the adoption of these technologies remain an important subject of practical interest. The aim of this study was to develop a scale for assessing the factors influencing the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies for fitness and nutrition planning among Filipino college students. Materials and Methods. This study developed a 40-item scale for assessing the factors influencing the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies for fitness and nutrition planning among Filipino college students. The instrument was grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Data were collected from 395 students at a Philippine higher education institution. The survey measured nine constructs: Behavioral Intention, Perceived Usefulness, Ease of Use, Social Media Exposure, Social Influence, Trust in AI, Risk and Privacy Concern, Health Motivation, and Actual Use. Scale development included three sequential stages: exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Results. All sub-scales demonstrated strong internal consistency and convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated an acceptable model fit (CFI = 0.942, TLI = 0.936, RMSEA = 0.072). Discriminant validity was supported for most construct pairs. The only exception was the Perceived Usefulness–Ease of Use pair, reflecting the conceptual overlap of these TAM constructs. The structural model identified Trust in AI as the strongest predictor of both Perceived Usefulness and Ease of Use. Social Media Exposure, Social Influence, and Health Motivation also showed significant positive effects on both constructs. Risk and Privacy Concern did not significantly predict either TAM construct. Behavioral Intention was the strongest predictor of Actual Use. Conclusions. The developed scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the factors influencing the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies for fitness and nutrition planning among Filipino college students. Trust in AI and social factors were the primary drivers of technology adoption, whereas perceived risk was not associated with the core TAM constructs in this population.
Background and Study Aim. Esports has emerged as a widespread leisure behavior among university students, yet its psychological consequences remain incompletely understood. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory and Compensatory Internet Use Theory, this study examined the direct and indirect effects of esports playing time on life satisfaction, proposing loneliness as a mediating mechanism. The primary aim was to test whether the negative association between esports playing time and life satisfaction operates, at least partly, through the erosion of social bonds reflected in heightened loneliness. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional relational survey design was employed. The sample comprised 446 undergraduate students (301 males, 145 females; age range 18–25 years) enrolled at universities in Osmaniye and Antalya provinces during the 2025–2026 academic year. Esports playing time was categorized as low (n = 167), moderate (n = 160), or high (n = 119). Loneliness was measured with the UCLA Loneliness Scale Short Form (ULS-5; α = .816) and life satisfaction with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS; α = .797). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, hierarchical linear regression, one-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD post-hoc tests, and BCa bootstrap mediation analysis (PROCESS Macro Model 4; 5,000 iterations). Results. Esports playing time was a significant positive predictor of loneliness (β = .255, p < .001) and a significant negative predictor of life satisfaction (β = −.291, p < .001). Loneliness strongly and negatively predicted life satisfaction (β = −.377, p < .001). Together, esports playing time and loneliness explained 21.8% of the variance in life satisfaction (R² = .218, F(2, 443) = 61.59, p < .001). The indirect effect of esports playing time on life satisfaction through loneliness was statistically significant (B = −0.446; 95% BCa CI [−0.653, −0.260]; mediation ratio = 33.1%). ANOVA indicated that the high-gaming group reported markedly higher loneliness (M = 15.45) and significantly lower life satisfaction (M = 13.43) than the low-gaming group (M = 12.92 and M = 16.19, respectively). Conclusions. Esports playing time negatively affects life satisfaction both directly and indirectly through loneliness. Partial mediation indicates that gaming may erode well-being through several parallel pathways beyond loneliness alone. Interventions should target social competence and real-life bonding capacity rather than restricting gaming behavior, and heavy-gaming university students should be identified early for psychoeducation and social support.
Background and Study Aim. Physical activity contributes to physical and mental health, while body satisfaction and body appreciation are indicators of psychological well-being. Body image is shaped by multiple interacting factors. Despite the recognised role of physical activity in health promotion, its relationship with body image remains a subject of practical interest. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and body image among young adults, with particular attention to the role of body mass index and sex differences. Materials and Methods. The study included 720 university students from Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a mean age of approximately 21 years. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, the Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults, and the Body Appreciation Scale. Body mass index was calculated from self-reported body height and body mass. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and the independent-samples t-test were used in the statistical analysis. Results. Body mass index was negatively associated with appearance satisfaction (r = −0.11; p < 0.01), weight satisfaction (r = −0.18; p < 0.001), attribution (r = −0.08; p < 0.05), and body appreciation (r = −0.26; p < 0.001). Associations between physical activity and the dimensions of body image satisfaction and body appreciation were generally very weak. Significant sex differences in favour of male students were found in body mass index [t(718) = 8.83; p < 0.001; d = 0.71], vigorous physical activity (t(718) = 6.82; p < 0.001; d = 0.54), moderate physical activity (t(718) = 5.05; p < 0.001; d = 0.40), and total physical activity [t(718) = 5.62; p < 0.001; d = 0.45]. Differences in body satisfaction dimensions and body appreciation were not significant. Conclusions. The findings indicate that a higher body mass index is associated with lower body satisfaction and lower body appreciation, whereas physical activity itself is not clearly associated with a more positive body image. These results confirm the complexity of the relationship between lifestyle behaviours and body-related perceptions in young adults. Health promotion programmes in student populations should therefore consider physical, psychological, and sociocultural aspects of health rather than focusing only on the level of physical activity.
Background and Study Aim. The primary aim of any preventative measure is to reduce incidents that pose a potential risk. The subject of our long-term research is the risk of bodily injury (SFI risk) resulting from the impact with the ground at the end of a fall. The cognitive aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the possible patterns of motor responses in young women and men during impact with the ground in repeatedly simulated backward falls. These were carried out under safe laboratory conditions, with the circumstances varying each time. The practical aim is to provide recommendations concerning both the methodological criteria for improving tools for measuring SFI risk and day-to-day preventative measures. Material and Methods. Secondary analysis was performed on observations of 30 physiotherapy students participating in the ‘test-retest’ (20.97 ± 1.16 years of age) during the fifth semester of 2017–2018 at Podhale State College of Applied Sciences (PSCAS) in Nowy Targ, Poland. The ‘retest’ procedure of STBIDF-M was repeated 7 days after the ‘test’. The analysis was based on modified (more precise) criteria for observing the SFI phenomenon in six external circumstances. Task 1: a simulated backward fall on soft ground involved adopting a horizontal stance from a vertical stance as quickly as possible after a GO command (these are the circumstances of collision with the ground on which the person is standing or moving and, for some reason, falls). Task 2: preceded by a backward jump from a 20 cm platform after a GO command (as a simulated fall from a height with the feet down). Each subsequent odd test fall was repeated after jumping backwards from a 20 cm platform (Tasks 4 and 6). Results. Without the need for verbal explanations, it is possible to reduce, albeit to a limited extent, the impact of the body striking the ground during a backward fall. In order to effectively instill in people a conscious habit of protecting the most distal parts of the body (head and hands), even during the act of changing from an upright to a horizontal posture repeated several times a day, innovative interventions are required. These interventions should take into account the need to convey relevant knowledge about the phenomenon in a manner appropriate to human perceptual capabilities. Conclusions. Improving the accuracy of diagnosing the risk of unintended consequences of falls and effectively reducing extreme projections (premature biological death and years lived with disability) is primarily linked to refining the tools used to measure this phenomenon at various stages of ontogenesis. Passing the preliminary tests will authorize the use of four basic simulations. Either changing from an upright to a horizontal position on a soft, safe surface on which the person is standing, or using a height-adjustable platform, should assess the quality of motor responses. These responses should be associated with five body parts (similar to the STBIDF-M criteria) during four tasks, starting with lying down freely on a safe surface and increasing the number of motor modifications in each subsequent task. The last two tasks should be performed after jumping down from a 20 cm platform.
Background and Study Aim. Neuromuscular, biomechanical, and anatomical features interact in a complicated way to determine sprint performance. Characteristics of muscle architecture, such as fascicle length and pennation angle, are important structural predictors of an individual’s capacity to sprint due to their direct effects on force production, contraction velocity, and stretch-shortening cycle efficiency. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a 16-week combined plyometric and eccentric strength training program on fascicle length, pennation angle, and sprint performance in competitive male sprinters. Material and Methods. Thirty male sprinters aged 18–25 years from the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India), were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group underwent a sixteen-week combined plyometric and eccentric strength training intervention in addition to regular sprint training, while the control group continued routine sprint training. Muscle architectural variables of the dominant leg Vastus Lateralis were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography at Shaksam Diagnostics (Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India). Sprint performance was measured through a standardized 30-m sprint test. Results. Significant improvements were observed in fascicle length, pennation angle, and sprint performance in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < .001). ANCOVA analysis revealed statistically significant between-group differences in all dependent variables. Conclusions. Combined plyometric and eccentric strength training is an effective strategy for inducing favourable muscle architectural adaptations and improving sprint performance among competitive sprinters.
Background and Study Aim. The bioimpedance method is used to evaluate body composition due to its objectivity, non-invasiveness, and ease of use at various levels. Its application helps establish the relationship between body composition and physical performance, predict competitive success, and assess training efficiency. This method is widely used in strength sports. The aim of this study was to compare the somatotype indicators of cadets engaged in kettlebell lifting with their actual competitive performance. Materials and Methods. Sixty-two kettlebell lifting athletes, all cadets at military academies, were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 42 athletes aged 20.67 ± 0.39 years, with competitive levels ranging from beginner to first-class athlete. Group 2 consisted of 20 athletes, with a mean age of 22.20 ± 0.54 years. Their competitive level ranged from national- to international-level competitors (Candidate for Master of Sports, Master of Sports, and International-Class Master of Sports). The age difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Body height and body mass, body fat percentage (%), muscle mass percentage (%), visceral fat level (%), and basal metabolic rate (kcal) were measured. Total muscle mass (kg), fat mass (kg), body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and performance index were calculated. To characterize the data, the median and the 1st (25th) and 3rd (75th) quartiles were determined. The significance of differences between groups was assessed using Rosenbaum's nonparametric criterion (Q) and the information measure of correlation (I) between the analyzed characteristics. Results. Most somatotype indicators showed similar values in both groups. Most participants had a body fat percentage above the average range and a muscle mass percentage within the average range. Most participants also had a BMI above the average range, an FFMI below the average range, and a high SMI. A significant increase in the performance index was observed in Group 2 (Q = 13, p < 0.05). A significant predominance of individuals with below-average FFMI was found in Group 1 (2I = 67.54, p < 0.01). Quartile ranges were established for the evaluated indices in kettlebell athletes. A performance index value of 155–209 was observed within the interquartile range for Group 1, whereas for Group 2 this range was 238–358. The interquartile range for FFMI was 16–18 kg/m² in Group 1 and 16–17 kg/m² in Group 2. The interquartile range for SMI was 8.1–9.2 kg/m² in Group 1 and 8.2–9.0 kg/m² in Group 2. Conclusions. Competitive performance differed significantly between the groups, whereas most somatotype indicators showed similar values. Quartile ranges were established for the performance index, FFMI, and SMI in kettlebell athletes. The bioimpedance-derived indices used in this study can be applied to characterize the somatotype features of kettlebell athletes and to compare athletes with different levels of competitive performance.
Background and Study Aim. Wearable sensor technologies integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly used for continuous athletic monitoring. Despite their application, continuous monitoring of physically active populations in relation to injury susceptibility remains insufficiently implemented. This review synthesizes evidence on AI-integrated wearable systems for sports injury prediction and rehabilitation monitoring, emphasizing diagnostic performance and applicability to university physical education settings. Materials and Methods. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest were systematically searched through December 2025 following PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42026130911). Studies involving athletes or physically active individuals using wearable sensors combined with AI/ML models (CNN, LSTM, RNN) for injury prediction or rehabilitation monitoring were eligible. Risk of bias was assessed using PROBAST. Results. From 1,004 identified records, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies explicitly involved university-aged participants (18–29 years) or were conducted in university laboratory settings. IMUs were the predominant sensor modality. Deep learning models (CNN, LSTM) achieved classification accuracies of 86–95% and F1 scores exceeding 0.90. Workload-based models demonstrated a 15-fold increase in injury risk at acute-to-chronic workload ratios above 1.27. PROBAST assessment identified only two studies as having a low overall risk of bias. Four studies were at high risk, primarily due to small samples, absent external validation, and analytical limitations. Conclusions. AI-integrated wearable systems show considerable potential for injury monitoring in athletic and university physical education contexts. However, small samples, limited external validation, and heterogeneous injury definitions constrain the current evidence. Future research should prioritize multicenter prospective studies and explicitly target university student populations.
Background and Study Aim. Basketball is a high-intensity, intermittent sport that requires well-developed strength, power, speed, and optimal body composition. The development of these physical components is associated with athletic performance, particularly in young adult players. Although combined training approaches incorporating strength, plyometric, and sprint exercises are widely used, their effectiveness in improving both morphological and performance-related variables remains a subject of practical interest. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week specialized training program on body composition, vertical jump performance, and sprint performance in basketball players aged 18–22 years. Materials and Methods. A total of 20 volunteer basketball players aged 18–22 years participated in the study. All participants were actively competing at the university level. The training program was conducted three times per week for 8 weeks. It included structured strength, plyometric, and sprint-based exercises. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Vertical jump performance was measured using the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test. Sprint performance was evaluated using 20 m and 30 m sprint tests. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, depending on data distribution. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated to assess the magnitude of changes. Results. The results indicated statistically significant improvements in all measured variables following the training program (p < 0.001). Body fat percentage decreased, while total and lower extremity muscle mass increased. Additionally, vertical jump performance (CMJ) improved significantly. Sprint times over both 20 m and 30 m distances decreased, indicating enhanced speed and explosive power. Effect size analysis demonstrated moderate to large improvements across variables. Conclusions. The 8-week specialized training program was associated with significant improvements in body composition, vertical jump performance, and sprint performance in basketball players. These findings suggest that integrated training approaches may contribute to performance-related adaptations. However, due to the absence of a control group, the results should be interpreted as within-group changes, and causal conclusions cannot be drawn. Future studies using controlled designs are recommended.
Background and Study Aim. Competitive anxiety is associated with psychological responses during sports performance in soccer. Players with different roles on the pitch may experience different psychological demands during competition. Despite the use of various approaches to psychological preparation in soccer, the relationship between competitive anxiety, playing roles, and sport participation level remains a subject of practical interest. This study aimed to examine competitive anxiety in relation to playing roles and the level of sports participation in soccer. Materials and Methods. The study involved 78 male participants, including professional soccer players (N = 39) aged 17 to 21 from four clubs and amateur soccer players (N = 39) aged 17 to 22, who were physical education students recruited from Sport University. The roles of professional soccer players were categorized into two main groups: offensive (creative) and defensive (destructive), based on their primary functions on the pitch. To evaluate the competitive anxiety of all participants, the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) was used. Results. Professional soccer players demonstrated significantly lower levels of competitive anxiety compared to students (p = 0.028). No significant differences in competitive anxiety were found between offensive and defensive players (p > 0.05). However, a moderate effect size (d = 0.57) suggested potential role-related variation. Conclusions. Competitive anxiety appears to be more strongly associated with sport participation level than with playing role. These findings support the idea of relative psychological similarity across playing roles. Coaches working with less experienced athletes should gradually increase competitive demands and use match-like training to support adaptive anxiety regulation.
Background and Study Aim. Maintaining postural stability is a component of motor fitness and a prerequisite for the safe and effective performance of military tasks. Various forms of military training are used to develop physical preparedness and functional performance in cadets. However, their effectiveness in improving postural control and static balance ability during long-term standardized training remains a subject of practical interest. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a six-month standardized military training programme on selected parameters of postural stability in cadets at a military academy. Materials and Methods. The study included 38 cadets from the Military University of Technology (Poland). Postural stability was assessed twice at a six-month interval using the Romberg test performed on the FreeSTEP STANDARD stabilometric platform. Measurements included double-leg stance (eyes open/eyes closed) and single-leg stance on both limbs. Analyzed center of pressure (CoP) parameters comprised total path length (PL), confidence ellipse area (CEA), mean velocity (MV), and root mean square sway amplitudes in the mediolateral (X-RMS) and anteroposterior (Y-RMS) directions. Due to the non-normal data distribution, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and effect size coefficient r were used. Results. No statistically significant changes were observed in any parameter during double-leg stance. Conversely, single-leg tests showed significant differences between eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions (p < .005), confirming the strong contribution of visual input to balance control. However, the six-month training period did not yield consistent improvements in single-leg stability. Partial enhancements were observed for the right leg, particularly under EC conditions. However, these changes were selective and not uniform across parameters or limbs. Conclusions. Standardized military training did not lead to systematic improvements in postural control among cadets. Single-leg stance tests demonstrated greater sensitivity to balance changes than double-leg stance. The findings suggest that enhancing postural stability in future soldiers may require the incorporation of targeted proprioceptive and sensorimotor exercises into the existing military training curriculum.
Background and Study Aim. Ergogenic aids are widely used to enhance exercise performance and training adaptations. Among these, caffeine is recognized for its stimulatory effects on the central nervous system and neuromuscular function. Despite their widespread use, the relative effectiveness of such aids in improving performance in precision-based target sports such as archery remains a matter of practical interest. This study aimed to examine the effects of acute caffeine supplementation on shooting performance in university-level archers. Materials and Methods. A total of 12 licensed university archers (mean age: 22.92 ± 2.11 years) participated in this study. A single-group pretest–posttest experimental design was employed. Participants completed two laboratory sessions separated by 72 hours under standardized conditions. In each session, anthropometric and hearing assessments were conducted. This was followed by the ingestion of 200 mg of caffeine. After a 60-minute absorption period, archers performed shooting tests at 18 meters. The protocol included practice trials and 10 sets of scoring shots. Data were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA. These methods accounted for within-subject variability across sets. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. Results. Posttest scores were consistently higher than pretest scores across most sets. Statistically significant improvements were observed in Sets 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10 (p < .05). Sets 1, 5, and 7 showed non-significant differences. Overall performance increased significantly from 6.61 ± 1.20 to 8.33 ± 0.39 (p < .001), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.90; η² = .50). Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of condition (p < .001). No significant set or interaction effects were found. This indicates that performance improvements were consistent across shooting sets. Conclusions. Acute caffeine supplementation was associated with improved shooting performance in university-level archers. The findings suggest that caffeine may have potential as an ergogenic aid in precision-oriented sports requiring sustained attention and performance consistency. However, the results should be interpreted with caution due to methodological limitations. These include the absence of a control condition and the small sample size. Further randomized placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings.
Background and Study Aim. Speed-strength fitness and body dimensions are components of athletic performance in combat sports. The interaction between speed-strength fitness parameters and anthropometric characteristics influences physical capabilities and competitive outcomes in wrestlers. Despite the application of various approaches to assessing these parameters, their interrelationships and general variability remain of practical interest. The aim of the study is to perform a canonical analysis of the general variability and interrelationships among parameters of speed-strength fitness (SSF), circumferential, and longitudinal body dimensions in highly skilled wrestlers. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted on 44 combat athletes aged 18–31 who were members of the Ukrainian national teams in Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling, and judo. The assessment of SSF was based on the results of motor tests that characterize the manifestation of anaerobic alactate work capacity, explosive strength, and speed-strength endurance in athletes. Circumferential (CBD) and longitudinal (LBD) body dimensions were considered indicators of physical development (PD). Canonical correlation, regression, and correlation analysis methods were used to process the research data. Results. The analysis of general variability and interrelationships between the canonical variables of PD and SSF in combat athletes revealed a high level of mutual influence (R = 0.981, p = 0.0000). Increases in CBD and LBD are accompanied by increases in SSF, and increases in SSF are associated with increases in CBD and LBD. The interaction between SSF and CBD parameters demonstrates approximately equal mutual influence (redundancy: 53.9% and 53.4%). In the relationships between LBD and CBD, a stronger influence of LBD parameters on CBD is observed (redundancy: 66.88% vs. 57.5%). CBD values are more dependent on changes in SSF parameters than on the group of LBD indicators (39.53% vs. 24.79%). The SSF level of athletes shows greater dependence on the group of CBD indicators than on that of LBD indicators (43.71% vs. 44.83% of total variability contribution across significant roots). LBD values are less dependent on CBD values and SSF level than CBD parameters are on LBD values and SSF level. Conclusions. The findings indicate that speed-strength fitness parameters are functionally related to circumferential and longitudinal body dimensions in highly skilled wrestlers. The structure of these relationships reflects the role of specific anthropometric characteristics in the manifestation of different forms of physical work capacity. The intergroup interactions between circumferential and longitudinal body dimensions form a structural basis associated with the development of speed-strength fitness. The identified patterns characterize the integration of morphofunctional and performance-related parameters within the physical state of combat athletes.
Background and Study Aim. Physical inactivity during young adulthood is associated with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness and elevated resting heart rate. Both are predictors of long-term cardiovascular risk. The present study aimed to examine the effects of a 10-week structured aerobic exercise program on cardiorespiratory endurance and resting heart rate in sedentary university students. Materials and Methods. This controlled experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with an exercise group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 10). Participants were sedentary individuals aged 18–25 years. The exercise group completed supervised aerobic training three days per week for 10 weeks at 50–75% of maximum heart rate. The control group maintained usual daily activities. Cardiorespiratory endurance was assessed using the Cooper 12-minute run test. Resting heart rate was measured under standardized seated conditions. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version XX). Normality was assessed via the Shapiro–Wilk test. Between- and within-group comparisons were performed using independent and paired samples t-tests (or non-parametric equivalents where appropriate). Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated based on pooled standard deviations of change scores. Results. The exercise group demonstrated significant improvements in cardiorespiratory endurance (p = .01; d = 0.98) and significant reductions in resting heart rate (p = .007; d = 1.21). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions. A 10-week aerobic exercise program significantly improves cardiorespiratory endurance and lowers resting heart rate in sedentary young adults. Given the modest sample size, the findings should be interpreted as moderate-to-large effect estimates that require confirmation in larger trials.
Background and Study Aim. Postural control is a fundamental skill that emerges from the interaction between the central nervous system and sensorimotor structures. It enables the maintenance of body balance and plays a critical role in both athletic performance and injury risk, particularly in sports such as soccer, where unilateral loading patterns are common. Despite the application of various assessment approaches, including static and non-task-specific methods, their effectiveness in reflecting postural control under dynamic and limb-specific conditions remains a matter of practical interest. In this context, the present study aimed to examine the relationship between foot arch profiles and single-leg dynamic postural control in soccer players. Materials and Methods. A total of 48 male university-level soccer players participated in the study. Participants were classified into three groups (high, normal, and low arch profiles) based on plantar pressure measurements. Single-leg dynamic postural control was assessed using a balance platform. Directional postural sway and the percentage of time spent within the target zone were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with post hoc comparisons. Results. The findings revealed that foot arch structure significantly influences postural control. Athletes with normal arch profiles demonstrated superior balance performance, maintaining their position within the target zone for longer durations (90.75 ± 2.30%) compared with the high arch (71.69 ± 3.95%) and low arch groups (77.31 ± 2.87%) (p < 0.0001). In contrast, the high arch group exhibited a more rigid and asymmetrical control strategy, with reduced right-directed sway (42.00 ± 2.42%) and increased left-directed sway (58.00 ± 2.42%). The low arch group showed increased anterior sway (57.88 ± 2.00%) compared with the normal (49.06 ± 0.85%) and high arch groups (47.63 ± 1.59%) (p < 0.0001). These differences were associated with large effect sizes (η² = 0.81–0.90), indicating strong group effects. Conclusions. Foot arch morphology plays a significant role in the organization of postural control strategies. A normal arch structure appears to provide advantages in terms of mechanical stability and sensory feedback. High and low arch profiles lead to distinct balance strategies. The use of a dynamic single-leg assessment provides a more task-specific perspective on postural control in soccer players. These findings suggest that evaluating foot arch structure and implementing individualized training programs may contribute to performance optimization and injury risk reduction in athletes.
Background and Study Aim. Performing arts students, particularly musicians, face significant physical strain because of prolonged static postures and repetitive fine motor activity. These factors predispose them to performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). Despite increasing awareness, preventive training programs are rarely implemented in music education. This study examined the effects of a 6-week targeted intervention on postural muscle function in male performing arts students. The focus was on muscles commonly weakened by instrumental practice: deep neck flexors, musculus abdominis, and lower scapular stabilizers. Materials and Methods. Twenty-six full-time male music students were assigned to experimental (N = 14, 53.85%) and control (N = 12, 46.15%) groups. The intervention group underwent bi-weekly 30-minute sessions over 6 weeks. The sessions incorporated mobility, strengthening, and control exercises. Muscle function was assessed pre- and post-intervention using standardized clinical tests. Statistical analysis was conducted using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U-tests. Results. Significant improvements (p < .01) were found in the experimental group across all measured muscle groups, with large effect sizes. No significant changes (p > .05) were observed in the control group. Post-intervention comparisons confirmed significantly greater (p < .01) muscle function in the intervention group. A short, structured, and supervised intervention significantly enhanced (p < 0.01) postural muscle function among performing arts students. Conclusions. The findings support the integration of targeted physical conditioning into performing arts curricula as a preventative strategy to reduce PRMD risks and enhance physical literacy in music education.
Background and Study Aim. Anthropometric characteristics are commonly considered important determinants of performance in basketball. Variations in body size and composition may influence the execution of fundamental technical skills such as passing, shooting, and dribbling. Despite their practical relevance, the extent to which these characteristics relate to specific skill performance remains of practical interest in university players. This study aimed to examine the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and sport-specific skills among university-level basketball players in South Africa. Materials and Methods. The study included 32 players (18 males and 14 females; mean age 21.71 ± 2.34 years). Selected skills were assessed using the AAHPERD standardized test battery. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests for sex differences, and Pearson correlation coefficients to examine relationships among variables. Results. The results among female players showed that body mass and body fat percentage (BF%) were strongly and negatively correlated with passing (p < 0.01). Females' muscular mass showed a strong negative correlation with shooting (p < 0.01). It also showed moderate negative correlations with left-hand control dribbling and a positive correlation with right-hand control dribbling (p < 0.05). Among male players, body height (p < 0.01) and leg length (p < 0.01) were strongly and negatively associated with passing skill. Males' muscularity was positively correlated with left- and right-hand dribble control time (p < 0.05). Body fat percentage was positively correlated with shooting skill (p < 0.05). No significant correlations were found between somatotype scores and basketball-specific skills in either group. Multiple regression analysis revealed that, for female players, lower body fat percentage and greater height significantly predicted better passing skill (R² = 0.71, p = 0.016). For male players, muscular mass was the only significant predictor (R² = 0.43, p = 0.097). Conclusions. The findings indicate that certain anthropometric characteristics, such as lower body fat percentage and greater muscular mass, may support basketball skill performance. However, overall success depends largely on technical skill proficiency. Skill execution is driven more by correct technique than by body characteristics alone. This highlights the importance of skill-focused training programs designed to enhance neuromuscular development in South African university basketball players.
Background and Study Aim. Recreational activity contributes to the restoration of psychological balance and social adaptation of students under conditions of military-related stress. During the war in Ukraine, physical and leisure activities are considered important means of maintaining well-being and personal resilience. At the same time, the influence of various forms of recreation implemented in the educational environment on awareness of recreational activity remains an issue of practical interest. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of students’ awareness of recreational activity and to examine the psychometric properties of the Ukrainian version of the Recreational Awareness Scale (RAS). Materials and Methods. The study involved 89 university students from Eastern Ukraine (n = 53) and Western Ukraine (n = 36). All participants were enrolled in programs related to physical education, sports recreation, or health-oriented physical activity. Data were collected online using the Google Forms platform. The survey was conducted between February and March 2024. The Ukrainian adapted version of the Recreational Awareness Scale (RAS) was applied. The questionnaire consisted of 41 items grouped into three aspects: Pleasure/Fun, Social/Success, and Self-improvement. Responses were rated on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Statistical data processing was performed using the Python programming language. Non-parametric methods were applied, with the level of statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results. Data analysis demonstrated satisfactory reliability and internal consistency of the Recreational Awareness Scale (RAS). High positive correlations were identified among the Pleasure/Fun, Social/Success, and Self-improvement aspects. Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from r = 0.82 to 0.95. All correlations were statistically significant at p < 0.001. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the three-factor structure of the RAS. Model fit indices indicated excellent fit, with CFI = 1.00 and TLI = 1.00. The RMSEA value was 0.00, and SRMR did not exceed 0.01. Standardized factor loadings ranged from 0.86 to 0.99, with all loadings being statistically significant at p < 0.001. Comparative analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between students from Eastern and Western Ukraine across all RAS aspects. In all cases, p-values exceeded 0.05. Similar results were obtained when comparing male and female students, with no statistically significant gender differences observed. Analysis of differences between students of different academic years also revealed no statistically significant effects, as all p-values exceeded 0.05. The findings indicate a comparable level of recreational activity awareness across the analyzed subgroups. Conclusions. The Ukrainian version of the Recreational Awareness Scale (RAS) can be used to assess students’ awareness of recreational activity. The results indicate comparable levels of recreational awareness regardless of region of residence or gender. Recreational activity may be considered one of the components of students’ adaptive processes under wartime conditions.
Background and Study Aim. The acquisition, stabilization, and refinement of swimming-specific motor skills represent a core component of higher education programs in physical education, particularly in the education of future physical education teachers. Swimming instruction traditionally relies on live demonstration, while technological advancements and the increased use of multimedia tools have introduced video-based instruction as an alternative teaching method. Although both instructional approaches are used in practice, their relative effectiveness in teaching swimming-specific motor skills remains of practical interest. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of two instructional methods, live demonstration and video-based instruction, in learning swimming-specific motor skills in male physical education students. Materials and Methods. The study included 98 second-year male physical education students enrolled in the Sports Swimming course. They were randomly assigned to either the Demo group (N = 43; age 20.3 ± 1.2 years) or the Video group (N = 55; age 20.1 ± 0.9 years). Swimming performance was evaluated using newly constructed and precisely defined assessment scales developed for this study. Three elements of swimming performance, Start, Technique, and Turn, were assessed for both breaststroke and butterfly techniques. Each performance was evaluated by five expert judges. The reliability of the applied scales was confirmed through high inter-item correlation (0.60–0.80), Cronbach’s alpha coefficients (0.87–0.95), and intraclass correlation coefficients (0.67–0.82). A two-way 2 × 3 factorial analysis of variance (Group × Element) was conducted separately for each swimming technique. Results. For breaststroke, no significant main effect of Group was observed (F₁,₉₆ = 3.346; p = 0.07; ηp² = 0.034), while a significant main effect of Element was identified (F₂,₁₉₂ = 3.861; p = 0.023; ηp² = 0.039). Post hoc analyses revealed differences between Technique and Turn (p < 0.01). Similarly, for butterfly swimming, no significant main effect of Group was found (F₁,₉₆ = 0.845; p = 0.36; ηp² = 0.009), whereas a significant main effect of Element was present (F₂,₁₉₂ = 29.41; p < 0.001; ηp² = 0.235). Differences were identified between the Start element and both Technique and Turn (p < 0.001). Conclusions. The results indicate that video-based instruction is as effective as live demonstration in teaching swimming-specific motor skills among physical education students. These findings support the integration of modern multimedia tools into higher education swimming curricula. Video instruction represents a viable, effective, and resource-efficient teaching method without compromising learning outcomes.
Background and Study Aim. Functional fitness and special physical work capacity are components of performance in highly skilled wrestlers. These characteristics reflect the physiological potential of athletes and determine the effectiveness of performing specific wrestling actions under conditions of high physical load. Despite the application of various approaches to assessing functional fitness and special physical work capacity, their interrelationships in highly skilled wrestlers remain a subject of practical interest. The aim of this study was to investigate the intra- and intergroup relationships between the key parameters of functional fitness (FF) structure and special physical work capacity (SPWC) in highly skilled wrestlers. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on 31 combat athletes from two qualification groups: the group of international class masters of sports (ICMS) and honored masters of sports (HMS), and the group of masters of sports (MS). They were members of the Ukrainian national teams in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling, as well as judo, aged 18–31 years. The assessment of wrestlers' FF was made according to parameters characterizing their functional potential. The assessment of their SPWC level was based on the results of performing 45 throws of a partner of equal weight at maximum speed. The research materials were processed using correlation, regression, and canonical analysis methods. Results. Analysis of the general variability of canonical variables revealed a strong interdependence between FF and SPWC parameters in both qualification groups of subjects. An increase in anaerobic and aerobic capacities, mobility, and the efficiency of physiological processes, as well as the overall level of functional potential, contributes to an enhancement in the SPWC of combat athletes. Conversely, an increase in the SPWC of combat athletes in both groups is accompanied by an increase in their functional capabilities. The most variable indicators of SPWC, when changing the integral indicators of FF in both groups of combat athletes, are the work capacity indicators in three series of throwing tests. The most variable indicators of FF, when changing the parameters of SPWC in the group of ICMS and HMS, are the indicators of anaerobic power, general aerobic potential realization, and the general level of FF. In the MS group, the most variable indicators are general aerobic potential realization, anaerobic power, and mobility of physiological processes. The group of elite wrestlers (HMS and ICMS) is characterized by a higher level of anaerobic power, mobility of physiological processes, general FF level, resting HR, standard work watt-pulse, and SPWC level compared to less skilled combat athletes (MS). ICMS and HMS demonstrate a more pronounced effect of economy at high levels of FF and SPWC. The MS group shows a pronounced mixed influence of aerobic, ventilatory, and anaerobic factors. However, the highest contribution to SPWC belongs to anaerobic power and mobility of physiological processes. Conclusions. The level of development and interrelationship of individual and integral parameters of FF and SPWC in combat athletes indicate higher functional reserves in elite wrestlers compared to less skilled athletes. The high level of physical work capacity of skilled wrestlers can be achieved through different sets of physiological variables. The multivariable functional provision of SPWC in highly skilled wrestlers is one of the main criteria of their functional reserves. It reflects the reliability of interchangeable mechanisms providing SPWC in combat athletes, which are formed during long-term adaptation to physical loads.
